Montreal’s iconic Olympic Stadium has been undergoing significant renovations in recent years, and a new large-scale project is currently underway to replace its aging roof. This ambitious undertaking is particularly complex due to the massive size of the stadium and the unique architectural features of the original structure.

Operational by 2028 — three major sports in one venue

The project has sparked renewed interest in the stadium’s future, especially after Quebec's Minister of Tourism, Caroline Proulx, addressed the issue during her recent appearance on the podcast Jean-Charles en liberté, hosted by Jean-Charles Lajoie. While the primary focus of the conversation was the Formula 1 Grand Prix, talk eventually turned to the future of the Olympic Stadium.

Proulx revealed that, barring unforeseen delays, the stadium should be operational by 2028, with testing scheduled to begin as early as 2027. While waiting for important decisions regarding sports infrastructure, fans often look for other forms of entertainment — and one of the most popular is online gaming. Discover the best offers for online casino & sports betting and enjoy the thrill of the game.

Once complete, the venue will be capable of hosting games from multiple major sports, including baseball, soccer, and football. According to the minister, there is potential for the Montreal Alouettes (CFL) and a team referred to as FC Montréal to make use of the upgraded stadium. Baseball, however, may prove to be the most intriguing prospect of all.

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Were the Rays headed to Montreal?

Jean-Charles raised an interesting point during the podcast: if it weren't for the ongoing renovations, the Tampa Bay Rays—whose home stadium suffered significant hurricane damage—might have played their 2024 home games in Montreal. Minister Proulx’s response, You’re well-informed, strongly suggests that serious discussions were held about bringing Major League Baseball (MLB) games to the city this year. Unfortunately, the project timeline made it impossible, and the Rays were forced to relocate temporarily to the New York Yankees’ spring training facility in Florida.

This raises a key question: could Montreal become a part-time or full-time home for the Rays—or another MLB team—once the stadium reopens in 2028? While no official commitments have been made, the idea is gaining traction among local sports fans and politicians alike. The revamped stadium would not only restore Montreal’s capacity to host high-profile sporting events but also strengthen the city’s case for eventually bringing MLB back on a permanent basis.

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A city with baseball in Its DNA

This possible future becomes even more relevant considering the city’s history with baseball. Montreal was once home to the Expos, who left for Washington, D.C., in 2005. Ever since, there has been strong local support for the return of a professional baseball team.

Though much remains uncertain—especially with a new provincial government expected in 2026—there is growing optimism surrounding the stadium’s transformation. It’s clear that the Olympic Stadium, once considered outdated and underused, is now being positioned as a centerpiece in Montreal’s sports and entertainment landscape. Only time will tell whether the vision becomes a reality, but for now, the pieces are being put into place for a bold new chapter in the stadium’s long and storied history.