Today, Tennis Canada, the national non-profit sports organization whose mission is to foster the growth, development and promotion of tennis in Canada, announced that it has selected a site redevelopment scenario including the construction of a new three-season venue as part of its initiative to modernize the facilities at IGA Stadium.
This direction is rooted in the findings of a feasibility study partially funded by Tourisme Montréal and conducted over the past year. The study’s objective was to analyze various scenarios to better address the future needs of the site and the community, particularly with respect to accessibility and integration with the park, while ensuring the long-term future of the National Bank Open in Montreal. The construction of a new stadium combined with the comprehensive redevelopment of Tennis Canada’s infrastructures at Parc Jarry emerges as the most sustainable, responsible, practical and forward-looking solution for the tournament, the community and Canadian tennis.
The project currently under consideration involves:
The construction of a new centre court with greater seating capacity.
The addition of a retractable roof so the stadium can operate in all weather conditions during three seasons.
The addition of indoor and outdoor courts accessible to the community and upgrades to the current facilities.
A comprehensive site redesign that enhances the integration with Parc Jarry and improves accessibility for community members.
Tennis Canada is now entering the next phase of the process, with the more in-depth, technical, financial and operational analyses required to advance the project.
Modernization is essential to the tournament’s future in Montréal
Each year, Montréal hosts one of the world’s premier international tennis tournaments, with event surpluses reinvested in tennis development in Québec and across Canada. The National Bank Open presented by Rogers generates significant social, economic, sport and health benefits while contributing to Montréal’s international profile. Amid increasing global competition and with nearly all 1000-level tournaments (same level as Montreal) having taken place in either newly built or extensively renovated stadiums in recent years, the construction of a new stadium in Montréal has become essential to ensure the event remains in Québec.
Although it generated $40 million in economic benefits in 2025, the National Bank Open does not receive annual public funding, unlike many major events and large-scale sporting competitions. In fact, the tournament operates under a unique self-financing model since its success enables Tennis Canada to support the accessibility and growth of tennis across the country while also implementing programs that foster the development of elite athletes. It is thanks to the tournament’s net proceeds that the federation has been able to support the development of athletes such as Félix Auger-Aliassime, Victoria Mboko, and many others who trained at the Rogers National Tennis Centre at IGA Stadium.
QUOTES
Valérie Tétreault, Vice-President, Communications & Professional Tournaments at Tennis Canada, and National Bank Open Director
“Modernizing the facilities at IGA Stadium has become imperative to preserve the unique model that Tennis Canada has built over several decades. The current stadium is nearing the end of its service life and no longer meets the standards of the professional tours. Furthermore, it no longer aligns with the needs of the elite players we host or the expectations of our partners. We must therefore act responsibly to safeguard the future of the tournament.”
“The status quo is no longer an option. The National Bank Open is the driving force behind tennis in Québec and across Canada, playing a vital role not only in developing the sport at every level but also in fostering active and healthy communities. Canada is now among the countries with the highest tennis participation rates in the world, thanks in part to the ecosystem supported by the tournament, which fuels grassroots participation and the emergence of world-class talent. We must act now and invest in sustainable infrastructure that meets the needs of today and tomorrow.”
Yves Lalumière, President and Chief Executive Officer, Tourisme Montréal
"The modernization of IGA Stadium represents a strategic opportunity for Montreal to strengthen its position as a premier international event destination. At a time when competition among major host cities is becoming increasingly intense, it is essential to maintain infrastructure that matches the calibre of the events we aspire to host. This project will not only help secure the future of the National Bank Open in Montreal, but will also enhance the city’s attractiveness, generate significant economic benefits, and support the international profile of our destination. Tourisme Montréal will continue to support initiatives that help ensure Montreal remains among the world’s leading sports capitals."
A collaborative and phased approach
As part of the project’s next phase, Tennis Canada launched a request for proposals to develop an opportunity study that will further refine the analyses and confirm the parameters of the selected solution. Preliminary discussions are already underway with all levels of government and several partners to explore potential avenues for collaboration.
Tennis Canada is placing the community at the centre of its approach and remains committed to maintaining an open dialogue with local stakeholders. Consultations will be organized to ensure the project’s evolution reflects the expectations and needs of Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension residents and those who use Parc Jarry.
“This modernization project presents a unique opportunity to work closely with all our partners to design facilities that address not only Tennis Canada’s needs but also the needs of as many stakeholders as possible,” concluded Valérie Tétreault. “We are committed to doing everything we can to ensure the project becomes a source of pride and mobilization for local residents, the borough and the city of Montréal.”
For more information about the modernization project, please visit the IGA Stadium Modernization Initiative Page: https://www.tenniscanada.com/about-tennis-canada/iga-stadium-montreal/iga-stadium-modernization
