PCL Breaks Ground on second phase of Scotiabank Arena Reimagination Project

Key Takeaways:

• The project is being completed in phases to allow the arena to remain operational throughout construction. 
• The renovations prioritize enhancing the visitor experience through features like digital signage, frictionless payment systems, and upgraded food and beverage options. 
• The project involves collaboration between the venue owner, architects, designers, and construction managers. 

The Whole Story:

Last year, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) announced the $350 million Scotiabank Arena Reimagination project, a multi-phased renovation featuring significant enhancements to virtually all corners of the arena including concourses, premium clubs, suites, technology as well as retail and food and beverage spaces. 

This month, the organization is beginning the second phase of construction covering an all-encompassing design makeover of the 100 Level concourse and building a brand-new luxury club space. As the arena undergoes this new phase of construction, the venue will remain open at full capacity for all scheduled events.

The Scotiabank Arena Reimagination is being completed in collaboration with Brisbin, Brook, Beynon Architects, DesignAgency, owner’s representative firm CAA ICON and construction manager PCL Construction.

“Following the success of last summer’s first phase of the Scotiabank Arena Reimagination project, we are thrilled to introduce even more state-of-the-art improvements to Canada’s top-ranked venue this summer,” said Keith Pelley, president and CEO, MLSE. “Delivering the very best sports and entertainment fan experience will always be our top priority, and we are thankful to MLSE ownership for their commitment and investment in this project as we strive to build on Toronto’s reputation as a world class market with top venues for our teams, performers and fans.”

In October 2023, the first phase of the project was completed and fans were introduced to a complete floor to ceiling remodel of all Mastercard Executive Suites on the 200 Level along with the first-of-its-kind Mastercard Lounge, a shared members space with a premium viewing and dining experience. 

Scotiabank Arena was also the first Canadian venue to unveil two concession stands using Amazon’s Just Walk Out Technology that revolutionized fans’ food and beverage experience with no checkout lines. In 2019, a preliminary phase of the project took place with the addition of a new 2,200 square foot LED videoboard in Maple Leaf Square, two largescale screens in the Galleria, LED colour changing arena signage and a full renovation of Real Sports.

“Leveraging over a quarter-century worth of history and collaboration with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, PCL is passionate about bringing the reimagined vision for Scotiabank Arena to life,” said Marc Pascoli, senior vice president and district manager, PCL Constructors Canada Inc. “Following the successful completion of the first phase of renovations last summer, the second phase of the complex renovation will again be delivered through a fast-track schedule starting ahead of and carrying through the 2024-2025 Maple Leaf and Raptors seasons. We look forward to helping MLSE take their fan experience to even greater heights.”

Phase 2: Summer 2024

Beginning now and through to October 2024, the following upgrades are scheduled to be completed:

• A complete renovation of the first section of the 100 Level concourse with transformative design and functional elements. The arena’s redesigned main concourse will include upgraded finishes, additional LED screens, digital beacons and hubs that can change to align with the atmosphere of the event being hosted on a particular night.
• The addition of a second Real Sports Apparel retail store on the 100 Level concourse for a 2,600 square-foot fan shopping experience. The larger store offers increased access to official team and event merchandise while integrating a new contactless RFID (Radio-frequency Identification Technology) check-out experience. The existing store by Gate 1 will also be renovated to match the new design of this location.
• Conversion of apparel kiosks on the 100 Level into mini walk-in shops equipped with rotating walls and digital signage for an enhanced shopping experience. Two new autograph memorabilia glass showcases will also accompany these shops, replacing ad hoc memorabilia auction locations.
• Additions to the ongoing museum-like art collection curated in collaboration with Sports & The Arts (SATA).
• The remodeling and addition of more inclusive and accessible spaces onto the 100 Level concourse including an infant feeding room, prayer room, all gendered bathrooms and more.
• The introduction of the all-new MNP Pass Social Club on Event Level. Members of the club will be embedded into the action of the game as they get an exclusive, arms-length view of players making their way to the ice or court from their locker room and have access to corresponding platinum seats.
• The reinvigoration of the Hot Stove steakhouse restaurant on the 200 Level with a new dedicated entrance from outside of the arena by Gate 1 of the Galleria.
• The implementation of secure, frictionless security screening.
• Digital signage upgrade within the renovated spaces using LG’s expansive suite of display and LED technology to support with fan communications and wayfinding.                                                                                                  

Phase 2: Fall 2024 to Spring 2025

Through the duration of the 2024-25 Maple Leafs and Raptors regular seasons, the venue will undergo the following improvements:

• Completion of the 100 Level concourse transformation, consistent with the dynamic designs and digital upgrades being made to the first portion of the space this summer.
• Continued expansion of self check-out and mobile ordering capabilities alongside traditional counter service for food and beverage as well as merchandise to give fans more choices, flexibility and reduce line ups inside the arena.
• An arena-wide audio-visual system and WIFI enhancement.
• Design makeover of the Molson Brewhouse on the 100 Level concourse, spotlighting the original façade of the Toronto Postal Delivery Building and seamlessly integrating the historic windows as the backdrop.
• Upgrades to the open-concept broadcast studio located at Gate 6 on the 100 Level concourse.

Future changes include enhancing further fan-facing spaces as well as back-of-house artist and athlete areas to continue to position Scotiabank Arena as a top-ranked live events venue.

“This latest reimagination phase marks a pivotal moment in the project as every fan that enters through the doors of Scotiabank Arena will get to feel the visual, functional and atmosphere enhancements as they begin their experience from the main level concourse to their seats,” said Nick Eaves, Chief Venues & Operations Officer, MLSE. “From purposeful design transformations to innovation technology additions to culturally impactful art integrations, this summer’s ground-breaking celebrates our commitment to ensuring our space is continuously improving to best serve our valued fans.”

As Phase 2 renovations take place from Summer 2024 to Spring 2025, Scotiabank Arena will remain open at full capacity for all expected games and shows. To ensure the timely completion of the in-depth renovations, Gate 1 will be closed during the construction period along with select concession stands, bars and bathrooms on a rolling basis. Fans are encouraged to allow more time for entry and consult their “Know Before You Go” email prior to each event to plan their visit.

The Scotiabank Arena Reimagination is being completed in collaboration with Brisbin, Brook, Beynon Architects, DesignAgency, owner’s representative firm CAA ICON and construction manager PCL Construction. Fans can learn more about the project at  scotiabankarena.com/reimagination and access renderings and videos here.

 Scotiabank Arena is home to the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Club and the NBA’s Toronto Raptors Basketball Club. Owned and operated by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), Scotiabank Arena opened its doors in February 1999.