BMO Field reopens after “raising the roof”

BMO Field looking south.

TORONTO, ON  – As the finishing touches were being completed on a two-year renovation project of BMO Field, the stadium officially reopened on Friday ahead of Toronto FC’s home opener on Saturday. The two-phase, $150-million project transforms BMO Field into a world-class, multi-purpose stadium that will be home to TFC, the Toronto Argonauts and premier outdoor events such as the 2016 Grey Cup and the inaugural NHL Centennial Classic.

The second phase of the renovation project, which began in September, 2015, saw the construction of a canopy to cover the east, west and south grandstands, new football locker rooms, changes to accommodate a CFL field and the addition of a new sound and lighting system. 

“The two-year renovation of BMO Field is an important investment in our teams, our fans and the entire city of Toronto,” said Larry Tanenbaum, chairman of MLSE. “This project not only gives Toronto FC one of the best stadiums in Major League Soccer but it also provided a world-class home for one of our city’s sports treasures, the Toronto Argonauts. This facility will continue to boost Toronto’s reputation as one of the premier sports and entertainment markets in the world and will play an important role in our championship aspirations.”

The first phase of renovations to BMO Field took place from September, 2014 to May, 2015 and saw the stadium expanded to a seating capacity of 30,000 with a new second deck added to the east grandstands, new suites, private clubs, concession stands and a new HD video board in the north end.

“BMO Field is an important gathering place for sports fans in Toronto, and the new renovations have turned this great venue on the Exhibition Place grounds into a truly world-class facility,” said Toronto Mayor John Tory. “The renovation project is a great example of what we can accomplish together as community partners. I’m confident the stadium will be home to many memorable moments in our city’s history.“

Originally opened in April, 2007, BMO Field is home to the Canadian Soccer Association as the national soccer stadium and played host to the 2008 MLS All Star Game. In 2010, BMO Field became the first venue outside of the United States to host the MLS Cup where the Colorado Rapids defeated FC Dallas 2-1.

 In February, as the renovation project witnessed an engineering feat with the raising of the south canopy, BMO announced a 10-year renewal of the bank’s naming rights sponsorship of the stadium.

“BMO’s sports sponsorships bring communities together and celebrate teamwork and perseverance,” said Connie Stefankiewicz, Chief Marketing Officer, BMO Financial Group. “We are proud of our long standing partnership with TFC and look forward to joining with fans and our customers to cheer on the team as they come home to the newly-renovated BMO Field.”

On October 1, 2015 the Canadian Football League announced that the 104^th Grey Cup, to be played November 27, 2016, would be played in Toronto at BMO Field.

 In March, the National Hockey League announced that the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings will face-off in an outdoor regular-season game at BMO Field in Toronto on Sunday, January  1, 2017, in the first-ever NHL Centennial Classic™.

“An expanded and improved BMO Field will be of great benefit to Exhibition Place and all of Toronto,” said Councillor Mark Grimes, chair of the Exhibition Place Board of Governors. “This is a project that will generate millions of dollars in economic impact over the years with increased business and tourism in the area. We’re thankful for all of those who worked together to make it a reality.”

“On behalf of the City of Toronto as owners of BMO Field, and MLSE as operators, we are very appreciative to our construction partners PCL Construction, Gensler and ICON Venue Group for their commitment to this project,” said Bob Hunter, chief project development officer for MLSE. “This opening today is certainly a proud moment for all involved and for the entire City of Toronto.”

“To build MLSE’s vision of a world-class sports and entertainment venue, PCL brought together an expert team of partners to deliver an aggressive two-year revitalization of BMO Field,” said Bruce Sonnenberg, vice-president and district manager for PCL Constructors Canada Inc. (Toronto). “A marvel of innovative engineering and steel, we take great pride in knowing that our collective efforts will provide an enhanced fan and player experience for the City of Toronto, and we congratulate all partners and workers involved in this achievement.”