Toronto FC is pouring $105 million into upgrading their stadium BMO Field, and now we have a closer look into exactly how they’re going to do it.
According to a slick new video released by the club, the renovations will take place in two parts.
The first began in late September and will be ready for most of the 2015 season - scheduled to be completed in May - and will add 8,400 seats in a brand new 2nd-level stand, an upgraded scoreboard, a full 2nd-level concourse to complete the walkway all the way around, and new box and loge seating.
The second phase will be centered around a full canopy that covers all but one stand. That is expected to be completed for the early portion of the 2016 season.
Also detailed in the video is the addition of VIP and luxury sections with a full bar and eating area for fans to do plenty of other things besides watching the games.
Toronto FC owners Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) hope that the expansion will not just provide a better viewing experience at Toronto, in addition to alleviating ticket availability issues caused by sellouts, but also will allow Toronto to have a better shot at hosting other events such as Pan Am Games or the NHL Winter Classic, among others.
The one thing that still hasn’t been addressed, however, is the state of the pitch, which was criticized by DC United early this season.
The renovations were overwhelmingly approved by the Toronto city council 39-3, and will allow the lease for Toronto FC at BMO Field to be extended for an additional 10 years, bringing it through 2037. A major selling point to the city was that the public will only be responsible for $10 million of the total cost.
A third phase for building has not yet been officially revealed, but there are reports of another addition to the renovation project - if funds can be secured - that would allow the Toronto Argonauts to be housed there as well. The Canadian Football team is reportedly looking for another home.
