Toronto FC opening BMO Field to fans for pick-up match

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Toronto FC is set to host a different type of match.

The club announced Monday that select fans will be invited to take the pitch on July 27 from 3-6 p.m. for TFC Open PItch, “where fans will be invited to sign up for the chance to participate in a one-hour match on the iconic pitch TFC calls home.”

It will happen the day before BMO Field starts to be renovated for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will feature six matches at the stadium.

The club said “selected participants will receive an authentic player experience, including the use of the stadium’s visitor dressing room, game presentation elements, team branding on the scoreboard and more.”

Fans 18-plus can sign up for the experience via TorontoFC.ca/Open-Pitch as teams of 15 participants (11on the pitch and four substitutes). Each player will receive five friends and family spectator passes as well.

Team selection will be made through a lottery system with participants being notified on July 24.

Chris Shewfelt, Toronto FC’s vice-president of business operations said in a release, “TFC Open Pitch builds on our commitment to access and bringing our fans closer to the action as we proudly offer our passionate fans a unique player experience at BMO Field.

“We are thrilled to be able to add TFC fans to this list of meaningful appearances and be apart of our home stadium’s story,” Shewfelt added.

Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment president Keith Pelley has said since taking the job that he wanted to make the massive sporting conglomerate more fan friendly, with more access and events involving supporters of its teams.

“The activation’s opening timeslot will give youth under 12 years old from MLSE LaunchPad’s soccer program the opportunity to take the pitch. The program gives youth facing barriers with access to free soccer coaching, training and organized play using sport as a vehicle to help them reach their full potential,” TFC said.