See more Toronto Sun on Google — save as a Preferred Source The ticket prices are high, but the barn isn’t getting any bigger and there are no plans to move. So Scotiabank Arena, through the parental supervision of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment and Rogers Communications, is trying make the place as comfortable, attractive — and tasty — as possible for event night, mostly those paying to see its principal property, the hockey team.
MLSE declared Thursday that the fourth phase of its $350-million “re-imagination” was complete after a fourth summer of staying open through construction dust. It includes a striking new visual feature, even for those just passing by a Leafs or Raptors game at the busiest portal the Gate 1 Galleria nearest Union Station.
What part of the new visuals will fans be most impressed with? They’ll encounter 14 screens and 4,500 square feet of Vegas-style digital signage, on the walls and carpeting the ceiling.
Lit by 37 million pixels of “high-tech LED messaging,” Auston Matthews will be coming at you big-time, from every conceivable angle and the signage can be used for both teams’ “storytelling” and interactive experiences. “It’s going to be hard for fans not to notice it and be pretty inspired and energized when first getting here for a game” said Nick Eaves, Chief Operating Officer of MLSE.
“It’s all about creating a first impression, a sense of arrival.” The bland Galleria long needed this makeover, given more than 60% of event attendees arrive through Canada’s busiest transit hub at either Union Station or Bay and York Streets. The remake also highlights the north east facade’s history as a postal delivery terminal that opened in 1938, once serving a munitions centre in World War II, and a mail sorting facility until the multi-purpose arena was built over its bones in 1999.
There’s restored brickwork, artifacts and informative displays about local neighbourhoods. “We’re so lucky we own a hockey team that’s 108 years old,” Eaves said.
”And the Raptors are now more than 30 years old. This (new optics) is a nod to a great city we have the privilege of living in and putting on events.” Are there any arena expansion plans?
To expand Scotiabank Arena’s hockey capacity of 19,000 is simply impossible with the footprint MLSE inherited. “There’s really nowhere to go,” Eaves said.
“We don’t own anything out to the East or West of the building. We own some air rights above, but that’s a different consideration.
Right now we’re working within the configuration. “There’s always the thought of (a new arena).
Much like anyone who has a home, you wonder if it’s time to start over. You go to visit arenas outside major metropolitan markets, they’re 50, 75 or 100% larger than this one.
But the reality is there’s no better spot in downtown Toronto. “So what we don’t have in space, we make up for in how we use it.” What’s for dinner at a Leafs game?
Part of improving the experience of watching the Buds will be appealing to the spectators’ taste buds. On Thursday, a roster of 33 new food items was laid out for visitors to sample from lemon pepper chicken wings to a red wine braised meatball sandwich and variations of sushi, pasta and grilled cheese.
Chef Chris Zielinksi, MLSE’s senior culinary director, said the years of working around construction in the Galleria and concources made it hard for some tenants to stay open or try new dishes in such an unappetizing setting. But now that everyone’s up and running again, all food is made in house, unlike many arenas.
“Sometimes fans are creatures of habit, they’ll go to their section and only eat there,” Zielinski said. “Hopefully once they hear about these new items, they’ll walk around and find them.
“Raptors fans are a little more adventurous. They’ll chase different items.
But hockey fans are changing, too. You might like meat and potatoes, but someone might drag you to have a Wicked Carib Stew Beef Potato Bowl and their mind is changed.
We also have to compete with a lot of restaurants nearby.” Zielinski says all the eateries support Canadian businesses. “Our prime rib sandwich, the No. 1 seller on Leafs nights, is all locally raised beef.
We hand pick the cows for all our steaks in the building, all raised in a 200-kilometre radius. Same story with our fish.
“Anytime we can support a local farmer, we’re there.” What’s do final renovations involve? Eaves says only about 60% of the full re-imagination is complete with a couple to go.
The 600 level of private suites also has been upgraded as MLSE works through each section. Why the Maple Leafs clear choice in net should be Anthony Stolarz How Artur Akhtyamov is trying to find groove with Marlies, while Ben Danford is on proper trajectory He was also asked about Legends Row in Maple Leaf Square, which has not added any new bronze player statues for years since former Leafs president Brendan Shanahan decided 14 was enough for the popular fan photo op.
There was talk a manager or coach, such as Punch Imlach, should be added or perhaps pioneer broadcaster Foster Hewitt. “That’s a Leafs team decision, but the good news is there are many Leafs legends by any definition.
As time goes on, the thought process will go on if Legends Row is perfect as is or to add more.” Lhornby@postmedia.com X: @sunhornby
