Supporters were skeptical of Tim Leiweke’s dream.

The ex-MLSE CEO was unabashed about turning Toronto FC into something resembling respectability.

On Saturday — three years after Leiweke asked fans to “dream big” — his vision will be on full display when TFC hosts FC Dallas at the newly renovated, 30,000-seat BMO Field.

The anti-MLSE pessimists have gone quiet since MLSE announced said renovations, their flames and pitchforks set aside.

After all, this weekend, with a capacity crowd on hand, it will be impossible to ignore the positive impact MLSE’s investment has had on Toronto FC and the city.

Reaching this point was arduous to say the least. “Financial suicide,” even, according to Leiweke.

In retrospect, though, MLSE couldn’t have afforded to not embark on a three-year journey that culminated with TFC’s early-season competency — all of which had, in many ways, to do with expanding BMO Field.

Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco, arguably the best player in MLS history, wouldn’t be here without stadium upgrades.

The estimated increase in revenue was needed to justify spending a truckload of cash to lure the trio to Toronto.

Whether it works remains to be seen. The Reds have to host and win playoff games in order to show marked improvement.

That’s why Leiweke’s dream, MLSE’s vision, largely hinges on this campaign — the principle reason why Saturday’s match is so anticipated.

This weekend is the culmination of a process that began with a culture shift within the organization. As was the case in 2011 and 2012, Toronto FC is no longer an entity whose fans have disdain for ownership.

Municipal and provincial politics were played before MLSE’s board had an epiphany: “Let’s treat Toronto FC with respect and dignity.” Disillusioned fans needed new reasons to dream.

Getting the anti-Argonauts crowd to remove their tin-foil hats is an ongoing process that will diminish further when supporters enter BMO on Saturday.

The stadium’s breathtaking canopy will kill off all remaining pessimism associated with sharing a venue with the Canadian Football League.

Argos and CFL signage will be limited to a few exterior elements on Major League Soccer game days — well worth Toronto FC’s transformation from 2013 lightweight to big spender in 2016.

For fans who haven’t been to BMO Field since last October, prepare to feel like you’re entering a new stadium for the first time since TFC’s inaugural season.

“When we built BMO Field in 2007, we knew we’d have to reinvest over time, but never thought we’d be able to convince our owners to make the type of long-term investment that they have,” said Bob Hunter, MLSE’s chief project development officer.

“It’s a whole new stadium. We (various levels of government) paid $62 million back in 2007. With the Argonauts, we’re reinvesting almost $150 million.”

Throw in the roughly $100 million in contracts doled out to three DPs and MLSE has invested around a quarter-billion dollars in TFC players and facilities.

“Everyone was motivated,” Hunter added during a guided tour with the Sun on Wednesday afternoon. “The City of Toronto was motivated because they want to see the big events. The City and province were motivated because they wanted to find a long-term solution for the Argos. Everyone saw that the potential for bigger and larger events, which have the potential for a big economic impact for Toronto, could only be achieved by doing that level of investment.”

In the end, the only arguments against transforming BMO Field from erector-set stadium into big-time soccer stadium come from original TFC supporters who would rather see their club stay niche.

In truth, without Leiweke’s dream, the excitement ahead of Saturday’s home opener would be nowhere close to where it is.

LEIWEKE KEEPING TABS ON TFC’S HOME OPENER

On the seventh day, Tim Leiweke rested. Somewhere.

The ex-MLSE CEO isn’t in town to see the official unveiling of the stadium he pushed for.

The Toronto Sun did, however, reach him by email.

“I am very proud of the development team and the commitment to fight through all the obstacles to get this done,” Leiweke told the Sun. “Had a couple of dozen reasons why people thought this was a bad idea.”

The main one being the preservation of TFC’s pitch.

Concerns won’t be put to bed until after there’s proof the Argonauts won’t negatively impact TFC’s all-grass field.

“Toronto has one of the best homes in all of MLS now,” Leiweke added. “They are for real and I couldn’t be happier for MLSE, the owners, the team and the fans.”

YOUR BMO QUESTIONS ANSWERED

1) Will BMO Field be 100% completed by Saturday’s TFC opener?

No. Close, though. A pair of end suites on the west side of the stadium are still under renovation. Some areas atop the roof are also still being completed. Furthermore, the Argos’ dressing room is still under renovation ahead of the CFL season.

2) Why does the north end look so empty?

It’s going to remain fairly empty. TFC is selling standing-room-only tickets where the CFL endzone will be. Plastic squares have been laid over top of the Argos’ artificial turf end zone. Truth be told, MLSE ran out of time to improve the north end. They’ll likely add party decks in the coming seasons and more amenities. There are also two sets of temporary premium seats near the corner flags.

3) The south-end roof, why is it so darn high?

To accommodate 8,000 temporary seats that will be installed for Grey Cups, MLS Cups, World Cups and outdoor hockey games. If you sit in the south end, the canopy might not do much for you if it rains. But, hey, it looks cool.

4) How is the grass?

It was installed two weeks ago. We walked on it Wednesday afternoon. It felt fine. Groundskeepers appear to have grow lights operating on it around the clock. TFC will train on it for the first time Thursday night.

5) How much Argos signage will there be?

Not much on MLS game days. An area beneath Section 104 — where the Argos dressing room is housed — is painted blue. Also, an Argos banner will sit atop the northwest super column, facing the Gardiner Expressway. While it won’t happen this season, Argos signage might also adorn the southeast corner of the stadium, facing the south parking lot.

6) Does the canopy roof go all the way to the touch line?

No. It covers all “fixed” seats on all sides.

7) What don’t you like about it, Larson?

The north end will look empty at times this year, a poor visual for TV. We think MLSE should strive to make the north end look akin to what the Blue Jays have done in centre field. Needs to be a fun atmosphere. We’ll have to wait and see what they do with it next season.

8) Will south-end seating change at all due to the CFL end zone?

No. I’m told the first six rows of seats will be removable, but will be within an inch of original placement prior to renovations.

klarson@postmedia.com

@KurtLarSUN