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IGA Stadium
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IGA Stadium
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IGA Stadium (French: Stade IGA), originally called Du Maurier Stadium and formerly Uniprix Stadium, is the main tennis court at the Canadian Open tournament in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Built in 1996 and completed the following year, the centre court stadium currently holds 11,815 spectators.[1] The stadium grounds is located in Jarry Park within the borough of Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension.

Key Information

On Monday, April 16, 2018, Tennis Canada announced the stadium would have a naming rights contract with Empire Company, a Nova Scotia-based conglomerate that branded the stadium as Stade IGA, for their licensed grocer brand operated by their subsidiary Sobeys. Formerly, it was named after Du Maurier, a cigarette brand, then Uniprix, a pharmacy chain in Quebec.[2][citation needed]

The twelve courts at this venue use the DecoTurf cushioned acrylic surface, a surface previously used at the U.S. Open Tennis Championships. The Canadian Open is part of the US Open Series of events leading into the Grand Slam event. Uniquely, the Canadian Open is held in two cities, Montreal and Toronto, with the men and women alternating venues each year. Beginning 2021, IGA Stadium hosts the WTA in odd-numbered years and hosts the ATP in even-numbered years.

Its core seating area is a remnant of the former Major League Baseball stadium on the site, Jarry Park Stadium, the original home of the Montreal Expos (now Washington Nationals), with the main road being 285 Rue Gary Carter, named for the National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee whose career primarily was in the city.

On May 23, 2025, the Montreal Alliance will host the Ottawa Blackjacks in a Canadian Elite Basketball League game outdoors at IGA Stadium. According to the league, "It will be the first professional five-on-five basketball game held outdoors in Canadian history."[3]

See also

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References

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IGA Stadium

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IGA Stadium is a world-class tennis complex located in Jarry Park, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, at 285 Rue Gary-Carter, serving as the primary venue for the National Bank Open, an annual ATP and WTA Masters 1000 tournament.
Originally the site of Jarry Park Stadium, which hosted the Montreal Expos Major League Baseball team from 1969 to 1977, the facility was redeveloped in the mid-1990s into a dedicated tennis venue through a partnership between Tennis Canada and the City of Montreal.
Renovations in 1996 established the core infrastructure, with further expansions in 2004 adding indoor courts and increasing seating, and in 2011 enhancing media facilities and introducing clay courts; the stadium received its current name in 2018 via a long-term sponsorship with the IGA grocery chain, previously known as Jarry Stadium, Uniprix Stadium, and Du Maurier Stadium.
As a nonprofit operated by Tennis Canada, it functions as the National Tennis Centre, supporting player development, coaching, and competitions while offering public access to its facilities year-round.
The complex features a Centre Court with approximately 11,800 seats, Court No. 1 with approximately 4,300 seats, 12 outdoor hard courts, 12 indoor hard courts, and 4 indoor clay courts, along with locker rooms, administrative offices, and limited parking facilities, enabling it to host international events like the Canadian Open since 1981 and foster grassroots tennis programs.

History

Origins in Jarry Park

Jarry Park, located in Montreal's Villeray–Saint-Michel–Parc-Extension borough, was established in 1913 as a public recreational area designed to provide green space and leisure facilities for local residents. The park initially featured open fields, walking paths, and basic amenities typical of early 20th-century urban parks in , serving as a community hub for picnics, sports, and gatherings amid the city's growing industrial landscape. Its development reflected broader municipal efforts to expand accessible public spaces in response to in the area. In , the site underwent a significant transformation to accommodate , becoming Parc Jarry Stadium as the home of the newly formed , Major League Baseball's first Canadian franchise. The stadium was constructed rapidly over the winter of 1968–1969 at a cost of approximately $6 million CAD, featuring a capacity of around 28,000 seats, steel grandstands, and innovative to suit the northern climate and enable year-round play. Key design elements included a symmetrical layout with foul lines measuring 340 feet and power alleys at 368 feet, making it a compact yet functional venue for the Expos' inaugural seasons. During its tenure from 1969 to 1976, the stadium hosted notable games, including the Expos' first home victory on April 14, 1969, against the St. Louis Cardinals, though it faced challenges like poor drainage and fan discomfort in cold weather. The Expos relocated to the larger in 1977 following the venue's completion for the , which rendered Jarry Park obsolete for major league play due to its smaller size and outdated facilities. This move left the site largely underutilized throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, with the stadium falling into disrepair as temporary uses like and events occupied the space sporadically. The park's baseball era thus marked a pivotal chapter in Montreal's sports history, bridging recreational origins with professional athletics before paving the way for future redevelopment.

