Tennis Canada announced plans Tuesday for a new centre-court stadium with a retractable roof at Jarry Park in Montreal, following a year-long feasibility study into the long-term future of the National Bank Open. The project aims to address infrastructure gaps that have placed the tournament below international standards on the professional tours.
What is the proposed new stadium?
The new venue would feature a retractable roof and increase seating capacity to approximately 15,000 seats, compared with the 11,991 capacity of the current IGA Stadium. The design would include up to four additional practice courts and a match court, creating a three-season facility with winterized support infrastructure surrounding a non-winterized playing surface. Tennis Canada is targeting a site west of the existing practice courts for construction, allowing the tournament to continue at its current location during the build-out.
Why does Tennis Canada say the upgrade is necessary?
Both the ATP and WTA have indicated that roofed facilities are now a key requirement for top-tier tournaments, according to National Bank Open tournament director Valérie Tétreault. Rain has repeatedly disrupted match schedules at the National Bank Open, held annually in late July and early August. Tétreault stated that Montreal's facilities rank near the bottom among 1000-level tour venues, putting pressure on the organization to modernize.
What were the other options considered?
The feasibility study examined three scenarios: renovating the existing IGA Stadium, building a new stadium within Jarry Park, or relocating the tournament elsewhere in the city. Relocation was ruled out due to cost, and the study found the difference between renovation and new construction to be negligible. Tennis Canada has opted to pursue the new-build approach.
How will the project be funded?
Tennis Canada has begun discussions with federal, provincial, and municipal governments about funding contributions. A spokesperson for Canada's Secretary of State for Sport, Adam van Koeverden, stated support for the project, noting that Canada is home to one of the largest tennis communities in the world. Tennis Canada indicated it is willing to participate in the financing model but will require government assistance. The next steps include determining the construction timeline and estimated costs.
Sources
- CityNews Montreal: Tennis Canada plans new stadium with a roof as part of Montreal modernization. Posted June 23, 2026.
- Brandon Sun: Tennis Canada plans new stadium — with a roof — as part of Montreal modernization. Posted June 23, 2026.
- CFJC Today Kamloops: Tennis Canada plans new stadium — with a roof — as part of Montreal modernization. Posted June 23, 2026.
- Sportscape Magazine: Tennis Canada plans new roofed centre court in Montreal to upgrade National Bank Open. Published June 24, 2026.
Reported from public sources.