Stadium and Arena Demolition
We have been involved with the Rogers Centre, Scotiabank Arena, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Maple Leaf Gardens and BMO Field.
Stadium and arena demolition projects often encounter time critical challenges. Renovation projects need to be scheduled during the off-season for both major and minor league sports clubs.
Rogers Centre Renovation Project
The Rogers Centre Renovation Project in Toronto was a $400 million multi-year effort between the Toronto Blue Jays and Rogers Communications. We worked closely with PCL Construction on the first three phases of the Renovation.
Demolition Phase 1
Phase 1 of the renovation project involved the removal of all 100, 200, and 500-level outfield seating, including the concrete and steel stadia. Altogether, this was roughly 17,000 seats. Removed by hand, and rigged together and carried by crane into bins on field level. The stadia was removed with E85 mini excavators on the concourse, and the outfield concrete precast stadia was removed with a 160T crane then hauled away for additional processing and recycling.
The interior demolition was performed by mini-excavators, bobcats, and additional hand work where needed. The crew also worked steadily on the interior demolition at the back of house beyond the ring road, spanning the entire length of the outfield.
Demolition Phase 2
The second phase of the Rogers Centre Renovation Project included the complete structural demolition of the 100-level stadia, astroturf removal and the home and away clubhouses.
At the 100-level, over 15,000 seats were unbolted, and rigged for the crane removal. Once the seats were detached, the concrete stadia was demolished. This procedure required eight excavators working across several bays. The concrete was processed, cleaned, and shipped out. PDI demolished the structure during the day and our night shift crew meticulously cleaned and sorted salvage in the evening, readying it for efficient hauling, a crucial element in a busy urban environment.
The removal of the astroturf, required delicate handling in order to protect the in-field ball diamond dirt and base lines. We used a combination of deck matting, loaders and bobcats for this part of the project.
Scotiabank Arena
In 2024-25, PDI successfully delivered on the demolition scope for the $350M venue Re-imagination Project, clearing the 100-level concourse, premium spaces, and key amenities to make way for the next generation of fan experience.
Event Level
Demolition activity within the arena began at the event level, where the former executive suite area has been completely stripped back to accommodate construction of a new tunnel club.
Our crew removed elements of the north circulation corridor stairs and ramps for the new openings leading to the parking garage.
Concourse Level
On the main concourse level, all finishes throughout the arena’s public circulation spaces were removed. Washrooms surrounding the seating bowl were demolished in their entirety. Former concessions stands, bars, kiosks, team stores, and retail areas were also stripped out, along with the removal of select walls.
Hot Stove Lounge
The Hot Stove Lounge on the 200 level underwent a complete interior demolition. All floor finishes, bar tops, fixtures, architectural partition walls and ceiling were removed. As part of the structural modifications at this level, a new opening is being created in an existing shear wall.
Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium
Liberty Bank Stadium located in Memphis, Tennessee supported an off-season redevelopment project which included the removal of the media tower and nine bays in the west side bowl. Performing large-scale structural high-reach demolition within the Tigers’ tight off-season window proved our ability to deliver safely and effectively on our promise.
BMO Field
In 2015, BMO Field underwent an expansion project with the purpose of being the new home for the Toronto Argonauts. The hardest challenge of this project was working on schedule. The measurement of success in a project such as this was completion of work before the 2016 MLS and CFL seasons commenced. The demolition portion of the expansion project had to be done in tandem of other trades. Sequencing between trades was critical to the success of the expansion project.