Sobeys Stadium Toronto – Complete Fan Guide to the Canadian Open Venue

If the Canadian Open is coming to Toronto and you are planning to attend, Sobeys Stadium is your destination. Sitting on the Keele Campus of York University in North York, approximately 20 kilometres north of downtown Toronto, Sobeys Stadium is one of the most purpose-built and fan-friendly tennis venues in North America. Unlike many tournaments that adapt existing multi-sport facilities for tennis, this stadium was designed from the ground up specifically for professional tennis when it opened in 2004.

It is the home of the National Bank Open WTA draw when the women’s tournament comes to Toronto, hosting some of the biggest names in women’s tennis every August in front of 12,500 passionate fans on Stadium Court.

Whether you are a first time visitor or a returning fan, this guide covers everything you need to know before you arrive at Sobeys Stadium Toronto.

Quick Facts:

Detail	Info
Official Name	Sobeys Stadium
Address	1 Shoreham Drive, North York, Toronto, ON M3N 3A6
Location	York University Keele Campus, North York
Stadium Court Capacity	12,500 seats
Outer Courts	11 additional courts
Surface	DecoTurf cushioned acrylic
Nearest TTC Station	Pioneer Village, Line 1 (8-10 min walk)
Parking	7,700+ spaces on York University campus
Parking Cost	CAD $7 per day, CAD $2 after 3pm
Owner	Tennis Canada

What Is Sobeys Stadium Toronto?

Sobeys Stadium is the headquarters of Tennis Canada and one of the most important tennis facilities in the country.

Built in 2004 at a cost of US$45 million, the venue was purpose-built on the York University Keele Campus specifically to host world class professional tennis. Unlike IGA Stadium in Montreal which occupies the site of a former baseball stadium, Sobeys Stadium was designed entirely around tennis from the very first architectural drawing.

The stadium has carried three different names across its history, each reflecting a different sponsorship era.

Name history at a glance:

Years	Name
2004-2015	Rexall Centre
2015-2022	Aviva Centre
2022-Present	Sobeys Stadium

The current name comes from Sobeys, one of Canada’s largest grocery retailers, which took over naming rights in 2022. The venue is owned and operated by Tennis Canada, making it unique among Canadian sports venues as a facility dedicated entirely to the development and promotion of tennis at every level.

Beyond hosting the National Bank Open, Sobeys Stadium serves as a year-round training facility for Canadian professional players. The 15-acre complex includes multiple indoor and outdoor courts that support player development programs across the country.

The stadium also hosted events during the 2015 Pan American Games, cementing its status as one of Canada’s premier multi-sport venues beyond its primary tennis identity.

Courts and Stadium Layout

Sobeys Stadium is far more than a single Centre Court. The 15-acre complex gives fans a full day of tennis across multiple courts, making it one of the most enjoyable venues to explore during a complete session at the Canadian Open.

Court breakdown:

Court	Capacity	Detail
Stadium Court	12,500 seats	Main venue, all finals and marquee matches
Outer courts	11 additional courts	Hard court surface, open for fan viewing
Total complex	12 courts	All DecoTurf cushioned acrylic surface

What to know about Stadium Court:

• Circular design that creates an intimate atmosphere despite the large capacity
• Outdoor hard court with lighting for evening sessions
• DecoTurf cushioned acrylic surface, the same used at the US Open in New York
• All semifinal and final matches played here
• Expandable to 14,000 for concerts and special events

What to know about outer courts:

• Ground pass holders can move freely between all 11 outer courts throughout the day
• Early rounds and qualifying matches on outer courts offer the closest access to world class players
• No reserved seating on outer courts, arrive early for the best courtside positions
• Outer court matches during qualifying rounds are among the most enjoyable experiences the Canadian Open offers

The circular design of Stadium Court at Sobeys Stadium creates excellent sightlines from virtually every seat in the venue, giving fans a clear view of the action regardless of where they sit.

