Montreal facility repair set to be done by 2026

City already started plan to replace troubled roof of ’76 Olympic Stadium

MONTREAL—The iconic image of Montreal is the leaning tower of sport that was erected over the oval-shaped Olympic Stadium and has been holding up its troubled roof since 1976.

But for once, those casting an eye toward the east-end sports facility on Wednesday after news that Montreal is in the running to host soccer matches when the World Cup comes to North America in 2026 did so with a sense of confidence rather than concern.

Everyone knows a major revamp is necessary before the stadium can host the best soccer players in the world. But plans for those repairs are already well underway.

As part of a strategy to lure large sporting events to the province, the Quebec government has already approved financing for facility upgrades, and a new stadium roof should be in place by 2023.

The FIFA requirement that all matches be played on natural grass fields rather than synthetic turf makes it likely that the new roof will have a retractable element.

“In eight years, it’s certain that the field in place would be up to FIFA standards,” said ex-Canadian national team midfielder Patrice Bernier, a former captain with the Montreal Impact, the MLS soccer team.

There will also be upgrades to the Olympic Stadium’s sound and lighting systems that will occur regardless of whether Montreal is picked as a 2026 World Cup city, Essiminy said.

Other plans that go along with the Montreal’s bid are also quite advanced, from public transport needs to partnerships with local groups that could end up supplying volunteers.

Rosannie Filato, a Montreal city councillor who is heading up the city's bid, said the estimated cost if the city is picked as a location is $69 million, but there is $220 million in potential economic benefits.