Development as a tennis venue

In 1981, Tennis Canada organized the first international tournament in , the Player's Canadian Open, at the existing , repurposing the former venue for the event. This marked the beginning of the site's adaptation as a dedicated facility, with Tennis Canada taking responsibility for hosting and managing the annual Canadian Open tournament thereafter. By the mid-1990s, the aging infrastructure at Jarry Park could no longer adequately support the growing demands of the Canadian Open, one of the nine ATP Masters 1000 events, prompting a major renovation to elevate the venue to world-class standards. In 1996, Tennis Canada initiated Phase I of the project, funded in part by a $24 million investment, which involved the demolition of remaining baseball-era remnants and the construction of a new center court stadium along with supporting infrastructure. Groundbreaking occurred in 1996, with Tennis Canada overseeing the development in collaboration with the City of Montreal to ensure the facility met international competition requirements. The renovation was completed in time for the 1997 season, resulting in 12 outdoor hard courts and 8 indoor courts, with the center court featuring an initial of 10,500. The modern venue officially opened in July 1997 during the du Maurier Open, solidifying Jarry Park's role as Montreal's premier destination under Tennis Canada's ongoing management and funding leadership.

Naming changes

The stadium was originally named Du Maurier Stadium upon its opening in 1997, reflecting a sponsorship deal with the du Maurier that also titled the Canadian Open during that period. This partnership supported the venue's transition to a dedicated facility but was impacted by Canada's evolving laws, which restricted such sponsorships. The du Maurier era concluded after the 2000 season, impacted by Canada's Tobacco Act amendments that restricted tobacco sponsorships starting in the late , prompting Tennis Canada to seek alternative corporate partners to maintain financial stability and venue branding. In 2004, the venue was renamed Stade Uniprix as part of a sponsorship agreement with Uniprix, Quebec's prominent pharmacy chain, which provided ongoing support for operations and events through 2017. This shifted the stadium's identity toward a more community-oriented image aligned with and retail accessibility, helping to solidify its role as a key hub in without tobacco associations. The Uniprix partnership lasted over a decade, enabling facility enhancements and consistent hosting of major tournaments while emphasizing local business ties. On April 16, 2018, Tennis Canada announced a long-term deal with IGA, a major supermarket chain under , renaming the venue IGA Stadium effective for the 2019 season. The agreement aimed to enhance the stadium's community involvement and accessibility, positioning it as a democratic space for tennis enthusiasts and aligning with IGA's regional presence in to promote broader public engagement beyond elite events. This change marked a continued evolution in corporate sponsorships, focusing on everyday consumer brands to sustain the venue's prominence in Canadian sports. In August 2022, Tennis Canada honored a longtime advocate by naming the main pavilion at IGA Stadium the Jacqueline L. Boutet Pavilion, recognizing Jacqueline L. Boutet's decades of contributions as a promoter of development and equity in —no full stadium renaming occurred as part of this tribute. The dedication underscored the venue's commitment to commemorating influential figures in the sport, adding a layer of cultural significance to its identity while preserving the IGA branding for the overall complex.

Facilities and infrastructure

Courts and seating

IGA Stadium features a total of 27 tennis courts, comprising 12 outdoor hard courts and 15 indoor courts (11 hard and 4 clay), with the indoor facilities offering both hard and clay surfaces for year-round play. The outdoor courts, utilized primarily for major events like the National Bank Open, are resurfaced with a premium hardcourt material supplied by Har-Tru as of 2024, providing a consistent and durable playing experience akin to the cushioned acrylic surfaces used in high-level tournaments. These courts undergo annual resurfacing to maintain optimal conditions, ensuring uniform bounce and speed. The centerpiece is (Court Central), a stadium-style venue with a capacity of 11,815 seats following expansions completed in the early . National Bank Court (Court No. 1) has a capacity of approximately 4,300 seats. Seating is arranged in three levels: Level 100 for on-court premium positions, Level 200 for private suites, and Level 300 for general upper seating, creating an intimate yet expansive atmosphere around the court. The layout emphasizes visibility from all angles, with the open-air design lacking a , though future infrastructure considerations have been discussed in venue planning documents. The complex includes 12 outdoor hard courts, comprising , National Bank Court, and 10 additional outdoor courts, along with several practice areas, supported by bleacher seating capacities ranging from 500 to 2,000 per court for secondary matches. Originally converted from the baseball field of Jarry Park in 1996, the site was redeveloped into a dedicated tennis venue with specialized hardcourt surfaces replacing the prior grass and dirt areas, marking a shift to professional-level infrastructure. Accessibility is integrated throughout, including designated wheelchair sections in Levels 100, 200, and 300 of Centre Court, companion seating options, and elevators for multi-level access. Approximately 1,000 VIP seats are available in premium suites and courtside areas, enhancing options for diverse spectators. Recent expansions have refined these capacities without altering the core open-air layout.

