TORONTO ─ Just in time for the opening of the 2024-‘25 Maple Leafs and Raptors seasons, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) has unveiled its revitalized spaces within Scotiabank Arena as part of the venue’s $350-million “Re-imagination” project.
The venue underwent extensive renovations this past summer and unveiled the first part of the Phase 2 construction plan, which includes a transformation of the 100 Level concourse, the introduction of the MNP Pass Social Club on Event Level, an additional Real Sports Apparel store, the re-modelling of Hot Stove restaurant, and much more. Further work, primarily on the 100 Level concourse, will continue through the season while the venue continues to operate at full capacity.
“As fans make their way into Scotiabank Arena this season, we look forward to them experiencing a transformed and enhanced space as part of our commitment to providing one of the top sports and entertainment venues in the world,” said Keith Pelley, president & CEO, MLSE. “Continually ranked as the top venue in the country, this investment from our ownership will allow us to re-imagine and modernize one of the most important gathering places in our city for our players, performers, employees, and most importantly, our fans.”
From May to October 2024, the following key areas of the venue received an all-encompassing re-model in collaboration with Brisbin, Brook, Beynon Architects, DesignAgency, owner’s representative firm CAA ICON and construction manager PCL Construction.
The north side of the 100 Level concourse received a dynamic, contemporary and fan-friendly makeover that includes upgraded finishes, additional LED screens and atmosphere-changing digital beacons and hubs. At the heart of the transformation is Gate 1, which has expanded its footprint to offer easy fan entry and is immersed in floor to ceiling LG Direct View (DV) LED screens, further enhancing the fan experience through the arena’s main doors. Renovations and additions of more inclusive and accessible spaces have been made in the area including an infant feeding room as well as all-gendered bathrooms. Scotiabank Arena’s museum-like art collection curated in collaboration with Sports & The Arts (SATA) has continued through to the 100 Level with new pieces added that reflect the storied moments that have occurred within the venue’s walls.
The Event Level suites have been transformed into a shared 7,350 sq. ft. premium destination named the MNP Pass Social Club. Members of the space are fully immersed into the action with the Maple Leafs and Visitors tunnels passing through the club and the Raptors walkout directly adjacent.
Smart glass allows members to get an exclusive view as players prepare to take the ice or court while enjoying an upscale casual dining experience with a corresponding Platinum Seat in the rows behind the player benches. The high-end club offers a mix of banquette and table seating, access to two private dining rooms and wine cellar, as well an open kitchen view accommodating upwards of 200 fans.
The addition of a second and larger Real Sports Apparel retail store has been made with a 2,600 sq. ft. fan shopping experience. The store is designed to transition seamlessly from event to event, including pop-up opportunities, with rotating exterior walls and digital signage through the interior and window displays. A new game-used equipment display will be available featuring unique, exclusive items from jerseys to skates and beyond. In addition to the store, apparel kiosks on the 100 Level will be converted into mini walk-in shops mirroring the design and features of this new location.
The iconic Hot Stove restaurant, first introduced at Maple Leaf Gardens in 1963, underwent a floor-to- ceiling re-model and enriched culinary selection. The re-imagined Hot Stove intentionally juxtaposes modern cuisine and design elements with accents paying homage to Hot Stove’s history. The restaurant located on the 200 Level also has a new dedicated entrance from outside of the arena by Gate 1 of the Galleria. Hot Stove will continue to be open to all ticket holders for Maple Leafs and Raptors games and will now be open for concerts with no membership required.
From the concourse to the arena bowl, technology upgrades have been made to ease and enhance the experience of those visiting Scotiabank Arena. To ensure fans spend more time enjoying the action than waiting in lines, further self-serve functions have been put in place including more concession stands using Amazon’s Just Walk Out Technology and new contactless RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification Technology) check-outs at retail locations. Throughout the arena, digital signage has been bolstered with more than 70 million pixels of high-resolution LED displays and more than 400 new ultra-high-definition digital displays added by the end of Phase 2, provided by LG Electronics. A new PA loudspeaker system has also been introduced, delivering improved audio through 150 speakers and new immersive audio capabilities.
“With the transformative upgrades made this summer, fans will be visually immersed in the energy of the event they are attending from the moment they step into the main concourse of Scotiabank Arena, whether it be a Maple Leafs game, Raptors game or live event,” said Nick Eaves, Chief Operating Officer, MLSE. “Our vision with this project is to help facilitate even more unforgettable memories for our fans at Scotiabank Arena, and we look forward to continuing this goal through the future phases of the re-imagination.”
From fall 2024 to spring 2025, the final transformations as part of the Phase 2 construction plan will take place including the completion of the 100 Level concourse which touches on the re-modelling of the Molson Brewhouse, upgrades to the open-concept broadcast studio at Gate 6 and more. Frictionless security screening will also be completed at gates for expedited and secure entry. Further stages of the top-ranked venue’s re-imagination will be announced following the conclusion of Phase 2.
