BMO Financial Group welcomed Toronto FC back to its home at BMO Field Friday, as the team prepares for its home opener Saturday. In the offseason, BMO acquired the title sponsor rights to all 30 Toronto FC Major League Soccer TV broadcasts during the 2008 season, on CBC, Rogers Sportsnet and The Score.
The one-year agreement marks the first broadcast sponsorship for Toronto FC, and a further extension of BMO's relationship with Canada's Major League Soccer team. BMO already holds the naming rights to BMO Field, home of Toronto FC, and is the sponsor of the team's jerseys.
At the same time, BMO has also extended its agreement to be the official bank of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto Marlies, Air Canada Centre and Ricoh Coliseum, through to June 2011. As part of this sponsorship, BMO remains the season title sponsor for all the teams. It will also maintain sponsorship programs such as the BMO Community Hero of the Game, which recognizes someone at each and every Leafs and Raptors game for the good work they do in their community. BMO will also continue to sponsor the BMO FanZone, the interactive entertainment area located in Air Canada Centre's Galleria.
"BMO continues to be a terrific partner for all of our sports teams, and we're excited about the opportunity to deepen our relationship with them," said Tom Anselmi, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. "BMO is a strong, recognizable Canadian brand that resonates with its loyal customers. We're excited to further our relationship with BMO as they extend their reach with our fans and television audiences."
"We're thrilled to be welcoming Toronto FC back to BMO Field," said Lily Capriotti, District Vice-President, GTA Central, BMO Bank of Montreal. "With great new signings like Laurent Robert, Amado Guevara and Rohan Ricketts, and the arrival of new coach John Carver, this promises to be an exciting season. Toronto has the best fans in Major League Soccer, and we expect Toronto FC to be an even hotter ticket this year. There is no better place in North America to watch a soccer game than BMO Field.
"With Toronto FC back home for its home opener at BMO Field tomorrow, and the Raptors and Marlies in the thick of their playoffs, it's an exciting time for fans in Toronto and across the country," said Capriotti. "We wish them all the best of luck."
"BMO's commitment to Leafs, Raptors, Marlies and Toronto FC makes them a tremendous supporter of sports in our community," said Dave Hopkinson, Vice-President, Corporate and Community Partnerships, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. "We're proud to work with BMO and look forward to continued success in our relationship."
"These sponsorships are a terrific fit, and give us the opportunity for us to strengthen our relationships with customers and communities in Toronto and indeed right across Canada," said Sandy Bourne, Vice-President, Corporate Sponsorships, BMO Financial Group. "MLSE is a terrific partner, and we are pleased to expand our partnership with MLSE and its teams. We look forward to many years of success."
Toronto FC hosts Real Salt Lake at BMO Field Saturday, April 19 in their home opener of the 2008 Major League Soccer season. Game time is 12:30 p.m. EDT.
