BMO Stadium

History and Development

The stadium's development began with the selection of the former Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena site in Exposition Park in May 2015. The project, estimated to cost $250 million, was planned as a 22,000-seat venue for the then-new Major League Soccer franchise, Los Angeles FC. The group estimated the project would create 1,200 temporary construction jobs and 1,800 full-time jobs, generating $2.5 million in annual tax revenue. The environmental impact report, arena demolition, and stadium construction were projected to take three years, delaying the team's debut until 2018. The Los Angeles City Council approved the stadium plans on May 6, 2016, clearing the final regulatory hurdle for construction to proceed. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on August 23, 2016, where the club announced a 15-year, $100 million naming rights deal with Banc of California.

Demolition of the old Sports Arena began shortly after the groundbreaking and was completed by October 2016. The stadium's first public event was an open practice and dedication ceremony held on April 18, 2018. Los Angeles FC played its inaugural match at the venue on April 29, 2018, defeating Seattle Sounders FC 1-0 before a capacity crowd of 22,000, with the lone goal scored by Laurent Ciman in stoppage time. The naming rights partnership with Banc of California ended in May 2020, with the bank paying $20 million for early termination but remaining the club's banking sponsor. On January 19, 2023, the Bank of Montreal (BMO) was announced as the new naming rights sponsor, shortly after the Canadian bank's acquisition of the California-based Bank of the West. In November 2020, it was announced that the newly formed Angel City FC of the National Women's Soccer League would also call the stadium home beginning with their inaugural season.

Design and Architectural Features

BMO Stadium was designed as a state-of-the-art, soccer-specific venue with an intimate fan experience as a priority. The seating bowl is built at a steep 34-degree incline, among the steepest in Major League Soccer, ensuring all 22,000 seats are within 135 feet (41 metres) of the field. The closest seats are just 12 feet (3.7 metres) from the touchline, and the stadium includes 125,000 square feet (11,600 square metres) of publicly accessible walkways and plazas. A distinctive design feature is a northeast opening that frames views of the downtown Los Angeles skyline and the San Gabriel Mountains, creating a 'keyhole' vista from the angled press box. The roof is covered with 190,000 square feet (18,000 square metres) of ETFE film, and the playing field consists of 86,000 square feet (8,000 square metres) of improved bermuda grass.

The North End is dedicated to the club's supporters' group, known as the '3252' for the number of seats in its safe-standing section. This area was built at the 34-degree incline and features angled handrails inspired by rollercoaster designs. The central section of this stand includes a removable stage for concerts and other non-sporting events, and on top of the North End is a supporter-designed bar accessible only from the 3252 section. The stadium is a LEED Silver certified building and incorporates numerous sustainable features. Five percent of the stadium's parking spaces have electric vehicle charging stations, with infrastructure ready for twenty percent, and the venue has 440 planned bicycle parking spaces connected to the city's My Figueroa Project bike path.

Primary Soccer Tenants and Achievements

The primary tenants of BMO Stadium are Los Angeles FC of Major League Soccer and Angel City FC of the National Women's Soccer League. Los Angeles FC, the owner and operator of the stadium, has achieved significant success since its inaugural 2018 season. The club won the MLS Supporters' Shield in 2019 and again in 2022, followed by winning the MLS Cup in 2022. In 2024, LAFC added the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup to its trophy case. The club states its mission is to be a force for good in the community and to unite the world's city through the world's game, and it subleases the stadium site from the University of Southern California, which holds a master lease with the LA Memorial Coliseum Commission.

Angel City FC, which began play in 2022, is known for its strong community engagement and focus on celebrating women's soccer. The club's presence adds a major professional women's sports tenant to the stadium's roster, sharing the facility with its more established counterpart. Both teams leverage the stadium's design, with the intimate seating and steep stands creating a loud and supportive atmosphere for home matches that has become a mark of the venue. The stadium's location next to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and just south of the University of Southern California campus integrates it into a major sports and education hub in the city.

Major Domestic and International Soccer Events

Beyond hosting its primary tenants, BMO Stadium has been selected for several high-profile soccer events. It served as a venue for the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, hosting two matches in Group C of the tournament. The stadium also hosted the 2021 MLS All-Star Game on August 25, 2021, which brings together the league's top players. In a unique circumstance for the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League, the stadium served as the temporary 'home' venue for New York City FC during their Round of 16 match. New York City FC used BMO Stadium because their primary venue, Yankee Stadium, and secondary option, Citi Field, were not approved by CONCACAF, and their soccer-specific stadium, Red Bull Arena, was undergoing renovations.

The stadium served as the home venue for New York City FC during the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League Round of 16 due to issues with the club's other venues. Their primary and secondary stadiums were not approved by CONCACAF for use in the tournament, while Red Bull Arena was undergoing renovations. Banc of California Stadium was chosen due to New York City FC's upcoming MLS regular season match to be played against the LA Galaxy at the nearby Dignity Health Sports Park. This event demonstrates the stadium's capability to host critical international club matches on short notice.

