BMO Field expansion construction begins John Hadden Global News September 23, 2014 TORONTO – BMO Field is never going to look the same again. A massive $100 million renovation project to expand the city-owned facility officially got underway Tuesday. MLSE and Toronto FC representatives are gathered at Canada’s modest national soccer stadium to officially put shovels in the ground and show off the latest renderings of what will eventually be a much-improved stadium with a European feel. The price tag for this two-phase renovation is currently set at $100 million with the city of Toronto contributing $10 million and the remainder privately financed by MLSE. There will be two notable changes to the stadium – each taking approximately one year to complete as part of the phased construction process. The first order of business will be to add a second level to the east stand which will sadly block many fan’s view of downtown. This addition will bring capacity from 22,591 to approximately 30,000 – a 25 per cent increase – and will be complete by May 2015 in time for the Pan-Am Games. Sell-outs are routinely announced at Toronto FC matches with many more supporters anxious to jump off the season ticket waiting list and into a seat. The second phase will see a roof installed above the facility with only the north end – adjacent the food building – exposed. A further third phase to accommodate the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts and renovate the north stand, with a price tag of $20 million, is currently in limbo as MLSE grapples with a request for funding from both the provincial and federal governments. Despite paying the majority of the bill, public funding to cover the third phase has been difficult to acquire. The Harper government remains consistent in saying it does not pay for sports venues. “I can tell you that the federal government has no program to fund professional sports facilities,” Michele-Jamali Paquette, a spokeswoman for Infrastructure Minister Denis Lebel , said in an email in March. “In fact, our government has decided against creating such a program. This decision is applied consistently across the country.” Meanwhile, Toronto’s CFL franchise continues to watch the clock wind down on its time at the Rogers Centre. Those seconds expire after the 2017 season. CFL Commissioner Mark Cohon has repeatedly mentioned BMO Field as an ideal solution for the Argos. But it seems there is a stalemate between the team’s current owner, David Braley, and MLSE who operates the stadium. “I think what’s most important is we come up with the right lease agreement that works for MLSE as the operator of BMO Field but also works for the future of the Argos and can make them a profitable franchise,” Cohon said. “The important thing is for our fans and partners to know there’s a solution at hand and we’re trying to work through that. If we can get them in there it makes the team a lot more attractive for a future purchaser. That’s what we’re focused on.”
BMO Field Expansion Phase I - Additional 8,400 seats with additional washrooms and concession stands - 12 new executive suites, 2 party suites and a loge box - New full service kitchen for restaurants, suites and clubs - Two new private clubs: - West Grandstand, Event Level – 230 patrons - East Grandstand, Event Level – 420 patrons - Expansion of Rogers Club – current capacity of 500 is increased to 750 with upgraded look and feel, improved food and beverage and washroom facilities - New larger full HD videoboard replacing existing north videoboard - New concourse (2nd level) around south end of stadium allowing for one continuous concourse (at the upper concourse level) - Budget of $65M - Completion May 1, 2015 Phase II - Addition of full size canopy covering all seats with exception of North Grandstand - New sound and lighting system - Budget of $40M - Completion May 1, 2016
The plans look great. I really hope they don't actually plaster the walls with "This is our house", though...
I really like this new idea. I love how the canopy will make the stadium more compact, giving it a similar feel to a BPL stadium.
BMO Field Expansion - March 14, 2015 The final piece of the East Grandstand was installed on Thursday as development continues during Phase 1 of the BMO Field expansion.
Damien Cox: Argos shipping off to BMO Field? Sportsnet Staff March 23, 2015, 3:21 PM Sportsnet broadcaster Damien Cox joins Tim & Sid to discuss his report that it seems like the Toronto Argonauts will sign a lease agreement with MLSE to play their home games at BMO Field commencing with the 2016 season. Listen Now