An undercurrent of collaboration and excitement permeated announcements at Toronto Stadium at Exhibition Place Tuesday, as officials revealed that all major updates for the venue are finished in advance of World Cup games this summer.
The city is set to host six matches in June, including Group Stage and knockout round games — and Mayor Olivia Chow says the construction milestone sets up Toronto to show off the strength of the city’s communities alongside a sporting spirit that brings people together.
“The World Cup will not change who we are. It will shine a light on who we already are — and for young people, this is a defining moment,” Chow said during a news conference.
Kids watching from the stands or at watch parties across the city will be able to see players who look like them, speak their language and who have shared similar journeys, she said.
“They will not just watch a match, they will imagine what is possible for themselves.”
Crews in hard hats and reflective vests were still working at the site normally known as BMO Field Tuesday, with construction fencing and heavy equipment in place.
The latest modifications to the stadium included a temporary expansion of 17,000 seats that increases capacity to 45,000 in total, alongside a new FIFA-regulation grass pitch, new dugout and upgraded player areas.
That’s on top of a host of upgrades that were finished last year, including new broadcast capabilities, video boards, lighting and audio systems.
The expanded seating will be removed once the tournament wraps, but many of the other infrastructure upgrades will stick around for future events, according to a city news release.
“It’s very, very fair to say that this stadium has been truly transformed,” said Nick Eaves, chief operating officer of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), which owns both Toronto FC and the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts.
Toronto city council approved funding for the stadium upgrades as part of the city’s World Cup hosting agreements. The total project cost was $157.9 million, with $132.9 million coming from the city and $25 million from MLSE.
Gimaa Stacey Laforme, who spoke at Tuesday’s news conference on behalf of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, said he was proud to join Toronto, Ontario and Canada in “welcoming the world onto common ground.”
“This field has seen us cheer in victory, it has seen us bow our head in loss, but it has always witnessed our resilience and respect,” Laforme said.
“And soon, the world will come together in the same spirit.”
Toronto is hosting six games at the stadium, starting with Canada’s opening game on June 12.
A round of 32 matches will close out Toronto’s hosting of the event on July 2.