• April 29, 2018: LAFC inaugural match vs. Seattle Sounders FC (MLS).
• 2019: CONCACAF Gold Cup Group C matches.
• August 25, 2021: MLS All-Star Game.
• 2022: CONCACAF Champions League match for New York City FC.
• 2022 MLS Cup: Hosted by LAFC as champions.

Boxing, Lacrosse, and Olympic Future

BMO Stadium has developed a notable history as a boxing venue, beginning with its first event on August 17, 2019. That night featured a WBO junior featherweight title fight where champion Emanuel Navarrete successfully defended his title against Francisco De Vaca via a third-round technical knockout. Golden Boy Promotions promoted a card on July 9, 2021, headlined by Gilberto 'Zurdo' Ramirez defeating Sullivan Barrera, with Joseph Diaz also winning on the undercard. A major professional crossover boxing event featuring Austin McBroom vs. AnEsonGib was held on September 10, 2022, and the first event held under the BMO Stadium name was a major boxing card on August 4, 2024.

Promoted under the Riyadh Season banner, the August 2024 event was the first Riyadh Season event held outside Saudi Arabia. The main event saw Terence Crawford move up to super welterweight and defeat Israil Madrimov via unanimous decision to win the WBA world title, becoming a four-weight world champion. In lacrosse, the stadium hosted the inaugural Premier Lacrosse League All-Star Game on July 21, 2019. Looking ahead, BMO Stadium is slated to be part of the Downtown Sports Park and host flag football and lacrosse events when Los Angeles hosts the 2028 Summer Olympics, cementing its role in international multi-sport competitions.

Concerts and Music Festival History

BMO Stadium is a major concert venue in Los Angeles, designed to host large-scale musical events across all genres. Its concert history began shortly after opening with KIIS-FM's Wango Tango event on June 2, 2018, and a performance by Beck in October 2018. The venue has since attracted a diverse array of artists including Mumford & Sons in August 2019, Iron Maiden in September 2019, and Guns N' Roses, whose sold-out show on August 19, 2021, grossed over $3.4 million from 21,950 patrons. The stadium has proven particularly popular for K-pop acts, hosting sold-out shows by groups like Twice in May 2022, Blackpink in November 2022, Tomorrow X Together in May 2023 and again in September 2025, Seventeen in November 2024, and ATEEZ in July 2024.

The venue has also hosted multi-day music festivals. The Rolling Loud hip-hop festival was held there in 2018 and 2019, featuring artists such as Post Malone, Lil Wayne, Cardi B, Chance the Rapper, and Future. Part of the Hard Summer festival took place at the stadium and adjacent Exposition Park in August 2023. Other notable concerts have included System of a Down with Korn in February 2022, The Killers in August 2022, Swedish House Mafia in September 2022, blink-182 in June 2023, and Fall Out Boy with Bring Me the Horizon in July 2023. The stadium's schedule remains busy years in advance, with announced concerts extending into 2026 including Gloria Trevi in February 2026 and Iron Maiden with Megadeth and Anthrax in September 2026.

Other Events and Community Use

Beyond sports and concerts, BMO Stadium has hosted a variety of other events. It was used for a celebrity pro-am esports event for Fortnite Battle Royale in June 2018, coinciding with the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). The event was won by a team of professional player Ninja and electronic music producer Marshmello. The stadium is also intended to serve as a community asset for the Exposition Park area and Los Angeles's 9th District, with plans to host local cultural events. The venue hosted the Fanatics Flag Football Classic on March 21, 2026, featuring current and former NFL players like Tom Brady, Saquon Barkley, and Rob Gronkowski, along with coaches Pete Carroll and Sean Payton.

BMO Stadium hosted the Fanatics Flag Football Classic on March 21, 2026. This event was originally set to be held in Riyadh to close out the 2026 Riyadh Season but was relocated due to the ongoing war between the United States and Iran which is affecting Saudi Arabia. The stadium's design includes a removable stage in the central section of the North End stand for use during concerts and other events outside of sports. The stadium is also designed to host concerts and other musical events, and it has been used for local cultural events in Los Angeles's 9th District.

BMO Field in Toronto and 2026 FIFA World Cup Preparations

While BMO Stadium is in Los Angeles, its naming rights sponsor, BMO, is also associated with BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario, Canada's first soccer-specific stadium. BMO Field is owned by the City of Toronto and managed by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), which owns tenants Toronto FC (MLS) and the Toronto Argonauts (CFL). The stadium is undergoing a $146 million renovation in preparation for hosting matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The city is contributing $123 million to the upgrades, with MLSE providing the remaining $23 million, and the project is currently on budget.

The renovations include permanent upgrades such as four new large video boards measuring 50 by 30 feet, enhanced locker rooms, and improved lighting, audio, broadcast infrastructure, and stadium Wi-Fi. To meet FIFA's minimum capacity requirements, 17,756 temporary seats will be added by contractor Arena Event Services, increasing total capacity to 45,736 for the tournament. These temporary seats will be installed in the north and south grandstands immediately after the Northern Super League final on November 15, 2025, and removed after the World Cup, leaving BMO Field with a permanent capacity of approximately 30,000. A new premium lounge and rooftop patio will remain as permanent legacy features for fans of Toronto FC and the Argonauts.