Best Seats at Sobeys Stadium

Choosing the right seat at Sobeys Stadium can significantly improve your Canadian Open experience. Here is exactly what you need to know before purchasing tickets.

Sun position guide:

Seat Location	Sun Impact	Best For
West side lower sections	Sun sets behind you during afternoon sessions	Afternoon and evening sessions
West side upper sections	Same sun protection at lower price point	Budget conscious fans wanting comfort
East side sections	Sun in your face during afternoon play	Morning sessions only
Centre sections	Balanced sun position	Any session time

Seating tier comparison:

Tier	Experience	Value
Lower bowl Stadium Court	Closest to action, best atmosphere	Premium price, worth it for finals
Upper bowl Stadium Court	Excellent overview, strong sightlines	Great value for money
Accessible seating Level 100	Top row of Level 100, clear sightlines	Reserved online with accessibility icons
Ground pass outer courts	Freedom to roam, closest player access	Best overall value for full day fans

Practical seating tips:

• Accessible seating is located in the top row of Level 100 and can be reserved online by selecting wheelchair accessible icons during booking
• Elevator access between seating levels is located between Gates A and B and between Gates C and D
• Ground pass holders can sit courtside at outer courts during less busy sessions, often just metres from world class players
• Finals and semifinals sell out fastest, book Stadium Court seats early for these sessions
• The circular design means there are very few genuinely poor sightlines anywhere in the venue

Getting to Sobeys Stadium Toronto

Sobeys Stadium sits on the York University Keele Campus in North York, approximately 20 kilometres north of downtown Toronto. Public transport is the recommended option for most fans, with the venue sitting directly adjacent to a major TTC subway station.

The best news for ticket holders: National Bank Open ticket holders travel free on all TTC public transport on match days. Simply show your mobile ticket to the driver or TTC inspector when boarding.

TTC subway:

Station	Line	Walk Time	Recommendation
Pioneer Village	Line 1 Yonge-University	8-10 minutes	Best option, closest to stadium

Pioneer Village station on Line 1 is the primary transit hub for Sobeys Stadium. From downtown Toronto, take Line 1 northbound toward Vaughan Metropolitan Centre and exit at Pioneer Village station. Follow the pedestrian pathways toward York University campus for a straightforward 8-10 minute walk to the venue entrance.

Bus routes from Pioneer Village station:

• Route 106 Sentinel provides direct service to The Pond Road at Arboretum Lane near the stadium entrance
• Routes 108, 108A, 108B, 108C and 108S offer additional connections from Pioneer Village
• Route 960 connects York Region Transit for fans travelling from north of Toronto

Driving and parking:

• 7,700+ parking spaces available across the York University campus
• Pioneer Village lot accessed via east side of Jane Street or north side of Steeles Avenue West
• Parking costs CAD $7 per day, reduced to CAD $2 for arrivals after 3pm
• Limited accessible parking spaces located directly across from the main entrance, valid Ontario accessible parking permit required
• Highway access via 407, 400, 404 and 401, all within minutes of the venue

Cycling:

Sobeys Stadium is accessible by bicycle from central Toronto, though the journey from downtown takes approximately 90 minutes. Bike parking is available on the York University campus near the stadium entrance.

Food and Drink at Sobeys Stadium

Sobeys Stadium offers one of the most substantial food and drink setups of any tennis venue in North America, with over 5,000 square feet of concession and retail space spread across the complex.

What you can bring in:

Item	Allowed?
Metal or plastic water bottles	Yes
Personal food and snacks	Yes
Small personal cooler	Yes
Glass bottles or containers	No
Outside alcohol	No

Concession highlights:

• Multiple food outlets located throughout the stadium concourse, accessible between matches and during changeovers
• Over 5,000 square feet of retail and concession space across the venue
• Onsite bar and lounge available for fans wanting a premium food and drink experience
• Canadian food options available across multiple concession stands throughout the complex

Practical food tips:

• Bringing your own water bottle is strongly recommended given the August heat and humidity in Toronto
• Personal snacks in non-glass packaging can be brought through the gates, saving money across a full day session
• Concession outlets get busiest during session breaks and changeovers, visiting slightly before or after peak times reduces wait times significantly
• Outside alcohol cannot be brought through the gates but is available for purchase inside the venue at designated concession points

Always check the official National Bank Open website at nationalbankopen.com before attending as food and drink policies can be updated between seasons.

