Toronto Blue Jays reveal what Rogers Centre looks like ahead of 2024 home opener
The $300-million renovations at Rogers Centre are almost complete after the Toronto Blue Jays' stadium was all but ripped “to the core” over the last two years.
In a sneak peek posted by the team on Monday, fans got to see what the ballpark looks like in the most detailed view yet just weeks away from the home opener on April 8.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
The video starts with a timelapse of the barren baseball diamond, which now includes 3,000 fewer square feet of foul territory, and shows crews rolling out the turf, tightening seat screws, and combing the infield dirt.
Phase 2 of the Rogers Centre Renovations began after the Jay’s 2023 season came to an end following a brief appearance in the playoffs. The latest round of upgrades focused on the 100-level, which was fully demolished and now features upgraded seats with improved sightlines, adjustable armests and cup holders.
At the end of the 2022 season, new seats and gathering areas were introduced to the 500 level, dubbed the “Outfield District.”
The “dome,” as it’s affectionately referred to by fans, turns 35 years old this year and used to be home to the Toronto Raptors as well as the Toronto Argonauts.
Toronto Blue Jays President and CEO Mark Shapiro has said the renovations are aimed at making the Rogers Centre a dedicated ballpark and could extend the life of the arena by another 10 to 15 years.
Jose Berrios to pitch opening day
The Jays also announced Tuesday that right-hander Jose Berrios will pitch opening day on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays on March 28.
Berrios has started four games in spring training and gave up five runs across 13 innings in the Grapefruit League.
The 27-year-old Puerto Rican enters his third season with the Jays following an 11-12 record in 2023 and 3.65 ERA.
The Jays will face the Seattle Mariners at the April 8 home opener. The pitcher for that game has not been revealed.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Calgary woman stranded in Mexico after husband's death during diving trip
A Calgary woman is struggling to return home after her husband died while diving in Mexico, leaving her stranded and facing financial hardship.
Fugitive U.S. rioter seeks asylum in Whistler amid warnings of more to come
An American citizen convicted of participating in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot on Capitol Hill and dodging jail time in Whistler may just be the start of an asylum-seeking rush, according to a prominent legal expert.
Special national Liberal caucus meeting called for next week after regional chairs meet: sources
A special meeting of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's national Liberal caucus has been called for next Wednesday, sources say.
N.S. community shocked by deaths of father, daughter; suspect was wanted in Toronto shooting
A Nova Scotia community is mourning the loss of two of its members after they were shot and killed in Halifax on New Year's Eve.
Canada pausing applications for parent, grandparent permanent residency sponsorships
Canada will not accept new parent and grandparent permanent residency sponsorship applications until further notice, according to a ministerial directive.
Soldier who blew up Tesla at Trump hotel left note saying blast was to be a 'wakeup call' for the U.S.
A highly decorated Army soldier who fatally shot himself in a Tesla Cybertruck just before it blew up outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas left notes saying the New Year's Day explosion was a stunt to serve as a “wakeup call” for the country’s ills, investigators said Friday.
Sea and Himalayan salts recalled in Canada: 'Do not use, serve or distribute'
Two brands of sea and Himalayan salt are being recalled in Canada due to pieces of plastic found in the products.
'Inadmissible' foreign nationals to pay more upon return to Canada: CBSA
Foreign nationals who refuse or are unable to pay their own way home after being denied stay in Canada will soon face steeper financial penalties should they ever attempt to return.
'It's about time': Experts in Canada support call for warnings about cancer risk from alcohol
While Canada hasn't mandated cancer warnings for alcoholic beverages, a few experts are supporting a new push in the U.S. to have the labels on the products.