BMO and MLSE announce 10-year naming rights renewal for BMO Field

Sponsorship renewal announced as South canopy lifted as part of Phase II of stadium renovation project

TORONTO, Feb. 22, 2016 /CNW/ - As construction progressed on Phase II of the BMO Field renovation project with the raising of the south canopy on Sunday, BMO and MLSE announced a ten-year renewal of the bank's naming rights sponsorship of the stadium today.

Originally opened in April, 2007, BMO Field is the home to Toronto FC of Major League Soccer and will add the CFL's Toronto Argonauts as a tenant this summer. The two-year stadium renovation project, scheduled to be complete in May, is currently in the second phase of construction that will see a canopy added to cover the east, west and south grandstands as well as a new sound and lighting system and changes to accommodate a CFL field.

"Today's long-term naming rights renewal with BMO is symbolic as construction progresses on BMO Field to provide a world-class stadium experience for Toronto FC and its fans, for the Toronto Argonauts as they move to a classic Canadian outdoor football environment, and for the City of Toronto," said David Hopkinson, Chief Commercial Officer at MLSE. "BMO is a partner that has been with Toronto FC, and the stadium, since day one and plays an important, supportive role as we look forward to exciting things at BMO Field this season and in the years to come."

As part of the stadium naming rights renewal, BMO will also extend its placement as sponsor of the TFC kit for the 2016 season.

"BMO's sports sponsorships celebrate bringing communities together and embody our company's values of teamwork and dedication," said Connie Stefankiewicz, Chief Marketing Officer, BMO Financial Group.  "We are proud of our longstanding partnership with TFC and look forward to joining fans and our customers in another exciting season as we cheer on the team at the newly-renovated BMO Field."

The first phase of renovations to BMO Field took place from September, 2014 to May, 2015 and saw the stadium expanded to a seating capacity of 30,000 with a new second deck added to the east grandstands, new suites, private clubs, concession stands and new HD video board in the North end.

Originally opened in April, 2007, BMO Field is home to Toronto FC and the club will celebrate its 10^th anniversary this season. The 2008 MLS All Star Game was played at BMO Field and in 2010 and the stadium became the first venue outside of the United States to host the MLS Cup where the Colorado Rapids defeated FC Dallas 2-1. BMO Field will also play host to the 2016 Grey Cup in November.

SOURCE Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd.

Image with caption: "Neil Barrows and Bruce Sonnenberg of PCL outline plans to raise the south canopy at BMO Field for Connie Stefankiewicz of BMO and Dave Hopkinson and Jeff Deline of MLSE as the bank announced a 10-year naming rights partnership renewal for the stadium. (CNW Group/Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd.)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160222_C5721_PHOTO_EN_625694.jpg

Contacts: Dave Haggith, MLSE - Tel: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]; Paul Gammal, BMO - Tel: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]