What to Pack for Sobeys Stadium

Toronto in August is hot, humid, and occasionally unpredictable with afternoon thunderstorms. Packing the right items before heading to Sobeys Stadium makes a significant difference to your comfort across a full session or day at the Canadian Open.

Essential items checklist:

Item	Why You Need It
Water bottle (metal or plastic)	August humidity in Toronto makes hydration essential
Sunscreen	Stadium Court and outer courts offer limited shade
Sunglasses	Essential for east side seats during afternoon sessions
Hat or cap	Direct sun exposure across outer courts throughout the day
Light rain jacket	Afternoon thunderstorms are common in Toronto during August
Comfortable walking shoes	15-acre complex means significant ground to cover
Mobile ticket downloaded	Required for entry and free TTC travel
Small bag or backpack	Clear bags move through security checks fastest
Portable phone charger	Long match days drain batteries quickly
Cash and card	Some concession outlets prefer card payment

Bag policy:

• Small handbags and backpacks are permitted inside the venue
• Clear bags are strongly recommended as they move through security checks significantly faster
• Large bags and suitcases are not permitted inside the stadium complex
• Medical bags are accepted but subject to inspection at the security gate

Camera policy:

• Personal photography is permitted throughout the venue for non-commercial use
• Professional camera equipment with detachable lenses may require prior accreditation
• Always check the official National Bank Open website for the most current camera and recording policy before attending

Accessibility at Sobeys Stadium Toronto

Sobeys Stadium is fully accessible for fans with mobility requirements or other accessibility needs, with dedicated facilities throughout the venue designed to ensure every fan can enjoy the Canadian Open comfortably.

Accessibility facilities at a glance:

Facility	Available
Accessible seating	Yes, top row of Level 100
Elevator access	Yes, between Gates A/B and Gates C/D
Accessible restrooms	Yes, throughout the venue
Accessible parking	Yes, limited spaces directly across from main entrance
Wheelchair access	Yes, throughout the complex
Online booking	Yes, accessible seats marked with wheelchair icons

Key accessibility points:

• Accessible seating is located in the top row of Level 100 on Stadium Court, providing clear sightlines to the playing surface from a dedicated accessible section
• Elevator access between seating levels is available between Gates A and B and between Gates C and D, allowing fans with mobility requirements to reach upper sections without using stairs
• Accessible parking spaces are located directly across from the main entrance and require a valid Ontario accessible parking permit or equivalent
• Accessible seating can be reserved online by selecting seats marked with wheelchair accessible icons during the ticket booking process
• Accessible restroom facilities are available throughout the venue concourse

Planning your visit:

Fans with specific accessibility requirements are encouraged to contact Tennis Canada directly through nationalbankopen.com before attending. The tournament organisers can provide detailed accessibility information specific to individual needs, including companion seating arrangements and any additional support services available during the event.

Conclusion

Sobeys Stadium Toronto is one of the finest purpose-built tennis venues in North America, and attending the Canadian Open here is an experience that rewards every fan who makes the trip to North York.

Twelve thousand five hundred fans packed into Stadium Court for an evening session semifinal. World class women’s tennis played on the same surface as the US Open. The unique circular design that puts every seat close to the action. The sprawling outer courts where ground pass holders can watch the next generation of stars up close during the early rounds.

Plan your visit using this guide, book your tickets early through the official National Bank Open website, and explore our complete Canadian Open schedule and results page for confirmed match dates and session times this summer.