Stade Saputo Expansion
With a pristine, natural grass field, a prime location in Olympic Park and easy access by subway or car, Stade Saputo has become a privileged site for soccer in Montreal, Quebec and Canada.
The stadium was inaugurated in 2008 and constructed at a cost of $17 million. The sum of $7.5M was donated by the Saputo family, while $9.5M was financed on a 25-year term. The Quebec government has infused an additional $23 million into the stadium for the current expansion.
On March 9, 2011, the Montreal Impact unveiled the detailed plans for the expansion of Stade Saputo, with stadium seating increasing from 13,034 to 20,521 seats.
“Today, we are presenting to you a major league stadium for a major league city," said Joey Saputo, President of the Montreal Impact and the Stade Saputo. “This is a major step forward for soccer in Montreal and Quebec. This stadium will remain the main rallying point for soccer in the province. In 2012, all our season ticket holders will be able to find a place at Stade Saputo. I would like to thank my family and the Quebec government for their involvement and continued support of this project.”
Roof
Among the most notable changes, a roof will now hang over the upper rows of each grandstand, making the new Stade Saputo a covered, open-air stadium.
Entrances & Concessions
There will now be a total of three entrances to the stadium. The two existing access points will be reworked and a third access point will be created along Viau Boulevard. The stadium will also see an increase in concession stands, from 27 to 100 locations. The two existing boutiques will remain in place, while the West plaza will be reorganized.
Corporate Suites
In order to accommodate the business community, the revamped stadium will also include more corporate suites, jumping from 16 to 34.
Environment
To remain seamlessly integrated within the Olympic Park, the view between the Olympic Village and Olympic Stadium is being maintained, thus respecting an urban planning regulation established for the Montreal Olympic Games in 1976.
Timeline
The expansion project, developed by the architects at Provencher, Roy and Associates, as well as the engineers from Cima +, and currently constructed by Broccolini, began on Oct. 3 and will be completed at the beginning of summer 2012. The Impact will play a limited number of games at Olympic Stadium until the new stadium is complete, including the club's home opener.
Specifications
Address: 4750 Sherbrooke Street East, in Montreal’s Olympic Park
Capacity: From 13,034 to 20,341 seats in 2012
Pitch: Natural grass, 120 yards x 77 yards (110 meters x 70 meters)
Corporate boxes: From 16 to 34 in 2012
Subway: Accessible by two stations: Viau and Pie IX
Point of sales for concessions: From 27 to 100 in 2012
Boutiques (2): Temporary to permanent
Access points: From 2 to 3 entrances in 2012