History of BMO Field in Timeline

BMO Field is an outdoor stadium in Toronto, Canada, opened in 2007. It serves as the home field for Toronto FC (MLS) and the Toronto Argonauts (CFL). Owned by the City of Toronto and managed by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the stadium's naming rights are held by the Bank of Montreal. BMO Field is set to be a host stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and its capacity will expand to 45,736 seats in preparation for the event.

1989: Argonauts and Blue Jays Leave Exhibition Stadium for SkyDome in 1989

In 1989, the Argonauts and the Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball (MLB) left Exhibition Stadium with the opening of SkyDome, now Rogers Centre.

1999: Exhibition Stadium Demolished in 1999

Exhibition Stadium, which was the predecessor to BMO Field, was demolished in 1999.

March 2003: Modified Proposal for a New Stadium at Exhibition Place in March 2003

In March 2003, the Argonauts modified their proposal to construct a new 22,000-seat stadium at Exhibition Place.

2004: MLSE Backs Out of Varsity Stadium Deal in 2004

In 2004, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) backed out of the Varsity Stadium deal due to a lack of financial return, and the deal ultimately fell through when the university's new president withdrew his support after its cost rose over $100 million.

2005: Stadium Site Moved Back to Exhibition Place in 2005

In 2005, the stadium site was moved back to Exhibition Place, on the location of the demolished Exhibition Stadium and then-existing Sports Hall of Fame building, in a partnership between MLSE and the CSA.

May 11, 2006: Toronto FC Joins Major League Soccer on May 11, 2006

On May 11, 2006, Major League Soccer announced that Toronto FC would join the league as its 13th team in 2007, with BMO Field serving as its home.

April 28, 2007: Toronto FC first game at BMO Field

On April 28, 2007, Toronto FC played their first game at BMO Field.

May 11, 2007: First goal scored by a Canadian at BMO Field

The first goal at BMO Field scored by a Canadian came at the official opening on May 11, 2007, in a U-20 friendly between Canada and Argentina. David Edgar scored a penalty in a 2–1 defeat for Canada.

May 12, 2007: BMO Field grand opening celebration

The grand opening celebration for BMO Field took place on May 12, 2007.

June 25, 2007: First Toronto FC goal scored by a Canadian at BMO Field

On June 25, 2007, Andrea Lombardo scored the first Toronto FC goal by a Canadian at BMO Field in a friendly against Aston Villa of the English Premier League. The match ended 4-2 in favor of Aston Villa.

September 7, 2007: Genesis performs at BMO Field

On September 7, 2007, the progressive rock group Genesis performed the only music concert thus far at BMO Field.

September 12, 2007: First senior international goal at BMO Field

On September 12, 2007, Costa Rica's Víctor Núñez scored the first senior international goal in a 1–1 friendly draw with hosts Canada. Dwayne De Rosario scored Canada's first senior goal at the stadium shortly after.

September 22, 2007: First league goal at BMO Field scored by a Canadian

On September 22, 2007, Miguel Cañizalez scored the first league goal at BMO Field scored by a Canadian for Toronto FC in the second minute of their 2–1 defeat to the Columbus Crew, snapping an 824-minute MLS goalless streak.

2007: BMO Field hosts the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup

In 2007, BMO Field hosted the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, the first major tournament held at the stadium. The stadium also saw six knockout stage games, including the final; which was won by Argentina.

2007: BMO Field Opens

In 2007, BMO Field, located at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, opened. Constructed on the former Exhibition Stadium site, it became the home field of Toronto FC of Major League Soccer (MLS) and Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL).

2007: Toronto FC Joins MLS

In 2007, Toronto FC joined Major League Soccer (MLS) as its 13th team, with BMO Field as its home.

2007: Bidding for 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup

In 2007, the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) announced separate plans for a 30,000 seat $82 million stadium at the site, to host the FIFA U-20 World Cup which it had bid on.

May 21, 2008: Incident regarding alcohol consumption by a minor

On May 21, 2008, an incident occurred at BMO Field regarding alcohol consumption by a minor, which led to the first alcohol suspension at the stadium on July 18, 2009.

