An exhibition match between Inter Miami and Toronto FC at the renovated BMO Field served as a practice run for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The game saw Inter Miami clinch a 4-2 victory in front of a full house of 44,828 spectators, with approximately 17,000 fans seated in the newly added grandstand. Trevor Ellis, a devoted TFC supporter, expressed admiration for the panoramic view from the grandstand, praising the sightlines and scenic backdrop of the skyline and lake.
Despite the sellout crowd, a few thousand seats were unoccupied at the start of the match as fans trickled into the venue located near Lake Ontario. Some attendees faced delays navigating the queues and fencing surrounding the stadium, as preparations continued for Canada’s World Cup debut on June 12 against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The temporary grandstand concourse exuded an outdoor tent ambiance, and the stadium’s exterior received mixed reviews from spectators. The scaffolding-style grandstands were erected to meet FIFA’s minimum capacity requirements, featuring grey flip-down seats contrasting with the sea of red in the regular seating section. While the seating offered good grip, spectators in the upper tiers experienced a noticeable incline, engaging their quadriceps and glute muscles.
Under partly cloudy skies and a pleasant 14°C temperature, the MLS matchup featured soccer legend Lionel Messi showcasing his skills for Miami. Ellis lauded the diverse fanbase present at the match, noting the unique atmosphere different from regular TFC games, providing a glimpse of what the World Cup may offer.
Toronto is set to host six World Cup matches until July 2 as part of the joint hosting by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Ellis anticipated challenges due to the potential heat and exposure to the elements, urging fans to embrace the experience despite any adverse weather conditions. Concerns were raised about the impact of inclement weather on the tournament and the lively ambiance expected from passionate fans, akin to stadiums in Argentina known for their fervor.
Some fans seated along the grandstand edges faced obstructed views from the video screens positioned near the pitch corners. BMO Field will be temporarily rebranded as Toronto Stadium for the World Cup, being the smallest venue among the 16 host cities. The tournament’s climax is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
