Toronto Maple Leafs and Raptors fans just might have another way to avoid lengthy checkout lines for food and drinks throughout this year.
On Monday, the teams’ ownership group, MLSE, shared details of Scotiabank Arena’s most recent renovations, which have been ongoing for two years pretty much around the clock.
While the majority of the renovations have gone on during the offseason months when the Leafs and Raptors have stopped playing, the arena has been in construction mode since 2023 as part of a $350-million project.
One of the features that’s been implemented is the use of automated checkouts, with Amazon powered “Just Walk Out” Technology. Nine 300 level food stands have been upgraded, with nearly half of them using the self-checkout technology.
Customers simply tap their credit card before entering the market and are automatically charged for their purchases on the way out based on whatever they leave the area with.
The stands were first introduced ahead of the 2023-24 season on the 100 level, and have been designed in order to help fans reduce their time in lines while on the concourse.
The stands are powered via generative AI, as well as computer vision and deep learning techniques, to detect what consumers are buying.
The renovations this past summer also saw additional changes coming to the upper levels of the arena. Eight loge suites on the 500 Level were combined into one 100-person club space, while other suites on the 400 and 500 levels.
Changes were also made to upgrade audio and video systems around the arena, including videoboards throughout the venue, as well as renovations to the in-arena retail merchandise zones.
“Our investment and commitment to elevating the venue will continue with more exciting changes to come for our fans as we imagine new possibilities over future phases of the project,” said Nick Eaves, MLSE’s chief operating officer.
A full list of renovation changes is available via the Scotiabank Arena website.