During the World Cup, the venue will be known as Toronto Stadium in accordance with FIFA's neutral naming policy for tournament venues. Toronto will host six matches: five group stage games on June 12, 17, 20, 23, and 26, 2026, and one round of 32 match on July 2, 2026. The June 12 match will feature Canada's national team in their first game of the tournament. FIFA will take over the stadium on May 12, 2026, approximately 30 days before the first match, and the venue will stage test matches prior to the handover. Organizers have a comprehensive mobility plan that strongly encourages public transit use, with very limited parking available near the venue due to a large security perimeter stretching from the Gardiner Expressway to Lakeshore Boulevard.

Economic Impact and Legacy

The construction and operation of BMO Stadium have generated significant economic activity for Los Angeles. The original $250 million project was estimated to create 1,200 temporary construction jobs and 1,800 full-time jobs, generating $2.5 million in annual tax revenue. The venue continues to contribute through ticket sales, hospitality, and ancillary spending during dozens of event days each year. The naming rights deals themselves represent major investments, first with the $100 million agreement with Banc of California and later with the undisclosed but significant partnership with BMO. The stadium's success as a concert venue, with shows grossing millions of dollars, further adds to its economic footprint and solidifies its role as a year-round entertainment destination.

For Toronto's BMO Field, the World Cup upgrades represent a substantial public investment aimed at securing the city's place in a global event and improving the stadium's long-term utility. The 2026 World Cup is projected to be the most attended tournament ever, and BMO Field, as the smallest host venue, is seen as a symbol of a more sustainable approach to tournament hosting that prioritizes atmosphere and long-term usability over sheer size. The permanent improvements to lighting, sound, video, and hospitality areas will benefit Toronto FC and Argonauts fans for years after the tournament concludes, leaving a lasting legacy from the World Cup investment. The project also involves local suppliers and creates construction jobs, contributing to the Toronto economy during the renovation phase.

Questions about BMO Stadium

Which teams play their home games at BMO Stadium?

BMO Stadium is the home venue for two professional soccer teams. It is the home of Los Angeles FC (LAFC) of Major League Soccer (MLS), who have played there since the stadium opened in 2018. It is also the home of Angel City FC (ACFC) of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), who began playing at the stadium in 2022. LAFC is the owner and operator of the stadium and has won the MLS Cup, Supporters' Shield, and U.S. Open Cup since its founding.

What is the seating capacity of BMO Stadium?

BMO Stadium has a seating capacity of 22,000 for soccer matches. The design is noted for its steep 34-degree incline, which places all seats within 135 feet (41 metres) of the field, creating an intimate atmosphere. The North End features a safe-standing section for 3,252 supporters, which gives the stadium's primary supporters' group its name. The closest seats are only 12 feet from the field, making it one of the most fan-proximate venues in Major League Soccer.

What other major events are held at BMO Stadium besides soccer?

Beyond soccer, BMO Stadium is a major concert venue, having hosted artists like Guns N' Roses, The Killers, Blackpink, and Iron Maiden. It also hosts boxing matches, having featured fights with Terence Crawford and Emanuel Navarrete. The stadium has hosted lacrosse all-star games, flag football events with NFL stars, and will host flag football and lacrosse during the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. It has also hosted esports tournaments and community cultural events.

What is the connection between BMO Stadium and BMO Field in Toronto?

Both venues have naming rights partnerships with the Bank of Montreal (BMO). BMO Stadium in Los Angeles is sponsored by BMO Bank, a subsidiary of the Canadian bank. BMO Field in Toronto is a different stadium, owned by the City of Toronto and home to Toronto FC and the Toronto Argonauts. BMO Field is being upgraded to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, during which it will be called Toronto Stadium to comply with FIFA sponsorship regulations.

How is BMO Field in Toronto preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

BMO Field is undergoing a $146 million renovation funded by the City of Toronto and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. The work includes adding 17,756 temporary seats to reach a tournament capacity of 45,736, installing four new large video boards, and upgrading locker rooms, lighting, audio, and Wi-Fi. During the World Cup, it will be called Toronto Stadium and host six matches, including Canada's first game on June 12, 2026. FIFA takes control of the venue on May 12, 2026, after which test matches will be held to ensure readiness.

Where is BMO Stadium located?

BMO Stadium is a soccer specific stadium in the Exposition Park neighbourhood of Los Angeles, California, United States. It was constructed on the site of the former Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. The stadium is located directly next to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. It is situated just south of the main campus of the University of Southern California. Los Angeles FC subleases the site from the university, which holds a master lease for the property.

Sources and further reading

• BMO Stadium (Wikipedia)
• BMO Stadium | Host Your Event (bmostadium.com)
• World Cup 2026: Toronto Stadium (stadiumdb.com)

Checked by the Yadude Books desk. Last updated 2026-10-29.