April 17, 2025...AFC Toronto Sells Out Lower Bowl for Historic Inaugural Match at BMO Field (from AFC Toronto news release)
AFC Toronto Sells Out Lower Bowl for Historic Inaugural Match at BMO Field Lower bowl sold out for AFC Toronto’s inaugural match — 14,500 fans set to witness a defining moment at BMO Field TORONTO (April 17, 2025) – AFC Toronto is proud to confirm a full lower bowl sellout at BMO Field for the club’s inaugural match this Saturday, April 19, at 4 p.m. ET. More than 14,500 fans will be in attendance as Toronto’s first professional women’s soccer club officially takes the pitch for the first time — facing off against Montreal Roses FC in front of a sold-out crowd. The match will be broadcast live across Canada on TSN and CBC Gem, anchoring the opening weekend of the Northern Super League and marking a watershed moment for women’s sport in the country. The sellout is the latest in a series of milestones as AFC Toronto prepares to kick off its inaugural Northern Super League season. The April 19 fixture is a centrepiece of the NSL’s opening weekend and marks the beginning of a new era for sport in Canada. “To see this kind of response from the community is incredibly powerful,” said Helena Ruken, AFC Toronto CEO. “Selling out the lower bowl at BMO Field isn’t just a ticketing milestone — it’s a statement about where this city stands when it comes to women’s sport. It’s a show of belief in what we’re building.” The match is made possible through a partnership with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) and reflects a shared commitment to investing in the future of women’s soccer. From youth players to national team hopefuls, Saturday’s match is about inspiring the next generation — and offering fans the chance to be there when it all begins. Home to Toronto FC and a host venue for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, BMO Field is no stranger to historic moments. On Saturday, it welcomes another — one driven by ambition, community, and a long-overdue belief in what’s possible. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to help line the route and cheer as the players arrive at 12:45 p.m. for their first walk into BMO Field. The matchday experience will also feature a special pre-match ceremony with notable guests and a high-energy halftime performance by a Toronto-based drum and rhythm ensemble — all part of a day designed to mark this milestone in unforgettable fashion. To mark the occasion, Desjardins, AFC Toronto’s front-of-kit and founding sponsor, will hand out 15,000 commemorative scarves inside the stadium — a symbolic gesture for a new era in Canadian soccer. Following Saturday’s match, AFC Toronto will play all remaining 2025 home games at York Lions Stadium. We’re incredibly proud to have sold out the lower bowl for our inaugural match — a powerful show of support for women’s professional soccer in Toronto. The atmosphere on April 19 will be electric, and we can’t wait to share this historic moment with the 14,500 fans in attendance. Fans who missed out on BMO Field tickets are encouraged to join us at York Lions Stadium this season, where AFC Toronto will continue to build something special — one match at a time. Season memberships and single-game tickets are available now at www.afctoronto.ca. To keep up with AFC Toronto’s exciting updates, register for the club newsletter and follow AFC Toronto on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok. About AFC Toronto AFC Toronto is a founding club in the new Canadian professional women’s soccer league, the Northern Super League. The club is gearing up to deliver a top-tier experience for players, staff, and supporters in spring 2025. AFC Toronto is committed to uniting the community and inspiring young women and girls to lead, develop, and excel. The club’s purpose is to not just build a football club but to also create a platform for girls and women to achieve greatness on their terms.
.
.