BMO Field (Toronto) - Sports Tourist

BMO Field, located on the shores of Lake Ontario in Toronto, Ontario, is Canada’s premier soccer-specific stadium and a multi-purpose venue that embodies the city’s sporting growth. It is the cherished home of Toronto FC (MLS), the Toronto Argonauts (CFL), and the Canadian National Men’s and Women’s Soccer Teams. BMO Field stands as a modern Canadian landmark, initially built for football (soccer) and later expanded to accommodate Canadian football, making it a highly adaptable fixture in Toronto’s vibrant sports scene.

History and Design

BMO Field was built specifically to house Toronto FC, bringing a dedicated soccer venue to Canada’s largest city.

Opened: The stadium officially opened in 2007 as a soccer-specific venue. It was built on the site of the former Exhibition Stadium, near the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) grounds.
Soccer First: Unlike many North American stadiums that prioritize gridiron football, BMO Field was designed specifically for MLS, providing an intimate and European-style atmosphere that helped establish Toronto FC’s passionate fanbase.
Expansion and Renovation: Between 2014 and 2016, the stadium underwent a significant $150 million renovation. This included the addition of an upper deck to the east stand, increased capacity, and the installation of a full canopy roof to cover all seating areas except the south end, improving the fan experience for both football codes.
The Pitch: The stadium originally used artificial turf but switched to a natural grass surface in 2010 to improve the quality of play for soccer, although it is occasionally replaced by artificial turf for CFL or concert events.

Major Events Hosted

BMO Field has quickly established itself as a key host for international and domestic sporting events across multiple codes.

Toronto FC Home Games: Primary host for all Toronto FC (MLS) home fixtures, including the 2016 and 2017 MLS Cup finals.
Toronto Argonauts Home Games: Home to the Toronto Argonauts (CFL) since 2016, it hosted the 104th Grey Cup in the same year, the championship game of the CFL.
Canadian National Teams: It is a frequent home ground for the Canadian Men’s and Women’s National Soccer Teams for World Cup qualifiers and friendlies.
FIFA U-20 World Cup 2007: The stadium served as the main venue for the tournament, including the final match.
2015 Pan American Games: Hosted the soccer competition for the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games.
2026 FIFA World Cup: BMO Field is a confirmed host city venue for matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will necessitate a significant, temporary capacity expansion (expected to reach around 45,000) and further site upgrades.
Concerts: It has hosted major concerts by artists such as The Weeknd, One Direction, and Taylor Swift.

Key Information

Official Name: BMO Field (Bank of Montreal Field)
Location: Exhibition Place, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Opened: 2007
Capacity: Approximately 28,351 (expandable to ~45,000 for FIFA World Cup 2026)
Primary Tenants: Toronto FC (MLS), Toronto Argonauts (CFL)
Address: 170 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3, Canada

Contents

Getting to BMO Field

BMO Field is conveniently located at Exhibition Place, easily accessible from Downtown Toronto using various public transport options.

By Air: The nearest airport is Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). Visitors can take the UP Express train directly to Union Station in downtown Toronto, which is the main hub for connecting transit to BMO Field.
By Public Transport (TTC): The most reliable way to reach the stadium is via the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).
- Streetcar: Take the 509 Harbourfront streetcar or the 511 Bathurst streetcar to the Exhibition Loop stop, which is a short walk to the stadium gates.
- GO Train: On event days, the GO Train Lakeshore West Line stops at the Exhibition GO Station, located immediately north of the stadium.
By Taxi/Ride-Share: Taxis and ride-share services are readily available, but expect traffic delays around the Exhibition Place entrance on major event days.
By Foot: BMO Field is a pleasant, roughly 45-60 minute walk along the waterfront trail from the downtown core (near Union Station).
Parking: Limited on-site parking is available within the Exhibition Place grounds. Pre-booking parking passes is highly recommended, as it can be scarce and expensive, particularly during major events or the CNE.

Tickets & Tours at BMO Field

Tickets

Tickets for all major events at BMO Field are highly sought after. It is always recommended to purchase tickets through official channels.

Toronto FC (MLS): Tickets for TFC matches can be purchased through the club’s official website or via Ticketmaster. High-profile matches and “Derby” games against rivals like CF Montréal often sell out quickly.
Toronto Argonauts (CFL): Tickets for Argonauts games are available through the team’s official website. These games offer a great way to experience Canadian football in an intimate, modern setting.
Canadian National Teams: Tickets for Canada Soccer matches (Men’s and Women’s) are typically sold through Canada Soccer’s official website and dedicated ticketing partners.

Tours

BMO Field offers behind-the-scenes tours that showcase the modern facilities, the locker rooms, premium seating areas, and the field level, providing a look at the venue’s unique soccer and football configurations. Tour schedules and booking information can typically be found on the Toronto FC or MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment) websites.

Where to Stay Near BMO Field

Staying in two key areas offers the best mix of convenience and access to both the stadium and vibrant Toronto city life.

Entertainment District / Downtown Core (Best for Amenities & Transit): Staying downtown provides excellent access to Toronto’s main attractions (CN Tower, Rogers Centre, theaters, and dining) and direct streetcar/GO Train access to the stadium.
- Examples: The Fairmont Royal York (premium) near Union Station or the Hotel X Toronto (luxury) located closer to the waterfront and Exhibition Place offer ideal locations.
Liberty Village / West Queen West (Near the Stadium): These neighborhoods are immediately east of the Exhibition Grounds, offering a trendy, slightly quieter base with great local restaurants and a short walk or streetcar ride to the venue.
- Example: Boutique hotels and short-term rentals in Liberty Village offer local flavor and excellent proximity.

Booking Tips

Plan Ahead: Book accommodation and match tickets well in advance, especially during the summer months (when the CNE is running) or for high-demand events like the Grey Cup or 2026 World Cup matches.
Use Transit: Utilize the TTC streetcar and GO Train system for the easiest access, as they avoid traffic bottlenecks around the complex.
Use Reputable Sites: Use well-known and trustworthy booking websites like TripAdvisor to find and compare accommodation options.