For Immediate Release…Toronto, ON, December 4, 2009 - The Board of Governors of Exhibition Place today approved the construction of additional seating at the north end of the stadium by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd (MLSEL). An additional 1,249 seats will be added at a cost to MLSEL of approximately $1.972 million. The proposal is scheduled to be before City of Toronto Council in January 2010.
BMO Field has been at capacity since it opened in 2007 for all games and international events and with the addition of natural grass, the public’s interest will only increase. “We are looking forward to another exciting year for the Toronto FC and with the Pam Am Games coming to the City of Toronto we are pleased MLSE has taken on this initiative to improve the experience for Toronto soccer fans.” says Deputy Mayor and Chair of Exhibition Place Joe Pantalone.
Interior upgrades to the Food Building ground level washrooms, directly north of BMO Field are also included in the proposal. Plans are to complete construction in time for the 2010 season opener.
About Exhibition Place
Exhibition Place is Canada’s largest entertainment venue, attracting over 5.3 million visitors a year. The 192-acre site is an integral component of Toronto and Ontario’s economy, particularly with respect to sport, festivals, recreation, culture and tourism. Direct Energy Centre is located at Exhibition Place, owned by the City of Toronto and governed by the Board of Governors of Exhibition Place. Direct Energy Centre’s over 1 million square feet of space available is the largest exhibition and convention centre in Canada and the sixth largest in North America. Allstream Centre joins Direct Energy Centre in October 2009 and is Canada’s first Conference Centre to target a LEED Silver rating. Exhibition Place has won several awards such as the Platinum Waste Minimization Award from the Recycling Council of Canada and is a member of Ontario's Environmental Leaders (Leaders) Program. The Leaders program is a voluntary leadership program that offers incentives to leading companies that commit to beyond compliance environmental improvements.
About Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. (MLSEL) owns the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC, the Toronto Marlies, Air Canada Centre, Leafs TV and Raptors NBA TV.
LSEL is privately owned and one of the largest sports and entertainment companies in North America. Air Canada Centre is Canada's premiere sports and entertainment complex and is located in the heart of downtown Toronto at Union Station. Since opening a decade ago, Air Canada Centre has hosted more than 26.8 million fans at close to 2000 events. The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Raptors have approximately 50 blue chip corporate partners, all leaders in their respective industries.
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For more information contact:
Exhibition Place
Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone
416-392-4009
Dianne Young - CEO, Exhibition Place
416-263-3611
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd.
Robert Hunter – Executive Vice-President, Venues and Entertainment
416-815-5738
