Quebec approves Olympic Stadium interior renovation

The Quebec government has green lit the modernization of the interiors of Olympic Stadium even as the Big O’s roof replacement work continues.

The renovation project will reportedly include rehabilitating the bleachers, upgrades to dressing rooms and adding luxury boxes, as well as modernization of washrooms and concession stands.

Tourism Minister Amélie Dionne confirmed the project Friday, on the 50th anniversary of the opening ceremony of the 1976 Olympic Games, adding that the work will be carried out in over the coming months ahead of the planned reopening in 2028.

Dionne said that currently the province didn’t have any other venues capable of hosting major international events that can hold more than 20,000 spectators.

“Quebec deserves modern infrastructure to host these tours, as well as major sporting, cultural, and entertainment events,” she added.

The minister didn’t specify the costs of the renovation. However, she said that the Olympic Park, which owns the stadium was tasked with finding private funding for the work on the bleachers and the hospitality areas which she said will reduce the cost to the taxpayers.

In 2024, the government announced that it will replace the roof considered to be unstable and hazardous roof at a cost of $870 million arguing that it would be cheaper than a demolition of the stadium which it said would cost $2 billion. The project to replace the roof and the technical ring is currently underway and are “on schedule and on budget” to be completed by 2028, according to the ministry.

In a press release, the ministry said that the goal of the modernization work will allow the venue to host international cultural events and to secure long-term residency agreements with professional sports teams.

As Montreal celebrates the anniversary of the 1976 games, a debate has unfolded on whether the city should host major events again and if the taxpayers should pay for infrastructure projects.

However, the government’s decision to renovate the 56,000-capacity stadium was welcomed by the tourism industry and the business community.

“Cities that invest in their infrastructure attract major events,” said Yves Lalumière, president and CEO of Tourisme Montréal. “Others watch the economic and tourist benefits go elsewhere. With this modernization, Montreal is giving itself the means to be a must-see destination for event tourism.”

The organization says major events can attract travelers and bring economic benefit for the host cities.

“In 2024, Taylor Swift’s six concerts in Toronto generated $282 million in economic impact, including $152 million in direct expenses,” Tourisme Montréal said in a press release. “More than 93 per cent of these expenditures came from out-of-town visitors.”

Jean-Denis Charest, president and CEO of the East End business lobby group Chambre de commerce de l’Est de Montréal (CCEM), said the renovation of the stadium was long overdue.

“With this announcement, the Government of Quebec is providing predictability to partners interested in establishing or expanding their operations around the stadium,” Charest said.

CCEM says that renovating the stadium will encourage new investments in real estate projects, transportation infrastructure and local businesses which would create jobs and bring an estimated $1.5 billion in economic benefits for the region over 10 years.