Toronto soccer fans could soon play on BMO Field. Here's how to hit the pitch
dreamed of hitting the pitch at BMO Field
could soon be in luck, Toronto FC said.
Ahead of renovations for the
2026 FIFA World Cup
, the soccer club is hosting a one-day event that will allow some fans to play a pick-up match on the pitch, Toronto FC said in a
news release
.
The team will hold a first-of-its-kind open pitch event on Sunday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with fans invited to enter a lottery to play a one-hour match.
Fans aged 18 and older can
sign up online
as teams of 15 (11 on the pitch and four substitutes) starting Monday.
Teams will be chosen through a lottery, the soccer club said, and fans can expect to hear back on Thursday. Each player will also receive five spectator passes for family and friends, and 'repeat applications' will not be considered, the club added.
'Selected participants will receive an authentic player experience,' the soccer club added, including access to the visitor dressing room and team branding on the scoreboard.
'BMO Field has seen some of soccer's biggest talents from around the world take its pitch and will continue this legacy as we prepare to host six World Cup games next summer,' Toronto FC vice-president of business operations Chris Shewfelt said in the news release.
'We are thrilled to be able to add TFC fans to this list of meaningful appearances and be a part of our home stadium's story.'
Children from MLSE's Launchpad soccer program — which gives underserved kids under 12 access to free soccer training, coaching and organized play — will also have the chance to take to the pitch, the soccer club added.
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