BMO Field gets $146 million makeover with massive scaffold and 17,756 new seats
BMO Field is expanding to 45,736 seats and adding broadcast and fan upgrades ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026. Temporary seating and a giant scaffold are already rising.
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By Torontoer Staff
Toronto is preparing to host six FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, and BMO Field is receiving a $146 million upgrade to meet FIFA requirements and support the global broadcast. Work is already underway to add 17,756 temporary seats, new broadcast infrastructure, and several fan-focused improvements.
To comply with FIFA branding rules the venue will be called Toronto Stadium during the tournament. The temporary seating will raise the stadium capacity to 45,736 seats for World Cup matches.
What is changing at BMO Field
The project focuses on temporary capacity, broadcast capability, and venue amenities. Crews are installing 10,000 temporary seats in the north grandstand and 7,000 temporary seats in the south grandstand. The south addition is being supported by a large external scaffold structure, a method similar to the temporary Rogers Stadium built at Downsview Park.
- Total project value: $146 million
- Added temporary seating: 17,756, raising capacity to 45,736
- North grandstand: 10,000 temporary seats
- South grandstand: 7,000 temporary seats supported by scaffold
- Four new LED videoboards
- Upgraded broadcast infrastructure and lighting
- New self-serve kiosks and enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity
Why a scaffold and temporary seats
FIFA requires a higher seating capacity and robust broadcast sightlines for World Cup matches. Building permanent stands would take longer and change the venue profile permanently, so organisers opted for temporary modular seating and an external scaffold to achieve the required capacity quickly and reversibly.
These upgrades are designed to meet FIFA standards while preserving the stadium's long‑term configuration for local teams and events.
stadium spokesperson
Broadcast, technology and fan experience upgrades
Beyond seats, the project adds broadcast-ready infrastructure to handle global feeds, including four new LED videoboards to improve sightlines and replays. Lighting upgrades will support broadcast lighting requirements, and stadium operators say they are installing faster Wi-Fi and additional self-serve kiosks to reduce lines on match days.
These changes aim to help the stadium handle the technical demands of international broadcasts and to improve the in-stadium experience for fans during and after the World Cup.
Timeline, neighbourhood impact and what fans should know
Construction is active now and will continue through the lead-up to the tournament. Organisers expect the temporary elements to be removed after World Cup matches, returning the stadium to its regular configuration for Toronto FC, the Argos, concerts and other events.
- Work status: active, with scaffold already visible at the south end
- Event name change: venue will be called Toronto Stadium during the World Cup
- Post-tournament plan: temporary seating will be dismantled
- Match-day planning: expect increased transit and security measures for World Cup matches
Residents and regular attendees should watch for temporary changes to access points, transit routing, and parking on major match days. The city and stadium operators typically publish detailed event guides closer to match dates.
What this means for Toronto
Hosting World Cup matches brings concentrated global attention and short-term economic activity. The upgrades aim to balance those benefits with the stadium's ongoing role in Toronto's sports and entertainment calendar.
Photographs of the work are available in the project photo gallery, showing the scale of the scaffold and the stage of construction. Organisers say the measures will ensure the venue meets FIFA standards while delivering an enhanced experience for fans.
Final details on seating allocations, ticketing and match-day access will be announced by event organisers and ticketing partners as the tournament approaches. For now, the scaffold and new seats signal that Toronto is moving from planning to visible preparation for 2026.
BMO FieldFIFA World Cup 2026Torontostadium upgradessports
