Stadium Guide

BMO Field (Toronto Stadium)

Bmo_field

Quick Introduction

Toronto’s waterfront home for World Cup 26™ action sits inside Exhibition Place, a short hop from downtown. Officially renamed Toronto Stadium for the tournament, BMO Field will use temporary seating to expand capacity to ≈45,736. It’s an outdoor venue with a hybrid natural-grass pitch and a roof canopy covering most seats on the east, west and south sides—great for shade, but still open to lake breezes.

Learn more about Toronto with our in-depth fan guide.

Match dates in Toronto

  • Fri, June 12, 2026 – Canada’s opener

  • Wed, June 17, 2026

  • Sat, June 20, 2026

  • Tue, June 23, 2026

  • Fri, June 26, 2026

  • Thu, July 2, 2026

BMO Field (Toronto Stadium)

Stadium Overview

I first stepped onto the Exhibition Place grounds on a warm summer evening, the lake breeze pushing the sound of drums and chants across the plaza. From the moment you see the red seats against the skyline, you get why this venue works so well: it feels intimate, loud, and unmistakably Toronto. I came for a packed match—supporters in full voice on the south end, flags in motion, the kind of atmosphere that makes even a neutral lean forward.

Inside, the concourses move people efficiently, and the food scene actually reflects the city: I grabbed a quick banh mi on one visit, poutine on another, and never felt like I had to settle for “just a hot dog.” Lines flowed, payment was frictionless, and staff were proactive about directing fans—little operational touches that planners notice. As the sun dropped, the temperature did too (lake effect is real), and the stadium’s partial cover helped, but I was grateful for a light layer.

What struck me most wasn’t just the noise—it was the sightlines. Whether you’re on the lower bowl or higher up, you feel close to the action, and that energy translates into a better event, period. If you’re heading here for a big match, arrive early, give yourself time to explore the concourse, and let the pre-game build do its work. BMO Field rewards preparedness and pays it back with a proper big-game feel.

Jason Paha – Senior Editor, Sports Planning Guide

BMO Field is an outdoor stadium at Exhibition Place in Toronto. It normally seats just over 30,000 fans (expandable up to ~34,000 for some events). For the 2026 World Cup, temporary expansions will bring capacity to ~45,736 spectators to meet FIFA requirements.

The field is natural grass, surrounded by a lower bowl (100-level) and an upper bowl (200-level) of seating. Premium clubs and suites are primarily on the west side (e.g. BMO Club, suites). In 2016 a roof canopy was added over the east, west, and south stands, offering cover to many seats while leaving the pitch and some endzone sections open to the elements.

Tip: Because it’s near Lake Ontario, conditions can be cooler or windier than downtown – umbrellas are not allowed, so bring a rain jacket or poncho if rain is forecast.

 

  • Concessions (cashless): Wide mix of local and international options plus classic stadium fare; beer/alcohol sales usually end around the 65th minute. Outside food/drink isn’t allowed. Bring an empty (non-glass) bottle to use at water stations.

  • Merch & Payments: Team store and kiosks inside the stadium; all major cards/mobile pay accepted. ATMs are scarce on Exhibition grounds due to the cash-free policy—plan ahead.

  • Facilities: Plentiful washrooms on each concourse, including gender-neutral restrooms on all levels, family/companion restrooms, baby-changing stations, and a nursing room at Gate 1 Guest Services.

  • Accessibility: Accessible seating plus wheelchair escorts, assistive listening devices, and a quiet room at the Gate 1 Guest Services trailer. For easier elevator access, use Gates 1 or 5. Exhibition GO Station currently lacks an elevator (construction); GO Transit can arrange a shuttle with advance notice.

Clear Bag Policy
BMO Field enforces a restricted bag policy – avoid bringing bags if possible. Only small bags meeting these criteria are allowed:

  • Clear plastic/vinyl bags up to 30.5cm x 16cm x 30.5cm (12” x 6” x 12”) – must be completely clear, with no opaque pockets or concealing decor.
  • One-gallon (3.8L) clear ziplock bags (resealable freezer bag).
  • Small clutches or purses under 16.5cm x 11.5cm (6.5” x 4.5”) (about the size of a hand) are permitted.

Prohibited Bags
Backpacks, tote bags, or any larger bags not meeting the above size/clear criteria will be turned away at security.

Exception: If you have a medical or childcare necessity that requires a larger bag, you must arrange clearance with MLSE security in advance. All non-conforming bags will otherwise be refused entry. There is a paid bag check outside Gate 3 (limited space, CAD $10 fee) if you absolutely must bring a non-compliant bag.

Security Screening
Expect airport-style security screening. All fans pass through metal detectors and bag inspections (for allowed bags) at the gates. No outside food or beverages can be brought in (empty plastic water bottles are usually allowed for filling inside).

