What Leafs and Raptors fans can expect after latest Scotiabank Arena renovations - Toronto Star

The fourth phase of the $350-million renovation project focused on the Gate 1 entrance, the 600-level suites and the menu.

MLSE chief operating officer Nick Eaves speaks to media outside Gate 1 of Scotiabank Arena while showcasing the fourth phase of the venue’s renovation project.

Raptors and Maple Leafs fans won’t have to deal with scaffolding at Scotiabank Arena anymore. MLSE has finished a four-phase, $350-million renovation that began a little over three years ago.

Much of this phase was about improving the galleria, the indoor space just outside Gate 1 where about 60 per cent of fans enter. It also serves as a connection to Union Station, the busiest transit hub in Canada.

“This was all about creating a first impression, a real sense of anticipation for our fans, Leafs fans, Raptors fans, live music fans, when they come to this venue,” said MLSE chief operating officer Nick Eaves. 

“This is, as you would imagine, not the easiest place to work and to construct and renovate. Even though we call summer the off-season because there’s no Raptors or Leafs events, of course it’s not off-season because we’ll have anywhere between 50 to 70 concerts in this building while renovation is happening.”

New Maple Leafs and Raptors logos are on the floor outside Gate 1.

The space outside Gate 1 has been transformed into a labyrinth of LED displays. The project assembled 14 individual screens totalling 4,500 square feet of LED for activation.

“It’s hard for fans not to be pretty inspired and energized as they’re first getting here, getting ready for their Leafs game or their Raptors game or their concert,” said Eaves.

On both ends of the galleria, MLSE made sure to add way-finding signage to help guide the foot traffic in and out of the arena and its surroundings.

The ceiling features panel artwork with an illuminated map of the city of Toronto, stretching from inside Gate 1 all the way into the galleria. And the floor has eight-foot Leafs and Raptors logos right at the entrance.

Toronto Postal Delivery signage and large screens make up part of the galleria leading to Gate 1 of Scotiabank Arena.

The renovations ensured the historic significance of the building remained intact. Plaques and artifacts from the Postal Delivery Building, including its northeast wall in its original form and colours, have been left unblemished.

“We are in the home of what used to be the Toronto Postal Delivery Building, so we wanted to preserve a bunch of the elements of the city,” said Eaves. “That was important to us, but it was also important to make sure that we’re really amplifying the storytelling of what goes on in here.”

A red wine braised meatball sandwich is one of the new menu items at the arena.

Previous phases included revamping the concession stands with self-serve options. Now fans will find new items on the menu.

The GROAT is a new cocktail as a tribute to Raptors legend Kyle Lowry.

Among the additions: the red wine braised meatball sandwich (sections 106 and 107), crispy lemon pepper wings with crinkle cut fries (sections 107 and 318), Hogtown beef & cedar dog (sections 102, 112 and 320), wicked Carib stew beef potato bowl (section 103) and Kibo Yubu sushi trio (sections 101, 106 and Platinum North).

“Most arenas are run by outside concessionaires. Here we have real chefs cooking real food,” said MLSE senior culinary director Chris Zielinski. “People know the difference. This building is surrounded by restaurants serving fresh food, so we have to compete with them, and that’s why we keep it fresh.”

At the bar, a new drink called the GROAT is a tribute to Raptors legend Kyle Lowry. It’s a cocktail with Smirnoff raspberry, Korean grape juice, pink grapefruit juice and a splash of ginger ale.

Artwork lines the hallway leading to the 600-level suites at Scotiabank Arena.

While most previous stages focused on improving the inside of the arena, suites on the 600 level had remained untouched since it opened in 1999. These suites, all different sizes, received floor-to-ceiling updates with contemporary finishes and fresh furniture. The hallways to the suites feature fresh paintings and other artwork, some depicting memorable moments from Raptors and Leafs games over the years.

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Gilbert Ngabo is a Toronto-based sports reporter for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @dugilbo.