Additional amenities

The IGA Stadium features administrative buildings managed by , serving as the national headquarters for the organization along with offices for the Fédération québécoise de tennis. These facilities include conference rooms and a press gallery to support operational and media needs. Coaching centers are integrated into the site, with Tennis Professional Association-certified coaches providing instruction and development programs. Player lounges, including sky lounges and a VIP area, offer dedicated spaces for athletes during training and events. Public amenities at the stadium enhance visitor experience, with a pro shop operated by Tennis Giant stocking equipment, apparel, and gear. Food options include a , with catering services from Bistro 4e, and an outdoor concession area equipped with a full kitchen. Restrooms and washrooms are available throughout the grounds, and the surrounding Jarry Park provides shaded green spaces for relaxation. On-site parking is provided for convenience, alongside easy access via public transit including metro stations. Training and development facilities support national team athletes, featuring a fully equipped gym spanning 546 square meters with various machines and a physiotherapy area backed by the Institut national du sport du Québec for services. Indoor courts, including 11 hard and four clay surfaces, enable year-round practice in a multipurpose hall. Sustainability features emphasize environmental integration, with extensive green spaces in Jarry Park and practices during operations, including on-site sorting centers achieving 75 to 80 percent recovery rates for recyclable and compostable materials. The stadium promotes community access through year-round public tennis programs, allowing non-members to reserve courts and participate in recreational play as a nonprofit initiative to foster widespread engagement in the sport.

Major events

Tennis tournaments

IGA Stadium has served as the primary venue for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers (formerly the Rogers Cup) in since 1981, when the men's tournament was first held there as part of the Volvo Grand Prix circuit. The event, the third-oldest professional tournament after Wimbledon and the US Open, traces its origins to 1881, though the modern professional era at the stadium began with that inaugural Montreal edition featuring as champion. Since then, the stadium has hosted the combined ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 event annually in August, alternating between men's and women's main draws between and to promote gender equity and logistical efficiency. The tournament has grown into a cornerstone of the summer hard-court swing, drawing elite players and record crowds following major expansions in the mid-1990s that increased capacity to over 11,000 on Centre Court. Notable champions at IGA Stadium include Roger Federer, who secured three men's titles (2004, 2010, 2017), and Serena Williams, who claimed the women's crown in 2013 during a dominant 34-match winning streak. Attendance has surged post-renovations, with the 2025 women's event setting a new single-tournament record of 287,329 spectators, underscoring the venue's evolution from its modest 1980s beginnings to a global showcase. Logistically, the National Bank Open features a 12-day format in 2025—expanded from the traditional one-week structure—with qualifying rounds starting July 26 and the main draw from July 27 to August 7 for the women's edition in . The 96-player singles draw and 32-team doubles field offer 1,000 ranking points to the singles winner, alongside substantial ; the 2024 men's total purse reached $6,795,955 USD, with the champion earning $1,049,460 USD. Beyond the Open, the stadium supports Canadian development as home to the National Tennis Centre, nurturing juniors and professionals like 2025 champion Victoria Mboko, and hosting international ties such as the 2025 qualifier against . The event faced a significant disruption in 2020, when the entire tournament was cancelled due to the , marking the first such absence since 1942 and postponing the return until 2021 under its new National Bank sponsorship.

Non-tennis events

IGA Stadium serves as a versatile multi-purpose venue beyond , accommodating concerts, corporate functions, conferences, exhibitions, and other sporting events through its adaptable infrastructure, including convertible indoor courts and an open-air . The facility's design allows for reconfiguration to suit diverse gatherings, with the Centre Court supporting up to 12,000 attendees for events including concerts compared to its standard capacity of approximately 11,800 for matches. Since its opening, the stadium—formerly known as Stade Uniprix—has hosted numerous musical performances, particularly rock and alternative acts, with stages often set up on or near the to leverage the outdoor acoustics. Notable concerts include My Chemical Romance's show in 2005 as part of their headlining tour with and , drawing a packed crowd to the venue. In 2017, performed during their "American Nightmare Tour," supported by and Beartooth, highlighting the stadium's appeal for high-energy live music events. Earlier appearances, such as Madball's set in 2005, further established its role in the local music scene. In addition to music, the stadium has expanded into other sports, notably hosting Canada's first professional 5-on-5 outdoor game in 2025 as part of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL). The Montréal Alliance faced the on May 25 at IGA Stadium's Centre Court, reconfigured for the event with a capacity of 11,500 spectators, marking a historic milestone for Canadian under the stars. This outdoor matchup, rescheduled from May 23 due to weather considerations, underscores the venue's adaptability for non-traditional athletic competitions. The also facilitates special events such as corporate functions and gatherings, utilizing its 75,000 square feet of multifunctional indoor to host up to 7,000 people for conferences, trade shows, and exhibitions when tennis courts are converted. These activities contribute to the venue's year-round utility, transforming the Jarry Park site into a hub for public and private engagements beyond seasonal programming.

