TORONTO — The Blue Jays announced plans Thursday for a $230 million renovation of the Rogers Centre, their downtown home since 1989, but the changes won’t involve replacing the artificial turf surface with grass.
The renovation, which will take place in phases over the next two to three winters, will begin with the addition of equipment to add elevated bullpens to left and right field, adjusting the dimensions and heights of the current outfield wall and adapting country living areas to add bars and patios. , as well as a section of stands.
“The main goal was to focus on modernizing the fan experience,” team president Mark Shapiro said.
Shapiro did not disclose the outfield dimensions and fence heights, saying they have not been finalized.
After the 2023 season, the team will remodel the lower bowl to create better sight lines and reduce the amount of foul territory, and replace all seats in the upper deck.
The Blue Jays will also use the renovation to improve and expand the home clubhouse, as well as player facilities such as weight rooms and practice areas.
Shapiro said the stadium’s overall capacity would be reduced after renovations are completed, but could not say by how much.
The Rogers Center opened as the SkyDome in June 1989, as the first retractable roof stadium in the major leagues. It is now the seventh oldest stadium among the 30.
Shapiro called the plans “a mid-term solution,” adding that the Blue Jays will eventually have to consider building a new stadium or undergo an even more substantial renovation of their current home.