Are further renovations to Olympic Stadium coming?
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What’s another $500 million?
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LottoMax $80 million draw tonight 
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In every other reality a crumbling death-trap from the 1970’s NEVER gets a half billion dollar make over. One day a falling chunk of concrete WILL kill somebody.
I think we should doff our hats and give a moment of silence for the long suffering Quebec taxpayer. 
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Per Google Gemini
As of late December 2025, the major renovation of Montreal’s Olympic Stadium (the “Big O”) is in full swing, having just completed one of its most critical and technically difficult phases.
The project is currently on schedule for a 2028 reopening , though costs and timelines for the associated Tower renovation have recently increased.
1. Roof & Technical Ring (The $870M Project)
The centerpiece of the renovation—replacing the failed roof—is moving through its three-phase plan:
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Status: The Phase 1 dismantling of the roof was completed in 2024. The Phase 2 dismantling of the technical ring was officially completed in October 2025. This was a massive engineering feat where crews used diamond cable saws to cut the 125-tonne concrete ring into sections and lower them to the stadium floor.
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Next Steps: In 2026, work will begin on Phase 3 : the assembly of the new, rigid roof. This new structure will be built on the stadium floor and then hoisted 50 meters into the air using a specialized “Mega Jack” system.
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Design: The new roof will be fixed (not retractable) and will feature a translucent glass ring to allow natural light into the bowl, allowing for year-round events regardless of snow or ice.
2. Olympic Tower & Observatory
The renovation of the stadium’s iconic inclined tower is separate from the roof project but is facing more challenges:
- Delays: Originally intended to open for the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Games (Summer 2026), the tower’s full reopening has been pushed to Summer 2027.
- Budget Overruns: Costs for the tower’s observatory, new terrace, and funicular replacement have climbed from an initial $80 million to over $120 million.
- Current Progress: As of late 2025, the tower work is estimated to be approximately 80% complete.
3. Timeline & Cost Summary
| Feature | Estimated Completion | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Old Roof Removal | Completed (Late 2024) | Phase 1 Done |
| Technical Ring | Late 2025 / Early 2026 | Concrete removed; metal replacement next |
| New Roof Install | 2027 | Assembly starts in 2026 |
| Tower/Observatory | Summer 2027 | Ongoing (Delayed & Over Budget) |
| Full Stadium Opening | 2028 | Target remains unchanged |
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Coût du stade 1976 1 milliard
20,000 déchirures de la toile du stade, coût d’entretien 30 millions par an.
Rénovations depuis 2023 dans la Tour et l’Observatoire 500 millions
870 millions pour un nouveau toit et autres améliorations
D’un stade pour les Olympiques en 1976, le but de tous ses travaux c’est qu’il soit utilisable 365 jours par année, pour un coût depuis 1976 de plus de 5 milliards, pendant que les hôpitaux, les écoles etc…ont besoin de travaux.
Le 11 décembre 2025, le CA du Parc Olympique a publié sa planification stratégique 2025-2028.
Avancement des travaux pour le nouveau toit:
2025-2026 45%
2026-2027 65%
2027-2028 85%
Ententes à signer pour l’utilisation du stade:
Cible 2027-2028 - 4 ententes signées ex: CF Montréal, les Alouettes.
D’ici 2028, les Alouettes auront des décisions à prendre aux niveaux des ententes pour un stade: Percival-Molson, Stade Olympique.
J’espère que le Stade Olympique sera alors utilisé au maximum. Beaucoup d’argents depuis 1976…
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Als46
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Sadly, Drapeau’s vision for a unique stadium and his choice of an architect with minimal experience in dealing with Montreal winters has haunted both the stadium and taxpayers ever since … the design then led to a construction process that has made demolition all but impossible and renovations ridiculously expensive … 
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I wonder if when the stadium is completed, some deep pocketed investor(s) would make an attempt to get an NFL franchise for the city.
I’ve always felt that with the right stadium Montreal/Quebec could support an NFL team. It’s not like baseball, there are only 8 or 9 games that you need to fill your stadium.
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Tu as raison tout part du choix de l’architecte et de son concept d’un toit en toile rétractable, non adapté à la température hivernale et aux forts vents.
52 ans plus tard 1976-2028, il y aura un toit fixe non en toile, adapté à notre température mais avec la facture qui va avec.
“A billion here, a billion there, and pretty soon you’re talking real money." Everett Dirksen
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It’s only paper
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If I were a betting man (I’m not!) I think you will see the Alouettes return to the Olympic Stadium when/if there are interior renovations. There is no point in having a modern roof if the rest of the stadium doesn’t work, so common sense would say that extensive interior renos that focus on making the stadium primarily a football/soccer facility will happen. I envision something along the lines of BC Place Stadium with those tarp-like ceilings to close off the upper bowl unless it’s needed.
Would it be as intimate as Molson Stadium? Of course not. But, there’s limited $$ to be made at Molson Stadium and at some point the Alouettes will need to figure out their stadium situation long term. The Big O will almost certainly be a part of that conversation.
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It is possible … a key (IMO) would be an effective way of closing off (not just screening off) the upper deck to avoid both a cavernous atmosphere and the “we can wait until gametime to buy a ticket” mentality.
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I would love to see the Als return to the Big O but I don’t see that happening. Besides, the new total field length will fit within the track of Molson Stadium without having to truncate the end zone corners.
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If there is an issue with Perceival Molson it is the relative amenities that are expected these days … seats themselves (or the general lack thereof), washrooms, concessions, video screens, sound system … and the inability for any significant expansion.
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The novelty of a renovated Olympic stadium may work for a year or two IMO.
Being inside a closed cement stadium during the summer months will be a challenge. Especially if the Als are not doing well, curtains or no curtains.
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Why don’t they renovate and modernize the existing stadium. Good location and the sight lines are good and it has a intimate feeling to it.
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Owned by McGill. Alouettes are tenants there.
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