Major renovation work is continuing on the current home of the MLS's Toronto FC and future home of the CFL's Toronto Argonauts, BMO Field. Led by Maple Leaf Sports + Entertainment, builder PCL Constructors, and architects Gensler, the first phase of the project was completed during the 2015 MLS season, adding 8,400 new seats as well as new washroom facilities, concession stands, and a new video display screen.

The second phase of work began upon the close of the 2015 MLS season, and involves the addition of a new lighting and sound system, as well as the construction of three new roof structures designed to shelter fans from the elements.

Roof installation at BMO Field, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor drum118

The stadium's new roof is being constructed using 12 pre-assembled roof sections which were fabricated in Montreal and brought to the site in pieces. Sections are being assembled into 100-foot by 40-foot sections, before being hoisted into place via a 600-ton crane, brought in specifically for this special job from Holland. After being hoisted into place, the steel sections rest on blue-painted temporary support towers, where they will sit until the roof sections are connected via a truss system.

Eastern roof section largely in place, still supported by temporary towers, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor drum118

Once the truss system is in place and the roof structure is secure, the blue support towers will be removed, leaving just the massive white “super columns” to support the load. These “super columns” extend below grade to transfer the large loads of the steel roof down to concrete foundations.

West roof sections being put in place, temporary support towers visible, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor drum118

The entire southern roof will be eventually assembled in one large section before being put in place by the 600-ton crane and another 450-ton crane on the west side of the stadium. In addition to providing shelter for those seated in the bleachers, the three roof structures will also support the improved lighting and sound system being installed as part of the stadium improvements.

Eastern roof members largely in place, still supported by temporary towers, image by UrbanToronto Forum contributor drum118

For a better understanding of how work on the project's second phase is unfolding, we turn to a video recently posted on the YouTube channel for the Toronto FC.

Work on the second phase is expected to conclude in May of this year. In the meantime, 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.