Prohibited items include weapons, flares/fireworks, professional camera equipment (no lenses over 6” without permission), noise makers, and large banners or flags (unless pre-approved for supporter sections).

Note: BMO Field is a cashless venue – all concessions and merchandise are credit/debit only, so no need to bring cash.

Ticketing
All tickets for events are digital/mobile. Make sure to download your tickets to your smartphone before arriving (or add to your mobile wallet) and have your screen brightness up at the gate for scanning. If you have issues with your mobile ticket, visit the ticket office or a Guest Services desk (located at Gate 1, Gate 3, etc.) inside the stadium.

  • Code of Conduct & Policies: Be respectful; intoxicated or disorderly behavior can lead to ejection. No smoking/vaping anywhere. No re-entry once you exit.

  • Weather Prep: Open-air venue with partial cover; lakeside evenings can feel cooler—bring layers. East-side sections get afternoon sun. If rain is likely, use ponchos/raincoats—umbrellas are not permitted.

  • Arrive Early: For major matches, gates typically open ~90 minutes before kickoff; aim to arrive at least an hour early to clear security, find seats, and grab food/merch. Expect extra screening for World Cup events.

BMO Field (Toronto Stadium)

Transportation Guide

TTC Streetcar

BMO Field is well-served by Toronto’s transit. From downtown, the easiest route is via streetcar: take the 509 Harbourfront streetcar from Union Station (on the subway Line 1) directly to Exhibition Loop, which is a short walk to the stadium. Alternatively, from the west end of downtown you can take the 511 Bathurst streetcar from Bathurst Station (Line 2) to Exhibition grounds. These streetcar routes stop just outside Exhibition Place. On event days, service is frequent, but be prepared for crowds when leaving – you might have to wait for the second or third streetcar after a big match.

TTC Bus

Another handy route is the 29 Dufferin bus from Dufferin Station (Line 2), which goes south to the Exhibition Grounds near Dufferin Gate. This route often has added buses on game days. Check the TTC website for any route diversions or extra service – for instance, construction can sometimes lead to shuttle buses replacing streetcars on part of the route.

GO Train (Regional Rail)

If you’re coming from outside the city or other parts of the Greater Toronto Area, the GO Train is a convenient option. Exhibition GO Station is located adjacent to BMO Field – just a few minutes’ walk to the gates. It is one stop west of Union Station on GO’s Lakeshore West line. Coming from the west (Oakville, Mississauga, etc.) or from downtown Union, take any Lakeshore West train and disembark at Exhibition Station. From the east (Scarborough, Durham region), take a Lakeshore East train to Union and transfer, or some through-trains may continue on the Lakeshore West line. Trains typically run every 30 minutes on weekends and more frequently during events.

From the Airport

If you’re coming straight from Pearson Airport (YYZ), you can take the UP Express train to Union Station (25-minute ride), then transfer to the 509 streetcar or GO Train as above. This is often faster than a taxi in traffic. From Billy Bishop City Airport (YTZ), the airport ferry/tunnel connects you to downtown, where you can catch the 509 streetcar.

BMO Field (Toronto Stadium)

Parking Guide

Parking Options
There are several paid parking lots on the Exhibition Place grounds and nearby. On-site parking is limited and fills quickly on big match days. Rates during Toronto FC or World Cup games are typically a flat event rate (around $30 CAD) per vehicle. Note that all parking at Exhibition Place is cashless – you must pay by credit/debit or via the Green P mobile app* (City of Toronto’s parking app). In fact, *Lot 852 (closest south of BMO Field) is exclusively payable through the Green P app (no pay-and-display machine), so download and set up the app beforehand for convenience. Other lots will accept tap payment by card or phone. Event parking prices may vary depending on other events in the area (ranging from $15 on non-event days up to $30 or more on major event days).

Nearby Lots
Major parking lots include Lot 1 (underground garage at Enercare Centre), and surface lots labeled Lot 2, 3, 4 around the grounds (see Exhibition Place parking map). Some lots offer a reduced rate (e.g. Lot 856 on the west side) if you don’t mind a slightly longer walk. Accessible parking spots (with permit) are available in all lots (88 spaces total across the venue), but arrive early to secure one.

Park & Ride Alternatives
To avoid traffic and high parking fees, consider parking outside the core and taking transit in. For example, you might park at a GO Train station park-and-ride (like Port Credit or Oakville on the Lakeshore West line) and take the train to Exhibition. If you’re staying in suburbs like Mississauga, Etobicoke, North York, etc., driving to a subway or GO station and riding in can save time and hassle – downtown parking is scarce and expensive during big events.