July 24, 2008: 2008 MLS All-Star Game

The 2008 MLS All-Star Game was held at BMO Field on July 24, 2008, versus West Ham United of the English Premier League.

May 22, 2009: First Major League Lacrosse goal at BMO Field

On May 22, 2009, Merrick Thomson of the Toronto Nationals scored the first Major League Lacrosse goal at BMO Field in a 15–11 win in their home opener.

July 18, 2009: First alcohol suspension at BMO Field

On July 18, 2009, BMO Field had its first alcohol suspension, due to an incident that occurred on May 21, 2008, regarding alcohol consumption by a minor.

August 2009: Temporary Grass Turf Laid for Real Madrid Friendly in August 2009

In August 2009, a temporary grass turf was laid at BMO Field for a friendly match against Real Madrid due to criticism of the original FieldTurf.

November 2009: Discussions Begin for Toronto Argonauts to Move to BMO Field in November 2009

In November 2009, discussions began between the Toronto Argonauts and the City of Toronto regarding a potential move from Rogers Centre to BMO Field.

December 16, 2009: Argonauts Abandon BMO Field Idea on December 16, 2009

On December 16, 2009, the Argonauts officially abandoned the idea of moving to BMO Field after the CFL concluded that the venue was not suitable for Canadian football in its current state.

2009: Potential Expansion Discussed in 2009

In 2009, Anselmi indicated that a second level could be added to the east side stands and extra rows added to the south side stands, which would add an additional 8,400 seats, for approximately $15 million.

2009: Toronto Nationals begin playing home games at BMO Field

In 2009, the Toronto Nationals of Major League Lacrosse began playing their home games at BMO Field.

2010: BMO Field hosts its first MLS Cup

In 2010, BMO Field became the first venue outside of the United States to host the MLS Cup, featuring the Colorado Rapids defeating FC Dallas 2–1.

2010: Conversion to Natural Grass in 2010

In 2010, Toronto City Council approved MLSE's request to convert BMO Field to natural grass. A variety of Kentucky Bluegrass was installed in the spring of 2010, along with a state of the art drainage system and heating system in the field.

2010: CFL Studies Feasibility of Argos Playing at BMO Field in 2010

In 2010, the CFL agreed to study the feasibility of the Argos playing at BMO Field.

2010: Toronto Nationals move to Lamport Stadium

In 2010, the Toronto Nationals of Major League Lacrosse moved to Lamport Stadium from BMO Field.

2011: Canada's national rugby union team begins playing at BMO Field

From 2011 to 2016, BMO Field was a home venue for Canada's national rugby union team, who played at the venue regularly.

2011: Toronto Nationals move to Hamilton

In 2011, the Toronto Nationals of Major League Lacrosse moved to Hamilton.

June 2013: Leiweke Takes Over as President of MLSE in June 2013

In June 2013, Tim Leiweke took over as president of MLSE and began discussing plans for a major renovation of BMO Field.

November 3, 2013: Largest crowd for rugby at BMO Field and in Canada

On November 3, 2013, the largest crowd for rugby at BMO Field and in Canada occurred when the Canada national rugby union team hosted the New Zealand Māori All Blacks before 22,566 people. The Maori All Blacks won the match 40–15.

2013: Toronto Nationals fold

In 2013, the Toronto Nationals of Major League Lacrosse folded.

January 2014: Feasibility Study for Major Renovation in January 2014

In early January 2014, Leiweke announced that the next six months would be spent consulting with experts to determine the feasibility of a major renovation project for BMO Field.

May 2014: MLSE unable to reach funding agreement

In late May 2014, MLSE had not reached a financing agreement with either the federal or provincial governments to fill the $20 million funding gap for BMO Field. MLSE decided to move forward with the first phase of the renovation without securing further funding commitments from the government.

July 24, 2014: BMO Field hosts International Champions Cup match

On July 24, 2014, BMO Field hosted the opening match of the 2014 International Champions Cup between Olympiacos and A.C. Milan; Olympiacos won the match 3–0.

