PCL managed an aggressive two-year renovation and expansion of BMO Field in Toronto. To achieve this goal on such a tight timeline, PCL brought together a team of top-notch consultants and trade partners to collaborate on expanding and enhancing the aging stadium, originally built by PCL in 2007.

To fast track the schedule and provide maximum return on investment, our team aligned its plan with the business goals of the client, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Limited (MLSE). Ultimately, this project would provide Toronto FC (Football Club) with one of the top stadiums in Major League Soccer.

This project was completed in two phases. For the first phase, 12 months were compressed into seven. This phase involved constructing an 8,400-seat upper bowl on top of the east grandstand, which expanded the venue’s seating capacity to more than 30,000. Adding a continuous concourse level and kitchen and enhancing the washrooms, concessions and executive VIP spaces completed this phase.

For the second phase, PCL mobilized on-site after the Toronto FC’s 2015 season. Although this phase focused on creating a canopy roof, the stadium also needed to be equipped for the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts, who would use the same facility. This extended the scope of work to include the following:

• Extending the field of play
• Creating new movable north and south stands
• Building new locker rooms
• Adding new field lighting
• Installing new sound and lighting systems for the stadium as a whole

To ensure that BMO Field would remain a soccer-first venue, a hybrid of natural grass and artificial turf was used to refresh and improve the playing surface. 

The many upgrades completed on this project brought BMO Field up to par with other premiere MLSE venues. Now BMO Field was ready for MLSE to welcome the Toronto FC, the Toronto Argonauts and other world-class events to its new venue. This louder, higher energy stadium would soon provide a heightened experience for fans and players alike.

To add to the gratification of a job well done and the pleasure of helping yet another happy client reach its goals, PCL was awarded the Tom Erger Outstanding Safety Achievement Award for this project. We don’t take this award lightly; after all, our aim is not only to provide our clients with superior results but also to ensure that everyone involved remains safe in the process.