The Vancouver Canadians, in collaboration with the Vancouver Parks Board, City of Vancouver, Toronto Blue Jays and Major League Baseball (“MLB”), are upgrading the playing surface and player’s areas to continue to be compliant with the requirements as outlined by MLB in the Professional Development League (“PDL”) agreement. In February of 2021, MLB announced that all 120 Minor League Clubs offered an invitation to become PDL license holders have officially agreed to accept.
The licenses will create many improvements to the experience and lifestyle of Minor League players, such as:
- Modernized facility standards better suited for professional athletes.
- Improved amenities and working conditions for players and staff.
The city, and its 74-year old stadium, Nat Bailey Stadium, will be making many changes for fans, players, and officials. Upgrades to the ballpark and the playing field will include player-specific additions, including a new weight room facility, clubhouse renovations, batting cages, bullpens and nutrition areas that will expand space and create access for female staff and umpires. Without the completion of these renovations, the Vancouver Canadians, the High-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, would no longer be compliant with the PDL and would result in relocation of the team.
The entire Canadians organization understands the impact these projects have on fans and neighbors in the community. We are grateful for their trust and understanding as we bring this historic facility into the modern age while maintaining the charm and tradition of its past. If you have any questions about the project, please reach out to [email protected].
These upgrades to the east area of the ballpark will include renovations of the clubhouse locker room, bathroom, commissary, male and female staff spaces. Following the conclusion of this project, the visiting team will reside on the 3rd base side and the home team will move the 1st base side.
The completion of this phase of the project will result in a new clubhouse for the home team, batting cages and eventually a new seating area for fans for the 2026 season.
Below are the renderings of the new facilities for the home team.
The field project will result in releveling, new drainage, and new irrigation