Montreal plans to expand Canadian Football League Stadium

The Montreal Alouettes are preparing for the future of professional football in Montreal. Today, Alouettes President and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Larry Smith presented Phase II of the Percival Molson Memorial Stadium expansion project, which includes a 5,000-seat expansion, as well as the addition of corporate loges and several other new elements to the historical building, erected in 1919.Among the planned renovations that will bring stadium capacity to over 25,000 seats is the construction of a second deck on the south side (over 3,000 new seats), the construction of new stands on the east side (over 1,500 new seats), the construction of a permanent section in the east end zone (a few hundred new seats), and the construction of 20 permanent corporate loges which will bring the total of corporate loges to 30.In addition to the expansion project, the organization is planning the construction of a new ticket office which will be completely integrated into the mountain. The addition of a wrought iron fence with brick columns running from the east entrance to the north secondary access will preserve the architectural integrity of the historic site, with the east entrance becoming the main stadium access. Also in the plans is the construction of a Builders' Wall recognizing the generous private contributors who have aided in the project."The feasibility study has been completed and we will now proceed with the presentation to all the organizations involved in this project," said Mr. Smith. "We are very excited with this project as it will insure the long-term survival of the Montreal Alouettes while providing a first-class facility to McGill University and to the City of Montreal for national and international events. All of the officials involved in this project have been very receptive to our plans and we're counting on their support."Among the organizations that have been consulted with on this project are the Government of Quebec, the Government of Canada, the City of Montreal, the borough of Ville-Marie, Heritage Montreal, Les Amis de la montagne and the Milton Park citizens' group.Two architectural firms have been working on the project, those of HOK Sport Venue and Event, and Werleman, Guy et McMahon Architectes. The City of Montreal and the Minister of Municipal Affairs also contributed the feasibility study.Phase II of the project is valued at $27 million, with the Alouettes fund-raising $4 million from the private sector and requesting a total of $23 million from the federal, provincial and municipal governments.The Alouettes hope to complete the solicitation period over the next few months in order to begin the ground work in 2006, with the objective having the expanded and renovated stadium ready in time for the 2007 season.