The Blue Jays unveiled Thursday what they have "aptly termed the Outfield District -- an amalgamation of six renovated neighbourhoods that are meant to improve the fan experience when they come to watch the games," according to Holmyard & Ngabo of the TORONTO STAR. The renovations are part of the team’s multiyear, $300M investment. All the new neighborhood areas will be "accessible to fans who purchase recently introduced $20 general admission tickets." The revamps started with "replacing all the seats in the 500 level," which had been there since the stadium opened in 1989. They also include "raised bullpens and extended seats to the outfield walls, bringing fans closer to the field." Team President & CEO Mark Shapiro said that the new spaces in the outfield were "based on suggestions gathered from fans across the city, who were asked what would improve their experience at the ballpark." Four of these six neighborhoods are "named after corporate sponsors." All of the neighborhoods have been "equipped with food concessions and bars." Many have a "few standing tables and seating areas that will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, as well as a drink rail for fans who stand while watching the game" (TORONTO STAR, 4/6).
WAIT, THERE'S MORE: SPORTSNET.ca's Shi Davidi noted the team's recent renovations are a "precursor to a second phase that will cover the area from foul pole to foul pole around home plate." Like the initial phase, construction will begin once the season ends, with plans to "rip out the lower bowl, add premium seating likely to include field-level boxes and redo both the player clubhouses." Until then, the Rogers Centre will have a "bit of a Frankenstein feel, with half the park essentially dating back to 1989, with a modern outfield attached to it" (SPORTSNET.ca, 4/6).
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