Rogers Centre Renovations: Blue Jays stadium gets major update ahead of 2023 home opener

Blue Jays baseball is back at the Rogers Centre with a different feel to it this season. 

As Toronto fans get set to catch the first Blue Jays home game of the season, there are distinct changes around the ballpark. The team recently unveiled renovations completed ahead of the club's home opener against the Tigers. 

Renovations at Rogers Centre began in October 2022 and were part of the reason why the Blue Jays began their season on a 10-game road trip.

The Blue Jays have unveiled their new Outfield District at Rogers Centre:

▪️ Five distinct "neighborhoods"
▪️ Social areas with games
▪️ Outfield balconies
▪️ Standing drink rails
▪️ New bleacher seating
▪️ Home run landing pad pic.twitter.com/BggkyodN57

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) April 7, 2023

"We have the unique privilege of representing a dynamic city and have reflected that energy in the reimagined ballpark," said Mark Shapiro, the Blue Jays president and CEO, via press release. "We are extremely excited to debut these spaces to both lifelong and new Blue Jays fans."

"Rogers Centre is home to Canada’s baseball team, and I’m delighted to see the first phase of this renovation project come to life for Blue Jays fans," said Edward Rogers, chair of the Toronto Blue Jays and chair of Rogers, via press release. "We’re proud of the team and we’re proud to invest in the ballpark, a landmark in the heart of downtown Toronto."

MORE: Where is the Blue Jays home run jacket?

Here are more details on the newest upgrades to the Rogers Centre. 

Rogers Centre renovations, upgrades

The Blue Jays gave a grand opening on April 6 of the newest renovations around the ballpark. It is the first phase in the process that is not expected to be done for another two years. 

The Outfield District now features five different "neighborhoods", as well as new social spaces available to all fans. 

Here are descriptions of the newest updates to Rogers Centre, courtesy of the Blue Jays:

Five Outfield Districts

1. Corona Rooftop Patio (500L right field; shown above and at the top of the page) – this rooftop patio oasis is the new place to be; nestled in Toronto’s iconic skyline, fans can gather with friends while enjoying live music beneath the CN Tower
2. Park Social (500L left field; below) – a park within the park for fans of all ages, featuring games and comfortable places to hang out while watching the game
3. The Stop (100L center field behind the batter’s eye) – your neighborhood bar to grab a quick drink and bite with friends on the way to your next Outfield District destination; an ode to stadium history in a space originally planned as a transit stop
4. The Catch Bar (100L right field above the visitors’ bullpen) – the place to see and be seen; grab a cocktail and perch above the visitors’ bullpen with unprecedented views to catch all the action up close
5. WestJet Flight Deck (200L center field) – the place fans know (and love!) has a refresh with retro arcade games and the same great vibe 

 New Social Spaces

• Schneider's Porch (200L right field corner) – this open-air porch has epic views of right field as well as one-of-a-kind hot dog culinary creations and direct bar access, so you don’t miss a minute of the action
• Rogers Landing (right field corner beside the visitors’ bullpen) – bring your glove to this open-air home run landing pad, with uninterrupted front-row views of the outfield and visitors’ bullpen
• Bleacher Seating (100L bowl behind the visitors’ bullpen) – calling all hardcore fans… watch opposing pitchers in these retro-style bleachers directly behind the visitors’ bullpen
• Left and Right Field Balconies (100L concourse outfield corners overlooking the home and visitors’ bullpens respectively) – prime bullpen views await to watch pitchers warm up while taking in the action over left and right field
• Drink Rails (throughout ballpark) – grab a drink and post-up at a new spot every inning, with countless options around the concourse

Additional Completed Projects

• Raised Bullpens (left and right field) – bringing fans closer to the action to cheer on their Blue Jays pitchers
• Player Weight Room (field level) – 5,000 square foot best-in-class facility to help players prepare, compete, and recover
• Players’ Family Spaces (field level) – dedicated kids’ room and spouses’ lounge to support the team behind the Blue Jays team
• Staff Spaces (100L) – overhauled game day staff facilities to support more than 1,000 staff who are essential to the Blue Jays fan experience

Additional New Concessions & Innovation

• Tap N Go (section 104) is a new automated market to speed up service, where fans tap payment on entry, select their food and beverage items, and are automatically charged on exit
• Walk Thru Bru (sections 125 and 519) are self-serve beverage-focused concessions so fans can spend more time enjoying the game
• Oppo Taco (section 137) serving signature tacos and frozen margaritas
• Kofta Bowls & Wraps (section 134) with chicken or plant-based beef options
• Mary Brown’s Chicken is back with a new concession in section 511 (in addition to section 134), adding Tater Poutine to their menu of fresh-made Chicken Sandwiches and Tenders

Additional information on the renovations can be found on the Blue Jays website.

Courtesy of the Blue Jays, there is a media kit available of completed outfield renovations, along with food and drink menus here.

How much did the Rogers Centre renovations cost? 

The renovations at the Rogers Centre are not done yet. The next phases are expected to be completed at some point between 2024 and 2025. 

In total, all of the renovations to the ballpark are going to cost $300 million, which was privately funded.