According to the plans, the seating capacity of the new stadium would be increased from 13,034 to 20,341 by 2012. With the addition of 7000 more seats, the stadium will be in league with the soccer-specific stadiums in North America.
Expansion plans include building a roof over the upper rows of each grandstand surrounding the stadium covering about one-third of the seats to enhance the ambience and intimacy. The number of corporate loges will be increased to 40 from 16.
The renovation will also add more than 70 permanent and temporary concession stands. Other inclusions would be two permanent boutiques and a third primary access to the stadium from Viau St. on the east side. The stadium expansion plan also includes the installation of a synthetic surface on the training field.
The Saputo Stadium was unveiled in 2008 at a cost of $17 million out of which $7.5 million was donated by the Saputo family while the remaining $9.5 million was financed over a 25-year period.
