INDUSTRY NEWS
INDUSTRY>NEWS Upgrading the fan experience at Scotiabank Arena Ahead of this year’s NHL and NBA seasons, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) provided media with a behind-the-scenes look at the first phase of its $350 million Scotiabank Arena Venue Reimagination project. The updates to the 25-year-old arena, which are being built by PCL, will continue after the upcoming hockey and basketball seasons, aim to further enhance the best-inclass sports and entertainment destination that is home to the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs Hockey Club and the NBA’s Toronto Raptors Basketball Club. “While the project began during the off season for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Raptors, PCL was required to deploy an intricate construction schedule demonstrating how they would work around the venue’s jam-packed event calendar and deliver the project on time,” stated Jon Ridge, senior superintendent at PCL. “With focus on minimizing any disruptions to the arena’s active operations, construction activities were strategically scheduled around every event.” This included adjusting shifts around things like sound checks for concerts, creative use of tarping and curtains, and coordinating just-in-time deliveries. Once complete, the comprehensive
multi-phase renovations will feature capital improvements to almost all areas within the venue including concourses, suites, premium clubs, retail spaces, food and beverage offerings, state-of-the-art technological innovations, and more. This past summer’s renovations included a remodel to the venue’s 200-Level Mastercard Executive Suites to modernize the units and improve sightlines, along with state-of-the-art technology upgrades in the concourses, and the creation of a members-only shared Mastercard Lounge. Next off-season will bring a remodel of the 100 Level concourse and updates to the Hot Stove restaurant. Following the conclusion of the 202324 Maple Leafs and Raptors seasons, the design makeover of the 100-Level concourse will begin as MLSE updates the concourse with screens, beacons and hubs that will transform to fit the look, feel and energy of the event within it. “Beginning with the momentum from
the renovations made this past summer, we look forward to unveiling to fans the best-in-class design, technology and overall atmosphere enhancements over the course of this multi-phased project that take our fans’ sports and entertainment experience to even greater heights,” said Nick Eaves, chief venues & operations officer with MLSE. “From bringing the original vision for Scotiabank Arena to life in 1999, to completing latest renovations this past summer, PCL is honored to have played a role in Scotiabank Arena’s legacy for nearly 25 years,” said Marc Pascoli, senior vice-president and district manager at PCL Construction. The Scotiabank Arena Venue Reimagination project is being completed in collaboration with Brisbin, Brook, Beynon Architects, DesignAgency, owner’s representative firm CAA ICON, and PCL Construction. Brisbin, Brook, Beynon Architects and PCL Construction originally led the design and construction of the facility.
Van Buren shares CCA departure plans
Mary Van Buren
After six successful years as president of the Canadian Construction Association (CCA), Mary Van Buren has announced that she will be leaving the association in the spring of 2024. The first female president in the association’s history, Van Buren has guided CCA into a new era that is digital first and
inclusive, said the organization as it announced her pending departure. That modernization allowed CCA to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, while advocating on behalf of the industry and continuing to deliver member value in the face of a global crisis. Along with tackling digital innovation, like its digital contract service, which will roll out in early 2024, she also managed to review the CCA’s governance model during her tenure, leading Continued on page 8 on-sitemag.com / 7
