Tennis Canada will build a new covered tennis stadium with a retractable roof and 15,000 seats [1] at Montreal's Parc Jarry.
The project is designed to ensure the National Bank Open remains in Montreal. By modernizing aging facilities and providing protection from extreme summer heat, the federation aims to maintain a competitive edge on the professional circuit [1, 2, 3].
Tennis Canada announced the plans on June 23, 2026 [4, 5]. The decision comes as the organization seeks to preserve the city's status as a host for the international tournament while addressing the physical demands placed on athletes and spectators during heatwaves [2, 3].
The proposed stadium will replace older infrastructure with a high-capacity venue. The inclusion of a retractable roof allows for uninterrupted play regardless of weather conditions, a critical requirement for modern professional tennis events [1, 2].
While the federation views the modernization as essential, the project has met resistance from local residents of the Parc Jarry neighbourhood. Community members have expressed concerns regarding the scale of the development, and the potential loss of urban green space [1].
Officials said that a new stadium is necessary to preserve the tournament's presence in Montreal [5]. The project represents a significant investment in the city's sporting infrastructure to prevent the event from moving to another venue or city [2, 3].
“Tennis Canada will build a new covered tennis stadium with a retractable roof and 15,000 seats”
The transition to a retractable-roof facility reflects a broader trend in professional sports to mitigate climate-related risks. As extreme heat becomes more frequent during summer tournaments, the ability to control the environment is no longer a luxury but a requirement for athlete safety and broadcasting reliability. However, the friction with Parc Jarry residents highlights the ongoing tension between international sporting ambitions and the preservation of local community spaces.
