The Jays might have a losing record right now, but their stadium is turning into a real winner.
Driving the news: Toronto Blue Jays fans got their first taste of the latest Rogers Centre renos this week. Those seated in the 100-level bowl experienced cushier, wider seats (with cupholders!) and a better view of home plate.
- For viewers at home, the only notable change was the absence of legendary Blue Jays fan Home Plate Lady… who has been re-seated slightly farther to the right.
Catch-up: These changes mark the completion of the second phase of renos at Rogers Centre that began in 2022. Last year, the first phase updated the outfield and drastically revamped the upper levels, adding new seats, social spaces, and a standing-room section.
- Before this, Rogers Centre hadn’t been significantly changed since its opening in 1989. It was so out of date that the MLB’s commissioner said it needed to change.
Why it matters: For cities large enough to have stadiums, updates are important to keep attracting visitors and grabbing the attention of world-class events. These days, there’s an added emphasis on making a trip to the stadium an event in itself with shopping, food, etc.
- While the economic benefits of actually building a stadium remain dubious, it’s important to tend to the ones that are already there, lest they become a money pit.
Zoom out: What happens when you don’t proactively update things? Look at the mess at the Olympic Stadium in Montréal, which missed out on big events and is now undergoing a $870 million roof repair — though some critics think it should just be demolished.—QH