With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just a couple of years away, the City of Toronto has approved a $37-million contract to temporarily expand the capacity at BMO Field, The Toronto Star reported Wednesday.
City council voted in favour of a temporary expansion contract in order for the stadium to meet FIFA's capacity requirements of more than 45,000 fans.
Along with the installation of 17,500 seats that will be dismantled after the games are over, the work also includes installing broadcast studios, staircases and an elevator.
The winning bid for the project went to Arena Event Services, a United Arab Emirates-based firm that will work with local suppliers.
City councillor Paul Ainslie, who is the chair of the committee, believes the economic benefits the World Cup will provide justifies the city paying for the expansion.
"I'm hoping we're going to have lots of tourists, they're going to come Toronto, spend their money, make our investment worthwhile," Ainslie told reporters via The Toronto Star.
The Ontario government had conditionally committed to giving Toronto up to $97 million for the city's FIFA World Cup hosting duties.
Toronto is set to host five games in the 2026 World Cup that will also see games in Vancouver, in addition to games in both the U.S. and Mexico.
Deputy Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Sarah Harrison wrote to Toronto's city manager in early December to confirm Ontario's support for the event.
BMO Field is owned by the City of Toronto, but Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment operates and manages the facility that the CFL's Toronto Argonauts and MLS club Toronto FC play out of.
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