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While Scotiabank Arena is usually filled with fans, it is now filled with construction workers as the second phase of the Reimagination project is underway.

The work will consist of capital improvements to the 100 Level concourse and the introduction of the new MNP Pass Social Club. “Luckily we’ve got a great partnership with MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment) and it allowed us to do a lot of planning for this project, so were prepared. We’re ready and we’re excited to start,” said Marc Pascoli, senior vice-president and district manager of PCL Construction, the construction manager on the project.

“We’re going to be quite a few people here ramping up doing the work,” he added. “We do expect to peak at about 125 to 150 workers on this project.” MLSE announced the $350 million Scotiabank Arena Reimagination project last year. It includes a multi-phase renovation featuring enhancements to a number of spaces in the arena: concourses, premium clubs, suites, technology, retail and food and beverage spaces.

The second phase of construction will feature an all-encompassing design makeover of the 100 Level concourse and building a brand-new luxury club space.

Demo work underway

So far, the team has started some demolition work.

“We’re just getting the area ready, cutting and capping and making sure that we can safely do demolition,” Pascoli said. “The demo is the primary activity at this time.”

When asked if there have been any challenges to date, Pascoli said, “This is a renovation project, so you never know what you’re going to come across.”

Some of the upgrades are scheduled to be completed this summer through to October and others will take place from the fall to the spring of 2025 through the Maple Leafs and Raptors regular seasons.

“We’re going to be working until the beginning of the season,” said Pascoli. “We’ve got about six months until the season starts and then were going to continue on until April.”

Throughout the renovations, the venue will remain open at full capacity for all events.

“On all concert days we are going to be working but we’re going to be limited with our hours of work,” Pascoli explained. “We’re going to start early and finish early so we can get out of the way for the concert.”

What’s in store?

Upgrades scheduled to be completed this summer through to October include:

• A complete renovation of the first section of the 100 Level concourse with design and functional elements. The arena’s redesigned main concourse will include upgraded finishes, additional LG LED screens, digital beacons and hubs.
• 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 existing store by Gate 1 will also be renovated to match the new design of the new location.
• Conversion of apparel kiosks on the 100 Level into mini walk-in shops equipped with rotating walls and digital signage.
• The remodelling and addition of more inclusive and accessible spaces onto the 100 Level concourse including an infant feeding room, prayer room, all gendered bathrooms.
• The introduction of the all-new MNP Pass Social Club on Event Level. Members of the club get a view of players making their way to the ice or court from the locker room.
• The reinvigoration of the Hot Stove restaurant on the 200 Level with a new dedicated entrance from outside of the arena by Gate 1. It was a staple from Maple Leaf Gardens in 1963 and reestablished at Scotiabank Arena in 2012.
• Digital signage upgrade within the renovated spaces using LG’s expansive suite of display and LED technology to support with fan communications and wayfinding.

Improvements scheduled for fall 2024 to spring 2025:

• Completion of the 100 Level concourse transformation.
• Continued expansion of self check-out and mobile ordering capabilities alongside traditional counter service for food and beverage as well as merchandise.
• 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.
• Upgrades to the open-concept broadcast studio located at Gate 6 on the 100 Level concourse.

The first phase of the Reimagination project was completed in October last year and introduced a complete floor to ceiling remodel of all Mastercard Executive Suites on the 200 Level along with the first-of-its-kind Mastercard Lounge.

“We’ve been working in partnership with MLSE for 25 years,” said Pascoli. “We built the original arena. Then last year we did the suites on level 200 and the construction of the Mastercard Lounge. It was under budget and ahead of schedule.”

Future upgrades beyond the second phase include enhancing further fan-facing spaces as well as back-of-house artist and athlete areas.

Follow the author on X/Twitter @DCN_Angela.