Toronto's Lamport Stadium, also known as the "Lamport," has been a hub for sports and entertainment in the city since its inception in 1975. Located in the Liberty Village neighborhood, this stadium has hosted a wide range of events, from Canadian football games to concerts and festivals. Despite its popularity, there are several secrets and lesser-known facts about Lamport Stadium that are worth exploring. In this article, we will delve into 10 secrets about Lamport Stadium that will provide you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of this Toronto landmark.
History and Design of Lamport Stadium
Lamport Stadium was designed by the architectural firm of Webb Zerafa Menkes Housden, and its construction was completed in 1975 at a cost of $3.5 million. The stadium was named after Harry Lamport, a former chairman of the Toronto Board of Education. With a seating capacity of approximately 9,600, Lamport Stadium was designed to be a multi-purpose venue, capable of hosting various sports and events. One of the unique features of the stadium is its asymmetrical design, which provides an intimate and dynamic atmosphere for spectators. The stadium’s design has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years, including the installation of a new FieldTurf surface in 2008.
Secrets of the Stadium’s Past
One of the lesser-known secrets about Lamport Stadium is its role in the development of Canadian football. The stadium has been home to several football teams, including the Toronto Argonauts and the University of Toronto Varsity Blues. In the 1980s, Lamport Stadium hosted several high-profile football games, including the Canadian Football League (CFL) Grey Cup playoffs. The stadium has also been used as a training facility for several professional sports teams, including the Toronto FC and the Toronto Rock. Additionally, Lamport Stadium has hosted numerous concerts and festivals, including the Toronto Jazz Festival and the Veld Music Festival.
| Year | Event | Attendance |
|---|---|---|
| 1982 | CFL Grey Cup Playoffs | 32,421 |
| 2008 | Toronto Jazz Festival | 50,000 |
| 2012 | Veld Music Festival | 40,000 |
Another secret about Lamport Stadium is its sustainability initiatives. The stadium has implemented several environmentally friendly measures, including the use of energy-efficient lighting and the installation of a rainwater harvesting system. These initiatives have helped reduce the stadium's carbon footprint and make it a more sustainable venue for events. Additionally, Lamport Stadium has been recognized for its accessibility features, including wheelchair-accessible seating and washrooms.
Current Events and Future Developments
Today, Lamport Stadium continues to be a popular venue for sports and entertainment events. The stadium is home to the Toronto Wolfpack, a professional rugby league team, and hosts several other sports teams and events throughout the year. The stadium has also undergone several renovations and upgrades in recent years, including the installation of a new video scoreboard and the expansion of its concession stands. Looking to the future, there are plans to further develop the stadium and surrounding area, including the construction of new residential and commercial buildings and the creation of a public park.
What is the seating capacity of Lamport Stadium?
+The seating capacity of Lamport Stadium is approximately 9,600.
What type of events does Lamport Stadium host?
+Lamport Stadium hosts a wide range of events, including sports games, concerts, festivals, and community gatherings.
Is Lamport Stadium accessible for people with disabilities?
+Yes, Lamport Stadium has several accessibility features, including wheelchair-accessible seating and washrooms.
In conclusion, Lamport Stadium is a unique and versatile venue that has played a significant role in Toronto's sports and entertainment scene. From its asymmetrical design to its sustainability initiatives, there are several secrets and lesser-known facts about Lamport Stadium that make it an interesting and attractive destination for events and activities. Whether you're a sports fan, a music lover, or just looking for a unique experience, Lamport Stadium is definitely worth exploring.
10 Secrets About Lamport Stadium
Here are 10 secrets about Lamport Stadium that you might not know:
- Asymmetrical design: Lamport Stadium's unique design provides an intimate and dynamic atmosphere for spectators.
- FieldTurf surface: The stadium's FieldTurf surface is a state-of-the-art playing surface that provides a safe and durable playing experience for athletes.
- CFL Grey Cup playoffs: Lamport Stadium has hosted several high-profile football games, including the CFL Grey Cup playoffs.
- Toronto Jazz Festival: The stadium has hosted the Toronto Jazz Festival, which features a wide range of jazz music performances.
- Veld Music Festival: Lamport Stadium has also hosted the Veld Music Festival, which features a variety of music performances and activities.
- Sustainability initiatives: The stadium has implemented several environmentally friendly measures, including the use of energy-efficient lighting and the installation of a rainwater harvesting system.
- Accessibility features: Lamport Stadium has several accessibility features, including wheelchair-accessible seating and washrooms.
- Video scoreboard: The stadium has a state-of-the-art video scoreboard that provides a unique and engaging experience for spectators.
- Concession stands: The stadium has several concession stands that offer a wide range of food and beverage options for spectators.
- Future developments: There are plans to further develop the stadium and surrounding area, including the construction of new residential and commercial buildings and the creation of a public park.
