TORONTO – BMO FieldExhibition Place BMO Field Renovations – 2026 FIFA World CupStatusUnder ConstructionValue$246MLocation170 Princes Blvd, Toronto ONSectorPublic – CityTypeArenas / Stadiums · RenovationData as of June 11, 2026View Project Page → is known to fans as Canada’s national soccer stadium, the venue for Major League Soccer and CFL football, and now as the main pitch for Toronto’s portion of the FIFA World Cup.
But for those who constructed the stadium, its roots go far deeper than goals scored to roaring cheers.
PCL recently took a look back at the facility’s humble beginnings, highlighting just how far its come and the important partnerships that were formed along the way.
In 2006, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) decided to build a stadium for the upcoming 2007 U-20 World Cup, and a brand new soccer club.
Exhibition Place was chosen as the site and PCL Construction was selected as the design-builder. PCL had already worked with MLSE on the Air Canada Centre, which was later rebranded as Scotiabank Arena.
“It was a very high-profile project,” says Bruce Sonnenberg, now a regional vice president for PCL. At the time, he was the construction manager for the build and recalls the aggressive schedule of getting it done by June 2007 and working in tight spaces.
There was also an unexpected discovery during excavation when remnants of the old, demolished Exhibition Stadium were discovered underground, adding to the complexity of the early groundwork.
“I knew at the end of the day, we would have to make sure we got it done on time and on budget,” says Sonnenberg, “And we accomplished all of that and had it ready for the U-20 World Cup.”
Over the last 19 years, more and more Ontarians and Canadians have embraced the game, which prompted BMO Field itself to expand.
PCL was brought back for several renovations, including a second deck on the east side, and the massive three-piece canopy.
Ed Sceviour was a superintendent on the initial build in 2006 and 2007 but also recalled the renovations that occurred after it was built.
The east and west canopies were hoisted up and installed in sections, he describes.
The entire south canopy was assembled on the ground, then lifted into place.
“We call it a tandem lift,” says Sceviour. “That means two cranes are lifting the same load together. It was about 500 metric tonnes, so it was very challenging. It took a lot of engineering, communications, co-ordination and logistical planning.”
That particular renovation also marked BMO Field’s CFL debut, as the Toronto Argonauts moved in. Capacity was brought up to 30,000 and new suites, a new club and a kitchen were added.
The field would host the 104th Grey Cup in 2016.
Most recently, PCL came onboard again to complete further renovations in preparation for the World Cup.
Upgraded seating, a new VIP lounge as well as new and refreshed suites was all in the PCL’s project scope.
Enhancements to the in-game atmosphere include four new high-resolution LED videoboards, new lighting and a state-of-the-art sound system.
“The game presentation is just next-level now,” says Stephanie Jones, program lead for MLSE. “It’s like a brand-new stadium, with all this new venue technology. It’s a 360 feeling, so our fans, wherever they’re sitting, are going to have an unbelievable experience.”
PCL notes while schedule and budget are critical in these types of projects, the relationship with MLSE has grown to be much more: a partnership built on trust, dependability, mutual respect, a love of sport and a passion for constant improvement.
“PCL’s teams have always been a part of something more than just the construction of the building,” says Jones. “I’ve seen everybody on their team pick up garbage for us pre-match, make sure the fence lines are straight, make sure everything is perfect before games. Not every company does that, but I’ve seen the folks from PCL do it because they’re really proud of what they’ve built.”
“There’s something special about stadiums, for sure,” adds Sonnenberg. “When you’re in here with the fans, the energy and excitement just elevate the experience.”
PCL has created a video commemorating the stadium build and renovations over the years.
