City approves $37M BMO Field expansion

Stadium upgrades necessary to meet FIFA requirements

- BEN SPURR

This preliminary rendering shows new temporary seating at the north and south ends of BMO Field. Toronto predicts the World Cup will generate $393 million in local GDP.

Toronto has approved a nearly $40million temporary expansion of BMO Field in order to stage six games for the 2026 World Cup.

On Tuesday, council's general government committee awarded a $37-million contract for stadium upgrades that are necessary to meet FIFA hosting requirements, and will enable the facility to accommodate more than 45,000 fans.

The work includes installing broadcast studios, staircases, an elevator and approximately 17,500 additional seats at the Exhibition Place stadium, and then dismantling them once the games are done.

Arena Event Services, a United Arab Emirates-based firm, tendered the winning bid, and is partnering with local suppliers.

Council already approved a $4-million sole-sourced architectural services contract for the upgrades last July.