Montreal Olympic Stadium Roof Set for 2028 Completion Amid Interior Modernization Uncertainty
Montreal’s iconic Olympic Stadium is on track to have its new steel roof lifted into position by late 2024, with the entire 870 million dollar roofing project scheduled for completion by the spring of 2028, according to project officials. La Presse reported that while the massive engineering undertaking is meeting its budget and timeline, stadium managers have yet to establish a firm delivery date or finalize a budget for the subsequent interior modernization of the venue.
Engineering the Billion-Dollar Roof Lift
The centerpiece of the renovation is a rigid steel roof structure built directly in the middle of the stadium’s interior. Nadir Guenfoud, vice president of modernization and roof replacement for the Olympic Park, described the upcoming operation as an unprecedented engineering feat during a site tour covered by La Presse and Le Devoir. Between November and December, six massive towers will lift the new roof to a height of 65 meters so it can be permanently attached to the stadium’s leaning tower.
The roofing phase has accounted for roughly 550 million dollars of the total 870 million dollar budget, according to RDS. Officials from the Olympic Park noted that between 65 and 70 percent of the roof replacement work is already finished. Once the steel structure is elevated, crews will focus on installing the glass sections designed to ceinturer the perimeter of the roof.
Interior Modernization Lacks a Fixed Deadline
While the exterior roofing project runs smoothly, the timeline for updating the stadium’s interior remains fluid. The government of Quebec announced plans last summer to modernize the lower grandstands, concourses, and concessions to attract year-round professional sports teams and major entertainment events. However, the Olympic Park has declined to guarantee a completion date for the interior work.
Planning remains ongoing, and administrators must coordinate with the incoming provincial government to ensure long-term alignment.
CF Montreal and Future Tenant Negotiations
The primary hurdle centers on the precise occupancy date, as the club acknowledges the venue will not be ready for the 2027-2028 winter season.
Once interior work allows for partial use, CF Montreal could potentially relocate from Stade Saputo to the Olympic Stadium in phases. Operating in a half-stadium configuration would increase seating capacity from 19,000 to 32,000 spectators. Opening the upper sections—which are not slated for immediate renovation—would push capacity up to 52,000, including 5,000 to 6,000 premium seats requested by the club.
Exploring New Tenants and International Events
Stadium administrators maintain a stated goal of housing two resident professional franchises. While discussions with CF Montreal are advanced, no formal talks have begun with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League, though the stadium’s new rectangular configuration will technically accommodate football. Concurrently, the City of Montreal and the Olympic Park previously explored a bid to host NFL international series games, aligning with the league’s stated desire to expand overseas fixtures.
Major League Baseball tenants are entirely off the table due to field geometry. François Dumontier confirmed that a full baseball schedule is impossible because a diamond layout does not fit the stadium’s new rectangular playing surface. The venue could, however, host standalone baseball exhibitions such as a Savannah Bananas event. Other targets include NHL outdoor or stadium series matches for the Montreal Canadiens, alongside international competitions such as the Pan American Games and world championships in gymnastics and athletics.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Montreal Olympic Stadium roof replacement cost?
The total budget for replacing the roof and technical ring is capped at 870 million dollars. Project managers reported that approximately 550 million dollars has been spent to date, with the overall financial plan remaining on track.
When will the new roof be raised into position?
The central steel structure of the roof is scheduled to be lifted by six towers to a height of 65 meters in November or December before being permanently attached to the stadium’s main tower.
Will the stadium be able to host track and field events after renovations?
The new interior configuration moves the stands 28 meters closer to the playing surface on each side, eliminating space for a traditional 400-meter running track in its exact 1976 Olympic location. Officials note that enough space may be available near the giant screen to construct a track elsewhere if required.
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