IGA Stadium Montreal – Complete Fan Guide to the Canadian Open Venue
If you are heading to the Canadian Open in Montreal, IGA Stadium is your destination. Tucked inside Jarry Park in the Villeray neighbourhood of north Montreal, it is one of the finest outdoor tennis venues in North America and the home of the National Bank Open every time the men’s ATP draw comes to the city.
The stadium sits on historic ground. Before tennis arrived, this exact site hosted the Montreal Expos baseball team from 1969 to 1977. Today it is entirely devoted to tennis, with a world class Centre Court, multiple additional courts, and facilities that make attending the Canadian Open one of the best live tennis experiences anywhere in the world.
Whether this is your first visit or your tenth, this guide covers everything you need to know before you arrive at IGA Stadium Montreal.
Quick Facts:
| Detail | Info |
| Official Name | Stade IGA / IGA Stadium |
| Address | 285 Rue Gary-Carter, Montreal, QC H2R 2W1 |
| Location | Jarry Park, Villeray, north Montreal |
| Centre Court Capacity | 11,815 seats |
| National Bank Court | 4,300+ seats |
| Total Courts | 12 outdoor, 16 indoor |
| Surface | DecoTurf cushioned acrylic |
| Nearest Metro | De Castelnau (Blue Line, 5 min walk) |
| Opening Hours | Daily 7am to 11pm |
| Parking | 900 on-site spaces, limited during events |
What Is IGA Stadium Montreal?
IGA Stadium is the home of the National Bank Open in Montreal and one of the most important tennis facilities in Canada.
Built between 1995 and 1996 on the former site of Jarry Park Stadium, the original home of the Montreal Expos baseball team, the venue was designed specifically for world class tennis from the ground up. Tennis Canada invested heavily in creating a facility that could host both elite professional tournaments and year-round player development programs.
The stadium has gone through several name changes across its history, each reflecting a different title sponsorship era.
Name history at a glance:
| Years | Name |
| 1996-2000 | Du Maurier Stadium |
| 2000-2017 | Uniprix Stadium |
| 2018-Present | IGA Stadium |
The current name comes from IGA, the grocery chain operated by Empire Company, which took over naming rights in 2018. The full French name is Stade IGA.
Beyond hosting the National Bank Open, IGA Stadium functions year-round as Canada’s National Tennis Centre. It supports player development programs, hosts Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup ties, and provides training facilities for Canadian professional players including Felix Auger-Aliassime and Gabriel Diallo.
The venue received significant upgrades in 2004 and again in 2011, expanding indoor courts, improving media facilities, and modernising spectator amenities to bring it in line with the standards expected at an ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 event.
Courts and Seating at IGA Stadium
IGA Stadium Montreal is much more than a single Centre Court. The complex offers fans a full day of tennis across multiple courts, making it one of the most enjoyable venues to explore during a full session at the Canadian Open.
Court breakdown:
| Court | Capacity | Detail |
| Centre Court | 11,815 seats | Main stadium, covered roof, all finals and marquee matches |
| National Bank Court | 4,300+ seats | Second show court, significant matches throughout the week |
| Outdoor practice courts | 12 courts | Hard court surface, open for fan viewing during practice |
| Indoor courts | 16 courts | Hard and clay, used for player practice and year-round training |
What to know about Centre Court:
- Covered roof that can close in wet weather, protecting play from rain delays
- DecoTurf cushioned acrylic surface, the same used at the US Open
- Intimate feel despite the capacity, with sightlines from virtually every seat
- All semifinal and final matches played here
What to know about National Bank Court:
- Excellent atmosphere for earlier round matches featuring top seeds
- More accessible tickets compared to Centre Court sessions
- Great option for fans wanting an up-close experience without Centre Court prices
Outer courts:
Outer courts at IGA Stadium are one of the hidden highlights of attending the Canadian Open. Ground pass holders can walk between courts freely, often finding themselves just metres from world class players during qualifying and early round matches.
Best Seats at IGA Stadium
Choosing the right seat at IGA Stadium Montreal can make a significant difference to your Canadian Open experience. Here is exactly what you need to know before you buy.
Sun position guide:
| Seat Location | Sun Impact | Best For |
| West side sections 126-133 (lower) | Sun sets behind you, minimal glare | Afternoon and evening sessions |
| West side sections 324-331 (upper) | Same sun protection as lower west | Budget-conscious fans wanting sun comfort |
| East side sections | Sun in your face during afternoon sessions | Morning sessions only |
| Centre sections | Neutral sun position | Any session time |
West side is the clear recommendation for afternoon and evening sessions. The sun sets behind west side spectators, keeping glare out of your eyes throughout the match.
Seating tier comparison:
| Tier | Experience | Best Value? |
| Lower bowl Centre Court | Closest to the action, best atmosphere | Premium price, worth it for finals |
| Upper bowl Centre Court | Great overview of the court, good sightlines | Strong value for money |
| National Bank Court reserved | Up close feel, intimate atmosphere | Excellent value for earlier rounds |
| Ground pass outer courts | Freedom to roam, closest player access | Best value overall for full day fans |
Practical seating tips:
- Arrive early for outer court matches during qualifying rounds, seats are unreserved and fill quickly
- Upper west side offers one of the best value combinations of comfort and sun protection at Centre Court
- Ground pass holders can sit courtside at outer courts during less busy sessions
- Finals and semifinals sell out fastest, book Centre Court early for these sessions
Getting to IGA Stadium Montreal
IGA Stadium sits in Jarry Park in north Montreal, approximately 6 kilometres from the city centre. Public transport is strongly recommended during the Canadian Open as parking near the venue is limited and demand is high on busy match days.
