Toronto FC's Popularity Driving Stadium Expansion Talk

Popularity Of Toronto FC May Lead To Expansion Of BMO Field

The popularity of MLS Toronto FC is "driving serious talk of expanding city-owned BMO Field," according to Jennifer Lewington of the GLOBE & MAIL. Toronto FC officials Thursday confirmed that the idea is to "boost capacity at the $72[M] stadium by 50[%] to 30,000 seats from 20,000." A final decision on the expansion, which is "not expected until later this year, will hinge on how to pay for the expansion and how to retain the intimate atmosphere of the stadium for soccer fans." Lewington notes paying for the expansion is "the touchiest political issue," as the project is estimated to cost between $15-20M. Toronto Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone: "The city clearly is not going to pay. We have already made our investment and it has been very successful." Meanwhile, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) Exec VP/Venues & Entertainment Bob Hunter said, "Our ultimate goal is not to change the experience that exists today." If added, the seats may be "either retractable or removable." Also under consideration are "changes that would lure the [CFL] Toronto Argonauts football team away from the Rogers Centre." MLSE for the '08 season has sold "about 16,000 season tickets, up from 14,000, with the other 4,000 tickets snapped up by the public every game so far." Hunter said that the rest of the season also is "expected to be sold out, 'well ahead' of forecasts" (GLOBE & MAIL, 6/20).