Toronto council's general government committee approved a $37M contract for a “temporary expansion of BMO Field” in order to stage six games for the 2026 World Cup, according to Ben Spurr of TORONTO STAR. Stadium upgrades 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. The new stadium contract was not initially slated to come to committee for approval, but in February Mayor Olivia Chow “rejected a recommendation from city staff that would have delegated World Cup spending authority to civil servants, instead of elected officials” Chow has promised to “strengthen oversight of the tournament following public criticism about ballooning budgets and a lack of transparency.” Before joining the bid in 2018, staff told council that the games would cost just $45M. On Tuesday, Chow said that now that Toronto has committed to host, she is “focused on keeping the event on time and on budget.” She added that the stadium upgrades “haven't exceeded earlier cost projections” (TORONTO STAR, 3/26).