The best news for ticket holders: National Bank Open ticket holders travel free on all STM public transport on match days. Simply show your mobile ticket to the driver or inspector when boarding.
Metro options:
| Station | Line | Walk Time | Recommendation |
| De Castelnau | Blue Line (5) | 5 minutes | Best option, closest to stadium |
| Parc | Blue Line (5) | 10 minutes | Good alternative |
| Jarry | Orange Line (2) | 15 minutes | Slightly longer walk but easy route |
De Castelnau on the Blue Line is the recommended metro station for most fans attending IGA Stadium Montreal. Exit the station and follow the signs toward Jarry Park for a straightforward five minute walk to the venue entrance.
Bus routes serving the stadium:
- Route 55 – Boulevard St-Laurent, stop at Gary-Carter or Faillon, 400m walk
- Route 92 and 93 – Jean-Talon Ouest/Alexandra stop, 400m walk
- Route 193 – Jarry/de l’Esplanade stop, approximately 12 minute walk
Cycling:
- 252 free bike parking spaces at the Gary-Carter entrance
- Bixi public bike sharing stations available near the stadium for pickup and drop-off
Driving and parking:
- 900 on-site parking spaces available, included with certain premium tickets
- Street parking available in surrounding neighbourhood but fills quickly on busy match days
- Taxi and rideshare drop-off point located outside the main entrance on Rue Gary-Carter
Food and Drink at IGA Stadium
One of the pleasant surprises at IGA Stadium Montreal is the food quality. The concessions at the Canadian Open reflect Montreal’s reputation as one of Canada’s best food cities, with options that go well beyond typical stadium fare.
Where to find food:
The majority of food and drink outlets are located on the north side of Centre Court, making them easy to access between matches or during changeovers.
What you can bring in:
| Item | Allowed? |
| Metal or plastic water bottles | Yes |
| Small personal cooler | Yes |
| Food for personal consumption | Yes |
| Glass bottles or containers | No |
| Alcohol from outside | No |
Practical food tips:
- Bringing your own water bottle is strongly recommended, refill stations are available throughout the venue
- Personal snacks and non-glass packaged food can be brought in, saving money on concession prices
- Food outlets get busiest during session breaks and changeovers, visit slightly before or after peak times to avoid queues
- Quebec specific food options are available at the concessions, worth trying if you want a local flavour alongside your tennis
Alcohol:
Alcohol is available for purchase inside the venue at designated concession points. Outside alcohol cannot be brought through the gates. Always check the official National Bank Open website before attending as food and drink policies can be updated between seasons.
What to Bring to IGA Stadium Montreal
Packing the right things before heading to IGA Stadium can make your Canadian Open experience significantly more comfortable, especially during the August heat and humidity that Montreal is known for during tournament week.
Essential items checklist:
| Item | Why You Need It |
| Water bottle (metal or plastic) | August heat in Montreal can be intense, stay hydrated |
| Sunscreen | Centre Court and outer courts are exposed to direct sunlight |
| Sunglasses | Essential for east side seats during afternoon sessions |
| Hat or cap | Shade is limited in many seating areas |
| Light layers | Evening sessions can cool down quickly after sunset |
| Comfortable walking shoes | You will cover significant ground across the venue |
| Mobile ticket downloaded | Required for entry and free STM transit |
| Small bag or backpack | Clear bags move through security fastest |
| Portable phone charger | Long days drain batteries quickly |
| Cash and card | Some concession outlets prefer card payment |
Bag policy:
- Small handbags and backpacks are permitted
- Clear bags move through security checks fastest and are strongly recommended
- Large bags and suitcases are not permitted inside the venue
- Medical bags are accepted but may be subject to inspection
Camera policy:
- Photography for personal use is permitted throughout the venue
- Professional camera equipment with detachable lenses may require prior permission
- Video recording during matches is subject to tournament regulations
- Always check the official National Bank Open website for the most current camera policy before attending
Accessibility at IGA Stadium Montreal
IGA Stadium Montreal is designed to be accessible for all fans, with facilities in place to ensure that visitors with mobility requirements or other accessibility needs can enjoy the Canadian Open comfortably.
Accessibility facilities at a glance:
| Facility | Available |
| Accessible entrances | Yes |
| Accessible seating areas | Yes |
| Elevators | Yes |
| Accessible restrooms | Yes |
| Accessible parking | Yes, limited spaces near entrance |
| Wheelchair access | Yes, throughout the venue |
Key accessibility points:
- Accessible entrances are available at the main venue gates, clearly signposted from the Rue Gary-Carter entrance
- Elevator access is provided between seating levels at Centre Court, allowing fans with mobility requirements to reach upper bowl seating without using stairs
- Accessible restroom facilities are located throughout the venue near main concourse areas
- Accessible seating sections are available at Centre Court and National Bank Court, positioned to provide clear sightlines to the playing surface
- Limited accessible parking spaces are available near the main entrance on Rue Gary-Carter, recommend arriving early as these fill quickly on busy match days
Planning your visit:
For fans with specific accessibility requirements, contacting Tennis Canada directly through the official National Bank Open website before attending is strongly recommended. The tournament organisers can provide the most current and detailed accessibility information specific to your needs, including companion seating arrangements and any additional support services available during the event.
FAQs
Conclusion
IGA Stadium Montreal is one of the great outdoor tennis venues in North America, and attending the Canadian Open here is an experience that stays with you long after the final match is played.
Eleven thousand fans packed into Centre Court for a night session semifinal. The sound of the crowd echoing across Jarry Park. World class tennis played on the same surface as the US Open, just weeks before the season’s final Grand Slam begins in New York.
Plan your visit using this guide, book your tickets early through the official National Bank Open website, and explore our full Canadian Open schedule page for confirmed match dates and session times this summer.
