Toronto FC is set to host Inter Miami this Saturday in a match that promises to be a spectacle, not only for the on-field action but also as a crucial preparatory event ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup. With Lionel Messi headlining the opposition, BMO Field will be the centrepiece of attention as it undergoes its first full test run with all temporary seating in place.
BMO Field’s Transformation
This match marks the final home game for Toronto FC before the World Cup kicks off, and it serves as an essential dry run for the venue, which will host six matches during the tournament in June and July. All 17,000 temporary seats installed for the World Cup will be occupied for the first time, with expectations of a record crowd of approximately 45,000, surpassing the previous high of 40,148 set during the NHL’s outdoor Centennial Classic in 2017.
Fans attending the match should prepare for a slightly different experience as new entry points have been introduced. Two additional gates located on the east side of BMO Field, closer to the Coca-Cola Coliseum and Enercare Centre, will serve as the primary access points. This adjustment is part of a broader effort to enhance security and manage foot traffic during the World Cup.
Navigating the Weekend Chaos
As excitement builds for the clash against Messi and his star-studded Miami squad, fans may face challenges getting to the stadium. The Don Valley Parkway, a key thoroughfare, will be closed for maintenance this weekend, complicating travel plans. “I’ve had some disastrous drives to the stadium for the Canadian national team games in the last six or eight months,” remarked Toronto head coach Robin Fraser. “I’d advise everyone to leave early or consider public transport.”
Compounding the situation is an afternoon baseball game featuring the Toronto Blue Jays just three kilometres away, which is expected to further congest the area. Chris Shewfelt, Toronto FC’s vice-president of business operations, acknowledged the potential for increased traffic, stating, “The volume of events around the city is a lot this weekend. Getting ready for a World Cup test event is different than hosting a normal Miami match.”
World Cup Preparations Underway
BMO Field is gearing up to host a high-profile lineup of World Cup fixtures, commencing with Canada’s opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12. Following this, four more group-stage games will feature teams such as Ghana, Germany, and Croatia, culminating in a round-of-32 match on July 2. Notably, the venue will temporarily rebrand as Toronto Stadium during the tournament due to sponsorship arrangements.
In anticipation of the larger crowds, game-day staffing has been significantly boosted, with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment implementing additional measures to ensure a smooth experience for fans. “The building’s jammed,” Shewfelt noted, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the event. “We’ve never put just under 45,000 people into the building before, so this is our way of making sure we get it right.”
Saturday’s match will also serve as a test for new concessions and restroom facilities, as well as the overall efficiency of fan entry and exit through the expanded perimeter. Gates will open 90 minutes prior to the 1 p.m. ET kickoff, a departure from the usual one-hour window, with plans to open even earlier for World Cup matches.
Team Updates and Expectations
Both teams arrive at the match with recent struggles. Inter Miami, despite having Messi in their ranks, recently experienced a dramatic 4-3 loss to Orlando City after squandering a 3-0 lead. Meanwhile, Toronto FC is nursing a string of injuries, having suffered a 3-1 defeat to Atlético Ottawa in their last outing. Coach Fraser is keen for his side to rise to the occasion, stating, “This team has been unbelievably resilient all year long. I hope you’re embarrassed enough that Saturday you make a statement.”
The injury list for Toronto is extensive, with key players such as Nicksoen Gomis, Benjamin Kuscevic, and Richie Laryea among those sidelined. Despite these setbacks, Fraser remains hopeful that the squad can put forth a strong performance against a formidable opponent.
Why it Matters
This match isn’t just about the scoreline; it stands as a critical juncture for Toronto FC as they prepare for the massive undertaking of hosting international matches. The successful execution of this event will set the tone for the World Cup, showcasing Toronto’s ability to handle large crowds and heightened security measures. As the city prepares to welcome the world, this fixture against Messi and Inter Miami is a chance for Toronto FC to make a statement, both on and off the pitch.
