BMO Financial Group has acquired the naming rights to the stadium that will be home to Major League Soccer's Toronto FC and Canada's national soccer teams.

Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment and BMO announced the 10-year deal at a news conference Wednesday. BMO Field will open in the spring of 2007.

``Soccer is hugely popular, particularly among many of Canada's cultural communities, and nowhere more so than in Toronto,'' Tony Comper, president and CEO of BMO Financial Group, said in a statement. ``You didn't even have to walk down College Street or St. Clair Avenue during the World Cup to feel the passion and excitement.''

Comper said that soccer in Canada is expected to grow in participation and fan base by 44 per cent over the next 10 years.

``Having a dedicated soccer facility will be pivotal in further shaping and developing soccer in Canada,'' said Richard Peddie, president and CEO of MLSE. ``BMO Field will not only serve as the home of professional soccer in Canada, but also serves the community with local programming for children, youth and adult soccer leagues.''

BMO Field's winter bubble will make the 20,000 seat stadium accessible for use year-round.

The partnership between BMO Financial Group and MLSE includes title sponsorship of the stadium, sponsorship of Toronto FC, a corporate suite and sponsorship of Play Soccer, a grassroots soccer program developed by the Ontario Soccer Association.

Toronto FC joined the MLS on May 11 as its 13th team and the first outside the United States. Toronto FC will begin play next spring.