Since its founding in 2006, Major League Soccer's Toronto FC has attracted an ever-growing, die-hard fan base. Their home stadium, BMO Field, has become one of the liveliest venues in the league in only the few short years since its 2007 opening, but a number of sellout crowds in 2014 as well as hopes for a future NHL Winter Classic have created a need for an expanded facility. Now, team owners Maple Leaf Sports + Entertainment (MLSE) are moving forward with the construction of a two-phase expansion and renovation of the seven-year-old facility, to be built in phases over the next two years.

Rendering of the upgraded BMO Field, image courtesy of MLSE

Designed by San Francisco-headquartered architecture and planning giant Gensler, the first phase of the expansion will dramatically increase the stadium's seating capacity, installing an additional 8,400 seats with new washrooms and concession stands, as well as 12 new executive suites, 2 party suites and a loge box. These additions will bring the stadium's permanent capacity up to 30,000, with the potential for temporary seating to accomodate an additional 10,000 people. A new larger full HD video board will be replacing existing north video board, while a new 2nd level concourse addition around the south end of stadium will allow for one continuous concourse.

Rendering of the upgraded BMO Field, image courtesy of MLSE

A new full service kitchen will be built to serve the stadium's restaurants, suites and clubs - including two new private clubs and an expanded Rogers Club. The Rogers Club's current capacity of 500 will be increased to 750 with an upgraded look and feel, as well as improved food and beverage and washroom facilities.

Rendering of the upgraded Rogers Club at BMO Field, image courtesy of MLSE

The $65 million first phase of construction is expected to be complete by May 1, 2015, and will be followed up by a $40 million second phase that will include the addition of full size canopy covering all seats excepting the North Grandstand, and a new sound and lighting system, slated for completion by May 1, 2016. There have also been talks of a potential third phase to be completed for May, 2017, that would further modify BMO Field to accommodate a CFL regulation field as the future home of the Toronto Argonauts.

Rendering of the upgraded BMO Field, image courtesy of MLSE

Additional renderings of the BMO Field Expansion can be found in our dataBase file, 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.