Tennis Canada plans new stadium in Montreal modernization project

Tennis Canada is planning a significant modernization of its facilities at Jarry Park in Montreal, highlighted by the proposed construction of a new centre-court stadium featuring a retractable roof. This ambitious project is deemed necessary to keep pace with the evolving standards of professional tennis tours. The announcement follows a year-long feasibility study examining the long-term future of the National Bank Open in Montreal. The proposed stadium would increase the venue's capacity to approximately 15,000 seats, surpassing the current IGA Stadium's 11,991 seats. Additionally, the plan includes adding up to four practice courts and a new match court. Valérie Tétreault, tournament director for the National Bank Open, described the plan as a "very important step," expressing concerns that the current facilities are falling behind, a sentiment echoed by both the ATP and WTA tours. The feasibility study considered renovating the existing stadium, building a new one within Jarry Park, or relocating the tournament, with the latter being quickly dismissed due to costs. The focus is now on determining the construction timeline, estimated costs, and securing funding. Tennis Canada has initiated discussions with all three levels of government regarding potential financial support, emphasizing the tournament's economic, sporting, and social impact. The organization is prepared to contribute to the financing model but stressed the need for government assistance. Tennis Canada is targeting an existing baseball field west of the current practice courts for the new venue, which would allow the tournament to continue operating at its current facility during construction. The new stadium is envisioned as a three-season venue. The need for a roof has been a long-standing issue, as rain frequently disrupts match schedules at the National Bank Open, held annually in late July and early August. Tétreault has noted that Montreal's facilities rank low among ATP 1000-level tournaments.

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It was a very important step. We’re feeling like we’re really falling behind and that’s what we’re also told by both the ATP and the WTA. So that puts, of course, extra pressure on us.