Ontario and the City of Toronto are both investing $10 million for the expansion of BMO Field as part of an ongoing partnership to revitalize Ontario Place and Exhibition Place and support economic growth.
The stadium, owned by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd. (MLSE), has been transformed into a state-of-the-art outdoor sports field for soccer, football and rugby, helping enhance the province’s reputation as a destination for sporting events, thereby increasing tourism. The construction phase of the expansion is expected to have already generated over $100 million for the province’s economy.
Following its upgrade, the 30,000-seat BMO Field will host the 2016 Grey Cup and 2017 NHL Centennial Classic, which are expected to generate millions of dollars for the economy. The upcoming 104th Grey Cup Championship Game and Festival alone is expected to generate $70 million for the Ontario economy.
“Partnering with the City of Toronto for the expansion of BMO Field will support jobs, attract tourists and boost economic activity in the area,” said Michael Coteau, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, in a press release. “BMO Field was part of a highly successful Pan Am and Parapan Am Games and will continue to help build Ontario’s reputation as a premier sport hosting destination.”