Renovations and future plans

Following the 2011 enhancements, no major structural renovations have occurred at IGA Stadium as of November 2025. However, in August 2025, the four indoor clay courts were closed indefinitely due to potential contamination in the court surfacing, as confirmed by the Regional Directorate. A full is underway, with alternative programming shifted to hard courts; reopening timeline remains undetermined. Tennis Canada announced plans in 2019 for a $70 million over to mitigate weather disruptions for the National Bank Open and secure long-term ATP and WTA sanctioning. The project, intended for completion by 2022, was paused due to the . As of August 2023, discussions resumed amid the tournament's expansion to a 12-day format in 2025, but no construction has begun. For the 2025 National Bank Open, Tennis Canada implemented fan experience upgrades, including a complete menu revamp featuring local cuisine (e.g., smoked meats , Mexican-inspired bowls), a new overlooking Court No. 1, and a second-level for media to improve spectator seating. Additionally, a temporary indoor venue was constructed for the Qualifiers in February 2025, marking the second year of such adaptations.

References

  1. https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/plan-your-visit/getting-iga-stadium
  2. https://www.tenniscanada.com/about-tennis-canada/iga-stadium-montreal/about-iga-stadium
  3. https://provencherroy.ca/en/projects/iga-stadium/
  4. https://www.iga.net/en/press_room/communiques_2018/jarry_stadium_becomes_iga_stadium_and_tennis_well_its_more_democratic_than_ever
  5. https://www.tenniscanada.com/about-tennis-canada/iga-stadium-montreal
  6. https://www.mtl.org/en/what-to-do/sport-activities/iga-stadium-montreal
  7. https://dam.mtl.org/m/7c5c0ee0ff2c3900/original/Fiche-facilities-IGA-Stadium.pdf
  8. https://sabr.org/bioproj/park/jarry-park-montreal/
  9. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/montreal-expos-first-home-opener-1969-1.5096489
  10. https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/rogers-cup
  11. https://www.wtatennis.com/tournaments/806/montreal/1998
  12. https://www.lapresse.ca/sports/tennis/2020-06-01/retour-sur-le-tennis-quebecois-un-tournoi-au-parc-jarry-un-projet-visionnaire
  13. http://www.andrewclem.com/Baseball/JarryPark.html
  14. https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/pro-tennis/2022/tennis-canada-unveils-jacqueline-l-boutet-pavilion-at-iga-stadium
  15. https://www.tenniscanada.com/compete-perform/whole-player-development-pathway/national-regional-training-centers
  16. https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2024/har-tru-becomes-official-court-surface-national-bank-open-official-paint-supplier-tennis-canada
  17. https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/what-do/montreal-interactive-map
  18. https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/plan-your-visit/accessibility-montreal
  19. https://nationalbankopen.com/sustainability
  20. https://activitymessenger.com/p/DKfDgaf
  21. https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/get-full-experience/feed-your-tennis-fandom-montreal
  22. https://www.atptour.com/en/news/canada-cincinnati-masters-1000-double-august-2024
  23. https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/montreal-day-13-recap-served-up-iga-mboko-title-crowns-record-shattering-nbo
  24. https://www.sportsnet.ca/wta/article/national-bank-open-announces-expanded-format-schedule-for-2025/
  25. https://www.wtatennis.com/tournaments/canadian-open
  26. https://www.itftennis.com/en/tournament/national-bank-open/can/2024/m-1000-can-2024-001/
  27. https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/pro-tennis/2025/tennis-canada-announces-national-tennis-centre-presented-by-rogers-class-2025-2026
  28. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/tennis/article-montreals-iga-stadium-to-host-davis-cup-qualifier-between-canada-and/
  29. https://www.tenniscanada.com/about-tennis-canada/iga-stadium-montreal/host-event-iga-stadium
  30. https://www.concertarchives.org/venues/stade-uniprix
  31. https://www.setlist.fm/venue/stade-uniprix-montreal-qc-canada-4bd6c30a.html
  32. https://www.cebl.ca/cebl-montreal-alliance-to-stage-canadas-first-5x5-outdoor-pro-basketball-game-at-iga-stadium
  33. https://www.cebl.ca/cebl-summer-classic-in-montreal-rescheduled-to-may-25
  34. https://www.tickets.ca/venues/uniprix-stadium
  35. https://activitymessenger.com/org/2904/page/news
  36. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/retractable-roof-iga-stadium-causes-stir-1.5230681
  37. https://montrealgazette.com/sports/tennis/rain-delays-at-national-bank-open-revive-debate-over-adding-a-roof-to-iga-stadium
  38. https://www.forbes.com/sites/timnewcomb/2025/05/05/national-bank-open-2025-menu-upgrades/
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