The second phase of renovation and expansion continues at BMO Field, the current home of the MLS' Toronto FC and future home of the CFL's Toronto Argonauts. The expansion project is being led by lead tenant Maple Leaf Sports + Entertainment, featuring a design by architects Gensler and construction by PCL Constructors. Now, a few weeks since the south canopy was raised over the sporting venue, a video has been released by PCL providing behind-the-scenes insight into the construction of the stadium's roof.

Since the raising of the southern canopy, the process of bolting and welding the 450-tonne section to its supports has commenced. The two custom cranes, weighing in at 600 and 450 tonnes, have been moved back to east and west sides of the stadium to continue lifts for the two main roof sections.

Truss and roof panels now being bolted together for the south canopy, which will be followed by the removal of the temporary shoring towers (painted blue in the image below, click on it to see it larger) which currently support the unfinished east and west canopies. Afterwards, installation of a roofing membrane will complete the roof's aesthetic.

The project has involved plenty of heavy lifting, with the combined weight of all roof sections weighing in at 3,600 tonnes. These massive loads are secured in place with over 130,000 bolts and numerous welded joints. The steel components for the roof structure were fabricated by Cana​m Heavy​ at its facility in Saint Gédéon de Beauce, Quebec, while the components were erected by Canam’s Central Steel Erectors and Local 721 Ironworkers. 

BMO Field viewed from the south, image courtesy of PCL

The stadium will reopen in time for the May 7th Toronto FC home opener versus FC Dallas, and will be followed up by several notable events over the coming year. The first ever CFL game at BMO Field will take place on June 23rd, when the Toronto Argonauts play the Hamilton Tiger Cats at their home opener, while the 104th CFL Grey Cup will be held there on November 27th. On New Years Day 2017, BMO Field will host the long-anticipated outdoor NHL Centennial Classic.

Additional information and renderings of the BMO Field Renovations can be found in our dataBase file for the project, linked below. Want to get involved in the discussion? Check out the associated Forum thread, or leave a comment in the space provided at the bottom of this page.