BMO Field is an open-air venue situated at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario. Built on the grounds formerly occupied by Exhibition Stadium, the arena officially opened in 2007 as the home of Toronto FC in Major League Soccer. The site itself has a long sporting history, as Exhibition Stadium previously hosted both the Toronto Argonauts and the Toronto Blue Jays before the opening of SkyDome, now known as Rogers Centre, in 1989. Exhibition Stadium was eventually demolished in 1999.
The stadium belongs to the City of Toronto and is operated by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the company that owns Toronto FC and the Argonauts. Naming rights belong to the Bank of Montreal, widely recognized through the “BMO” brand. The venue will also play an international role during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming one of two Canadian stadiums selected to host tournament matches. During the competition, FIFA sponsorship rules will require the facility to operate under the temporary name “Toronto Stadium.”
Originally designed as a soccer-specific facility, BMO Field was built in preparation for the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup and became Toronto FC’s first permanent home ground. The venue later welcomed additional international competitions, including the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Renovations and sporting events
Between 2014 and 2016, the stadium underwent extensive modernization work that significantly changed its appearance and functionality. The project included the construction of an upper level on the east side, installation of a roof covering the seating sections, and expansion of the playing surface to accommodate Canadian football.
These upgrades allowed the Toronto Argonauts to relocate to BMO Field for the 2016 CFL season. In the same year, the stadium hosted the 104th Grey Cup, one of the Canadian Football League’s showcase events.
The ground has also become an important location for championship soccer. While the 2010 MLS Cup was staged there as a neutral-site final, BMO Field later hosted the 2016 and 2017 championship matches involving Toronto FC after the league adopted a format rewarding the higher-ranked regular-season team with home-field advantage.
Beyond soccer and Canadian football, the venue has welcomed rugby union competitions, including matches featuring Canada’s national side. Rugby sevens contests during the 2015 Pan-American Games were also staged at the stadium.
Stadium design and features
The playing area measures 74 yards wide by 115 yards long, dimensions that satisfy FIFA requirements. Seating throughout the venue is predominantly red, though several visual elements distinguish the two main stands.
A large maple leaf pattern is displayed across the east grandstand, reflecting a national symbol closely tied to Canada. On the west side, the lower seating section spells out “TORONTO” and incorporates part of the Toronto FC crest into the overall design.
For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the venue’s capacity will be temporarily increased to 45,736 spectators. The expansion will allow the stadium to accommodate larger international crowds during the tournament.
Main attractions across Ontario
Ontario offers a wide range of destinations, from natural landmarks to major urban centers. Niagara Falls remains one of the province’s most recognizable sights, where massive volumes of water plunge over the curved edge of the river with tremendous force. Mist rises high above the gorge as visitors gather daily to observe the spectacle. The surrounding area also contains riverside trails and historical locations connected to the War of 1812.
Toronto stands as Canada’s largest and most multicultural city, known for its skyline, sports scene, and cultural institutions. The CN Tower dominates the downtown landscape, while Nathan Phillips Square hosts festivals and seasonal skating. Along the waterfront, visitors can enjoy beaches, marinas, and walking paths. The city is also home to major professional sports teams and venues such as Scotiabank Arena and Rogers Centre, alongside museums including the Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
Algonquin Provincial Park is recognized for wilderness experiences centered around lakes, forests, and extensive backcountry routes. Established in 1893 as Ontario’s first provincial park, it contains numerous canoe routes, hiking trails, and campgrounds concentrated near the Highway 60 corridor. The park also forms part of the Muskoka region, an area often associated with seasonal cottage life.
Ottawa, the national capital, combines government institutions with cultural attractions and outdoor recreation. Parliament Hill and several museums highlight the country’s history, while festivals and arts venues contribute to the city’s atmosphere. Seasonal activities include the Canadian Tulip Festival in spring and skating on the Rideau Canal during winter. Although Ottawa is located in Ontario, its proximity to Gatineau offers visitors quick access to francophone Québécois culture.