Will Quebec finance the installation of a new roof at the IGA stadium? If “economic benefits” are there and this roof allows “Montreal’s influence”, it is possible.
These are the conditions set by the Minister of the Economy, Pierre Fitzgibbon, during his visit to the National Bank Montreal Open.
“There are constraints,” he admitted. “We have a lot of deficient infrastructure in schools and hospitals, we have to be careful to distribute it well [notre budget]. »
Mr. Fitzgibbon said he was well aware that the absence of an announcement regarding a roof could “generate disappointment among some.” “But I assure you, we remain open for the future,” he said.
PHOTO GRAHAM HUGHES, THE CANADIAN PRESS
National Bank Open Director Valérie Tétreault and Economy Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon
The tournament organizers have still not submitted a project to the City of Montreal and Quebec for the installation of a roof at the IGA stadium, revealed The Press Saturday. The organizers’ goal is to submit a project within the next year, says competition director Valérie Tétreault.
She admits, however, that the ATP is increasingly questioning the organizers of the Open on this subject. The same goes for the players.
“We have no choice but to look at the trend in climate change. Since I became tournament director, it has not been good. I can tell you that international TV also mentions it to us.
We must proceed in stages, by priority, with work that can serve both the National Bank Open and the year-round practice of tennis at the IGA stadium.
Valérie Tétreault, tournament director
Improvements to come
Minister Fitzgibbon was there to announce a new investment of $900,000 from the Signature Metropolis Fund for the expansion of the tournament, which will take place in 2025. The tournament will grow in size. The main draw will increase from 56 to 96 players, and seven sessions will be added, including an additional round. All this, spread over 12 days.
“This amount will allow us to improve the facilities in the key areas of the tournament in the very short term. This will allow us to enhance the experience for athletes, fans and members of the media,” said Mr.me Tetreault.
Quebec had already invested more than 2 million in the renovation of the site’s facilities, in its 2023 budget. This sum will allow the reconstruction of outdoor courts 2 to 4, which will be completed in preparation for the next edition of the tournament.
Other work will be carried out over the next few years, such as the renovation of showers and changing rooms, and the development of sports areas such as hitting walls and courts that can be used for pickleball or mini-tennis.
“I know we hear a lot about the roof, but I see today as a first step in a long-term plan that remains to be clearly defined, to consolidate Montreal’s place as one of the greatest tennis cities over a horizon of at least 30 years,” projected Mr.me Tetreault.