Tourism and business groups welcome news the Big O’s interior will be modernized - Montreal Gazette
Montreal’s Olympic Stadium is set to undergo an interior modernization, a development welcomed by various tourism and business organizations. The plan aims to update the venue to meet contemporary standards, with Parc olympique, the site’s operator, tasked with the technical development of the project over the coming months. This initiative coincides with the scheduled completion of the stadium’s roof replacement project in 2028.
While specific details remain limited, the modernization project includes renovations to the stadium’s stands and loges. The goal is to provide spectators with a more engaging viewing experience for all types of events. Additionally, the stadium’s service areas are slated for upgrades to enhance comfort and user-friendliness, and hospitality suites will be transformed to align with current stadium standards. A hotel is also planned for construction on the site.
Community and Economic Impact
Amélie Dionne, Quebec’s Tourism Minister, stated that this marks a significant step for the Olympic Stadium. She highlighted the province’s current lack of venues with a capacity exceeding 20,000 that are equipped to host major international events. Although a specific cost for the interior modernization was not disclosed, Parc olympique projects that the overall project could generate up to $1.5 billion annually in economic benefits.
The announcement comes as Montreal observes the 50th anniversary of hosting the 1976 Olympics. The province has already committed to an $870-million roof replacement for the stadium, often referred to as the Big O. This broader renovation effort has been influenced by pressure from Major League Soccer (MLS), which has urged the province to address the stadium’s condition to secure the long-term future of CF Montréal.
MLS and CF Montréal’s Perspective
MLS commissioner Don Garber previously emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive renovation, stating that merely replacing the roof without improving the interior would be insufficient. He expressed concern about the current interior lacking premium features and a best-in-class experience. Garber‘s objective has been to encourage those responsible for additional funding to finalize the project.
CF Montréal responded positively to the renovation plans, describing them as an important step that demonstrates a commitment to providing sports and entertainment facilities that match Quebec’s ambitions. The club acknowledged the efforts of the Quebec government and Parc olympique, indicating that they would analyze the project details and continue discussions with stakeholders to determine the club’s next steps. CF Montréal maintains that a modern stadium is crucial for the development of professional soccer in Montreal and across Quebec.
Support from Business and Tourism Sectors
The news was met with approval from various tourism and business groups. Isabelle Dessureault, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, views the project as a catalyst for business development and for enhancing the international reach of the province’s businesses. Yves Lalumière, president and director general of Tourism Montreal, echoed this sentiment, noting that cities investing in infrastructure are better positioned to attract significant events, thereby generating economic benefits and tourism.
The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Montreal also welcomed the announcement. The previous state of the stadium’s roof had significant limitations, preventing it from hosting events more than 120 times per year. For safety reasons, events could not be held during heavy rain or substantial snowfall. This situation led to Montreal missing out on major events, as highlighted by Quebec Tourism Minister Caroline Proulx in 2023. She cited instances where artists like Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, and the K-pop group BTS bypassed the city due to the stadium’s condition. The previous roof, installed in 1998, had approximately 20,000 tears and experienced a partial collapse months after its installation.
Source: montrealgazette.com
