TORONTO — The Blue Jays Rogers Centre, their downtown residence since 1989, announced Thursday that it will undergo a $230million renovation. However, the changes will not include replacing the artificial turf surface with grass.
The renovation will be done in stages over the next 2 or 3 winters. It will include raising bullpens in left and/or right field, changing the dimensions and heights the current outfield wall, adapting outfield seating areas to accommodate bars and patios, and adding bleachers to some of the outfield seating areas.
Mark Shapiro, team president, stated that the biggest focus was on modernizing fan experiences.
Shapiro refused to disclose the outfield dimensions or fence heights as they were not finalized.
The 2023 season will see the team remodel the lower bowl to increase sight lines, reduce foul territory and replace all seats in the upper deck.
The renovation will also be used by the Blue Jays to expand and upgrade the home clubhouse as well as the facilities for players such as weight rooms, training areas, and other amenities.
Shapiro claimed that overall stadium capacity will be reduced when renovations are complete but couldn’t say how much.
Rogers Centre, also known as SkyDome was opened as SkyDome on June 29, 1989. It was the first retractable-roof stadium of the major leagues. It is currently the 7th-oldest stadium in the 30.
Shapiro called these plans “a medium-term resolution,” and added that the Blue Jays will eventually need to think about building a new stadium, or undergoing a more extensive renovation of their home.