Take a sneak peek at Scotiabank Arena's $350M-revamp

As Scotiabank Arena approaches its 25th anniversary in February, the downtown venue is undergoing renovations worth more than $350 million.

The ongoing "Scotiabank Arena Venue Reimagination" project ranges from new or upgraded premium areas to revamped, enlarged concourses that use cutting-edge technology to accelerate food and drink purchases or just add to the decor.

Not to mention, a unique art collection.

Most of the renovations already completed are on the 200 suites level, which means you have to dig deep into your pockets to see them.

Membership in the new Mastercard Lounge, which includes all Maple Leaf and Raptor regular-season games plus the first round of playoffs as well as food and drink (but not alcohol), begins at $60,000. And a renovated 200 level private suite, which includes Leafs and Raptors tickets for all games for 12 people, typically comes in at more than $500,000 per year.

Phase 2, which starts work after the upcoming NHL and NBA seasons are done, will focus mainly on the 100 main level concourse, complete with some striking high-tech touches.

A test version of the so-called "Just Walk Out" concession stand is already up and running on both the 100 and 300 level. It allows you to tap a credit card upon entry, grab the desired food and drink, and then exit, with the total automatically charged to the credit card thanks to AI technology from Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Staff will be on hand, with cameras tracking — and enabling — the transactions.

Nick Eaves, chief venues and operations officer at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, says the average transaction time at a normal walk-up concession stand is about 90 seconds. The "Just Walk Out" concept averages 25 to 30 seconds.

Phase 2 will also