The Olympic Stadium has to temporarily close its doors due to extensive work, forcing the cancellation of several events, including CF Montreal games.
Due to the uncertain temperatures in spring, Bleu-Blanc-Noir usually begins its regular season in this amphitheater while waiting for the Stade Saputo to become playable again. However, the removal of the artificial turf field will disrupt the plans indefinitely.
“The exploratory work to be carried out includes design, technical and architectural analysis, surveys, core drilling, inspections and preventive maintenance of the enclosure’s drainage system. The mobile stands will also be dismantled in the coming weeks,” the Olympic Park said in a press release on Tuesday.
“Minister of Tourism Caroline Proulx has asked the Olympic Park to submit a commercial file for the replacement of the roof of the Olympic Stadium. The ongoing work is part of the necessary steps to develop this file. “The steps taken by the Olympic Park to review its events calendar in no way constitute a prerequisite for the Quebec government’s decision regarding the renewal of the stadium’s roof,” said Minister Proulx’s office.
CF Montreal announced on social media that the first home game of the 2024 season will not be played at Stade Saputo until April.
“We are aware of the impact of this decision, but we have a responsibility, together with our partners, including CF Montréal, to take the necessary measures to minimize the consequences of the temporary inaccessibility of the stadium,” added the president and CEO of the Olympic Park, Michel Labrecque.
In the next few months, ExpoHabitation (February 8-11) and the Montreal Electric Vehicle Show (April 19-21) are planned for the central area of the stadium. Both events will take place in the metropolis, but at an as yet unspecified location.
“We are working closely with the affected project promoters to help them find alternative solutions,” said Mr Labrecque.
-With Francis Pilon, Le Journal de Montréal