Toronto FC is headed to the MLS playoffs for the first time in the team's nine year history, and fans couldn't be more excited. It's been an incredible season for the Reds, capped off with star forward Sebastian Giovinco winning the league's Golden Boot award for top scorer. And while the product on the pitch has been a season-long thrill to watch, Toronto FC's fans have been equally impressed with the new-look BMO Field.
BMO Field has been home turf for the Reds since they first stepped on it in 2007. This season it completed a slew of renovations that not only upgraded the stadium but made it a world-class facility that both fans and players have been raving about. The renovations include:
• Additional 8,400 seats in the East Grandstand
• New, larger full HD video screen
• New concourse on the second level
• Expansion of Rogers Club – 500 capacity increased to 750
• Improved food & beverage and washroom facilities throughout the clubs and stadium
• New standing room areas
• Two new private clubs
• 16 new suites (including two large party suites and one large loge suite)
And the stadium upgrades don't stop there. By next year they hope to install a full size canopy covering almost all seats, as well as a brand new sound and lighting system.
After touring the facility earlier this year, it was clear where the need for renovations came from.. Apparently Tim Leiweke, former CEO and President of MLSE (owners of Toronto FC) was a catalyst in bringing change to BMO Field. It was implied that Mr. Leiweke wanted a world-class facility to match the product the team was putting on the pitch and to align with MLSE's flagship venue, the Air Canada Centre, which is home to the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors. And while Mr. Leiweke is no longer with MLSE or Toronto FC, his fingerprints remain all over the team and the stadium.
Toronto FC looks to win its first-ever playoff match tonight against the Montreal Impact at 7pm EST.
A Season of New Beginnings
Toronto FC's Facelift Goes Beyond the Product on the Pitch
Trend Themes
1. Stadium Renovations - The upgrades made to BMO Field showcase the potential for innovative stadium renovations to enhance fan experience and match the quality of the on-field product.
2. World-class Facilities - The push for world-class facilities, like BMO Field, highlights the opportunity for industries such as sports and entertainment to invest in upgrading their venues to attract and retain fans.
3. Canopy Installations - The plan to install a full-size canopy at BMO Field presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the stadium construction industry to explore innovative canopy designs and technologies.
Industry Implications
1. Stadium Construction - The renovations at BMO Field demonstrate the potential for the stadium construction industry to embrace innovative upgrades and design elements to create world-class venues.
2. Sports and Entertainment - The upgrades at BMO Field underscore the need for the sports and entertainment industry to invest in facility improvements to deliver exceptional experiences for fans.
3. Lighting and Sound Systems - The planned installation of a new sound and lighting system at BMO Field presents an opportunity for the lighting and sound industries to develop cutting-edge technologies that enhance the atmosphere in sports venues.