2014: BMO Field Hosts 2014 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup

In 2014, BMO Field hosted matches during the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.

2014: BMO Field Undergoes Renovations in 2014

In 2014, BMO Field started undergoing a series of major renovations, which included adding an upper deck to the east grandstand and a roof over the seating areas.

2014: Reference to the 2014 NHL Winter Classic

The NHL Centennial Classic held on January 1, 2017 at BMO Field was a rematch of the 2014 NHL Winter Classic.

April 2015: Renovations reported to be over budget

In April 2015, it was reported that the BMO Field renovations were $10 million over budget due to pressure to meet deadlines, which MLSE was obligated to fund.

May 1, 2015: Field Lengthened and Capacity Increased by May 1, 2015

By May 1, 2015, the field at BMO Field was lengthened, and the stadium's capacity was increased as part of a two-phase construction process, costing $77 million.

May 20, 2015: MLSE partners acquire ownership stake in the Argos

On May 20, 2015, Bell Canada and Larry Tanenbaum's Kilmer Group, two of the three ownership partners of MLSE, acquired an ownership stake in the Argos and would move the team to BMO Field for the 2016 season.

October 1, 2015: Argonauts awarded right to host 104th Grey Cup

On October 1, 2015, the Toronto Argonauts, with their move to the renovated BMO Field beginning with the 2016 CFL season, were awarded the right to host the 104th Grey Cup at the stadium on November 27, 2016.

2015: BMO Field hosts the rugby sevens competition at the Pan American Games

During the 2015 Pan American Games, BMO Field hosted the rugby sevens competition.

2015: BMO Field Hosts Rugby Events at the 2015 Pan-American Games

In 2015, BMO Field hosted rugby union matches, including games of Canada's national team, and rugby sevens during the Pan-American Games.

2015: Requirement for Long-Term Lease with Toronto Argonauts Starting in 2015

In 2015, the agreement requires MLSE to reach a "long-term use (i.e. 20 years)" lease with the Toronto Argonauts for usage of BMO Field.

February 2016: BMO extends naming rights sponsorship agreement

In February 2016, BMO extended its naming rights sponsorship agreement for BMO Field for an additional ten years.

May 1, 2016: Roof Added by May 1, 2016

By May 1, 2016, the roof was added to BMO Field as part of the two-phase construction process, at a cost of $43 million.

June 11, 2016: Argonauts' first game at BMO Field

On June 11, 2016, the Argonauts played their first game at BMO Field, a preseason (exhibition) game; the Argos defeated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 25–16.

October 26, 2016: First MLS home playoff game at BMO Field

The first MLS home playoff game held at BMO Field saw Toronto FC defeat the Philadelphia Union 3–1 on October 26, 2016.

November 27, 2016: 104th Grey Cup held at BMO Field

On November 27, 2016, BMO Field hosted the 104th Grey Cup.

December 10, 2016: Largest attendance for a Major League Soccer game

On December 10, 2016, the largest attendance for a Major League Soccer game was recorded when Toronto FC hosted the Seattle Sounders FC in the 2016 MLS Cup in front of 36,045 people.

2016: Canada's national rugby union team ends playing at BMO Field regularly

From 2011 to 2016, BMO Field was a home venue for Canada's national rugby union team, who played at the venue regularly.

2016: BMO Field Hosts 2016 MLS Cup Featuring Toronto FC

In 2016, BMO Field hosted the MLS Cup featuring Toronto FC, following the practice of awarding home field advantage to the team with the better regular-season record.

2016: Toronto Argonauts Move to BMO Field and Hosts 104th Grey Cup in 2016

In 2016, following renovations, the Toronto Argonauts moved to BMO Field for the CFL season, which also saw the stadium hosting the 104th Grey Cup.

January 1, 2017: BMO Field hosts the NHL Centennial Classic

On January 1, 2017, BMO Field hosted an NHL outdoor game, the NHL Centennial Classic, in honour of the Toronto Maple Leafs' and the NHL's centennial seasons. The Leafs hosted the Detroit Red Wings.

