Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles Football Club has a new naming rights partner for its 22,000-seat stadium. As of today, the Downtown L.A. venue will be renamed BMO Stadium. It has been known as Banc of California Stadium since opening in 2018.
BMO is a financial services provider in North America with more than 500 branches and digital banking services in all 50 U.S. states. The newly formed partnership supports the U.S. expansion pillar of BMO’s North American growth strategy.
“Our partnership with BMO unites two organizations that share a vision and commitment to be leaders and forces for good in our community,” LAFC co-president and CBO Larry Freedman said in a release. “BMO Stadium is the premier outdoor arena in the Heart of Los Angeles, having established itself as a world class sports and entertainment venue that hosts iconic concerts, events and top-level soccer. We are excited to begin our partnership with BMO, and to welcome our fans, supporters and the people of the city of Los Angeles to BMO Stadium.”
The first open-air stadium built in the city of Los Angeles since 1962, BMO Stadium has hosted major events such as the 2022 MLS All-Star Game, the 2023 MLS Cup and numerous concerts and festivals featuring artists such as The Killers, Imagine Dragons, BLACKPINK, Twice, Santana, Guns N’ Roses, Armin Van Buuren, Rufus Du Sol, Kygo, Maroon 5, Iron Maiden and System of a Down.
BMO Stadium is home to the 2022 MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield Champions LAFC team, as well as the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) Angel City Football Club (ACFC). ACFC made its NWSL debut last season and led the NWSL in attendance in 2022, averaging more than 19,000 fans per game for its inaugural season. ACFC is also led by one of the largest women-led ownership groups in professional sports, aligning with BMO’s long-standing commitment to equity in sports, according to the financial provider.
“BMO is thrilled to forge this partnership with LAFC,” said BMO chief strategy and operations officer Cameron Fowler. “Through BMO Stadium, we will share our passion for soccer and commitment to the Los Angeles community while bringing to life our Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. We look forward to supporting LAFC and its fans this season and beyond.”
