The Toronto Blue Jays unveiled plans to build what it is calling ‘the best all-around facility in Major League Baseball’ when its US$80m renovation of its spring training complex in Dunedin, Florida is completed by 2020.
The construction budget will be divided between Dunedin Stadium and the Bobby Mattick Training Center, where renovations to the aging ballpark will include an increased capacity from 5,500 to 8,500, a new grandstand, a tiki bar in center field and an Autograph Alley outside the Blue Jays clubhouse.
The upgrades to the Bobby Mattick Training Center will feature three softball fields, cutting-edge equipment and resources for players and coaches, as well as a new 25-year lease, which ultimately avoids the team relocating their spring training base.
“I really believe that we’ll have the single best training center the day our facility is done,” said Mark Shapiro, team president. “I think our training center, albeit not in the amount of real estate – it’ll be pretty condensed and pretty close together [compared to others] – but I think overall we’re going to have the best all-around facility in Major League Baseball when this is done.”
Construction on Dunedin Stadium is due to start following the Blue Jays’ 2019 spring training.
