Significant modernization work is progressing steadily at Montreal’s Olympic Stadium, a landmark venue that has long been in need of a major overhaul. The project has reached a critical stage involving the dismantling of the stadium’s technical ring — a large concrete structure that surrounds the opening in the roof.

Complex and careful dismantling process

This phase is a key part of the overall renovation plan, which involves fully replacing the stadium’s old roof. The project budget is 870 million Canadian dollars, with completion expected in 2027. Biggest stadiums in Canada, such as the Montreal Olympic Stadium with its 56,000 seats, play a crucial role in hosting large-scale events. Known for its distinctive architecture and rich history, this stadium remains one of the country’s most important venues. This makes the ongoing renovation vital to maintain its status and improve the experience for millions of visitors annually.

The old roof, installed in 1998 by the company Birdair, was made of fiberglass covered with Teflon and spanned a massive 27,000 square meters. Its removal began in the spring of 2024 and was successfully completed at the start of this year. Now, roughly 300 workers are on site every day, focused on removing 38 massive concrete sections that make up the technical ring. Each section weighs between 100 and 130 tons, roughly equivalent to the weight of a small duplex house.

The dismantling requires meticulous work: the concrete segments are carefully detached one by one and lowered to the ground using cranes. Only after being safely brought down are the pieces dismantled further and cleared from the site. The stadium’s unique and complex geometry means no two pieces are identical, which adds to the challenge.

© Lilia Laurent (cc: by-sa)

New, lighter roof with modern features

Once the removal of the old technical ring is complete — expected after the summer construction break — the project will move on to installing the new ring, made of steel. This new structure will be approximately six times lighter than the current one. It will also house modern ventilation, lighting, and sound systems, which are designed to significantly enhance the overall experience for visitors and event attendees.

The new roof of Olympic Stadium will consist of a central section built from steel and elastomer materials. Structurally, 75% of its support will come from the stadium’s iconic mast, while the remaining 25% will rely on the existing support consoles. A broad edge of translucent glass will allow natural light to flood into the stadium’s interior, improving visibility and ambiance.