May 1, 2017: Deadline for Phase 3 funding commitment

The agreement stated that if the necessary conditions for phase three are not met by May 1, 2017, MLSE could pull out of the project.

May 15, 2017: MLSE option to pull out of Phase 3

The agreement stated that if the necessary conditions for phase three are not met by May 15, 2017, MLSE could pull out of the project.

August 2017: Toronto FC II announces move to BMO Field

In August 2017, Toronto FC II announced that it would move its home games to BMO Field and Lamport Stadium beginning with the 2018 season.

December 9, 2017: Toronto FC wins 2017 MLS Cup at BMO Field

On December 9, 2017, BMO Field hosted its second consecutive MLS Cup in 2017: a rematch between Toronto FC and the Seattle Sounders from the previous edition. Toronto FC defeated Seattle 2–0, and became the first MLS team to complete a domestic treble with their win, as well as the first Canadian team to win the MLS Cup.

2017: Argonauts Required to Vacate Rogers Centre by end of 2017 season

By the end of the 2017 season, the City insisted that any renovations included making the playing surface longer to fit a CFL field so it could house the Argonauts, who had to vacate the Rogers Centre.

2017: BMO Field Hosts 2017 MLS Cup Featuring Toronto FC

In 2017, BMO Field hosted the MLS Cup featuring Toronto FC, continuing the practice of awarding home field advantage to the team with the better regular-season record.

2018: Toronto FC II move to BMO Field and Lamport Stadium

Beginning with the 2018 season, Toronto FC II moved its home games to BMO Field and Lamport Stadium.

April 2019: Field conversion to hybrid grass

In April 2019, MLSE converted the BMO Field to a hybrid grass surface.

2019: Toronto FC II move home games to BMO Training Ground

Due to their drop to the division 3 USL League One for the 2019 season, Toronto FC II moved their home games to BMO Training Ground.

2020: Toronto FC forced to stay in the United States

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Toronto FC was forced to stay in the United States for the 2020 season.

July 17, 2021: Toronto FC's first home game since the COVID-19 pandemic

On July 17, 2021, Toronto FC played their first home game at BMO Field since the COVID-19 pandemic after being forced to stay in the United States for the 2020 season and the first half of the 2021 season, drawing 1–1 against Orlando City SC.

February 4, 2024: Announcement on BMO Field hosting the opening match for Canada in 2026 FIFA World Cup

On February 4, 2024, it was revealed that the stadium would host the opening match for Canada on June 12, 2026.

2024: Start of renovations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Renovations to BMO Field began in 2024 in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

April 19, 2025: AFC Toronto's inaugural match

On April 19, 2025, AFC Toronto of the Northern Super League played their inaugural match against Montreal Roses FC. Toronto lost 0–1 in front of 14,500 fans.

2025: Continuation of renovations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Renovations to BMO Field continued in 2025 in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

June 12, 2026: Canada to play the opening match at BMO Field

On February 4, 2024, it was revealed that BMO Field would host the opening match for Canada on June 12, 2026.

2026: Possible 2026 FIFA World Cup by Canada

BMO Field could temporarily expandable with additional end zone seating to 40,000 for big events such as a successful 2026 FIFA World Cup by Canada.

2026: BMO Field to Host 2026 FIFA World Cup Matches

In 2026, BMO Field is scheduled to host matches of the FIFA World Cup. An expansion for the tournament will increase the stadium's capacity to 45,736 seats.

2026: BMO Field selected as a venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

In 2026, BMO Field was selected as a venue to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Final plans included upgrades with the city contributing $123 million and MLSE $23 million.

2027: MLSE's Management and Naming Rights Agreement Set to Expire in 2027

MLSE's management and naming rights agreement for BMO Field, which was set to expire in 2027, were extended by 10 years under the proposal.

2028: Possible 2028 Summer Olympics

BMO Field could temporarily expandable with additional end zone seating to 40,000 for big events such as a possible 2028 Summer Olympics

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