Top Menu

Spring-Training Upgrades in Works for Giants, Blue Jays

Toronto Blue JaysTwo upgrades to spring-training complexes are in the works, as the San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays and their fans could be enjoying renovated facilities in coming years.

We have plenty of details on both projects on our sister site, Spring Training Online. Here’s a summary of each project.

Scottsdale Stadium Upgrades in the Works

The City of Scottsdale is contracting sports-architecture firm Populous to create a master plan for Scottsdale Stadium upgrades that will include renovations, expanded facilities and more.

Among the potential Scottsdale Stadium upgrades that would fall under the $244,524 planning contract: adding more shade to the grandstand seating with an expanded roof; upgraded clubhouses; upgrade of bleacher seating down each line to chairback seats; more parking with an expansion of the Civic Center Parking Garage, perhaps with an upgraded walkway into the ballpark; and expanded press box.

Florida Auto Exchange Stadium Renovation Plan in Works

The Toronto Blue Jays would stay at a renovated Florida Auto Exchange Stadium under the terms of an $81-million upgrade plan currently under discussion between the city, architects and team officials.

There’s still a lot to work out, but the current plan calls for Florida Auto Exchange Stadium to be upgraded a la Steinbrenner Field and Joker Marchant Stadium, rather than being town down and constructed from scratch. (The reason? It would take too long and be too disruptive to Blue Jays spring training.) The Blue Jays would commit to another 25 years in Dunedin, keeping the team at the same training locale it’s enjoyed since 1977, with a projected opening in 2019.

Neither plan is final, and plenty of work needs to be done before Giants and Blue Jays fans are able to enjoy renovated facilities with plenty of shade, upgraded amenities and more. However, the fact that things have progressed this far in both situations is a pretty good indication the projects have very good chances of being approved.

, , , , ,