TORONTO

A former MLSE staffer once described current-day BMO Field as an “IKEA” stadium.

“Pull the pin and it will crumble to the ground,” he told me.

That’s not a shot at MLSE — or the city. It’s the truth.

Current-day BMO Field has served its purpose.

It’s a testament to MLS that it took just eight seasons for TFC to grow out of its current digs. But it has.

And, on Tuesday, all parties will be on site to unveil BMO Field 2.0: A massive renovation that will turn the stadium into something more than a “ready-to-assemble” venue.

“Go look at what our stadium was when it opened to what it is today,” Leiweke told the Toronto Sun last week.

“We’ve fallen so far behind it’s shocking.”

Soccer-specific stadiums in Kansas City and New York are considered world-class.

BMO Field has fallen to the bottom of the pack.

The three photos the Sun obtained ahead of Tuesday’s unveiling reveal a stark upgrade, one with a luxury club level and the addition of a few thousand new seats under roofing. Capacity is expected to grow to around 30,000.

Toronto FC general manager Tim Bezbatchenko and MLSE chairman Larry Tanenbaum are expected to speak on Tuesday.

Councillors Norm Kelly and Mark Grimes will be in attendance, too.

Although Toronto FC is expected to remain the primary tenant, MLSE’s top brass has left open the possibility of the CFL moving into BMO Field one day.

“That’s a commitment that is a legal obligation to the city and the province,” Leiweke told the Sun. “We will honour that commitment.”

Construction is under way and is expected to be completed in two phases over two years.

RETURN OF DEFOE

Toronto FC striker Jermain Defoe is finally back in T.O.

Club staffers met Defoe at Pearson International Monday afternoon upon his scheduled arrival.

The team’s leading goal-scorer has been laying low in London, England, rehabbing a lingering groin injury for more than a month.

Defoe last played in a 2-2 draw against Chicago on Aug. 23. He was replaced with a quarter-hour remaining and hasn’t been seen since.

The 31-year-old didn’t stick around for questioning post-game, either.

Since then, rumours have swirled that Toronto’s highly-paid Designated Player is interested in an offseason move.

With three English clubs in pursuit earlier this month, the Reds elected not to sell the player they purchased from Tottenham for a $10 million transfer fee last winter.

Toronto FC’s top boss, Tim Leiweke, told the Toronto Sun last week that the club has put off any transfer talks until after the season.

Defoe is expected to address the media Wednesday when the Reds resume training ahead of a critical weekend tilt with the Portland Timbers.

Coming off his first win as a head coach, Greg Vanney has said he won’t know Defoe’s status until he returns to training Tuesday.

The club is targeting TFC’s next away date in L.A. for Defoe’s return.

NEW JERSEY SPONSOR

Along with its stadium, Toronto FC’s jersey is about to undergo a major alteration.

The Bank of Montreal has elected not to re-up as the club’s jersey sponsor heading into next season.

The bank, which reports have indicated pay the club close to $4 million annually, has been TFC’s shirt sponsor since its inaugural season.

“BMO is a strong supporter of both Toronto FC and of youth soccer in Canada, and as they increase their activation within their grassroots soccer partnerships, they have given us the opportunity to explore new partners for the TFC kit.,” said Dave Hopkinson, MLSE’s chief commercial officer. “We are in the process of productive conversations with a number of potential new kit partners and look forward to welcoming them to the TFC team before the end of the year.”

BMO electing to sever ties won’t impact TFC’s stadium name, which will remain “BMO Field” until the end of 2016.

Jersey deals in Major League Soccer typically run between $2-4 million annually.

Real Salt Lake recently signed a long-term deal with LifeVantage that will see the nutraceutical marketer pay it $30 million over 10 years.

The Los Angeles Galaxy have the most expensive deal in MLS – a 10-year, $44 million deal with Herbalife Ltd.

LOOKING FORWARD

The Reds took care of business over the weekend, dismantling Chivas USA 3-0 in what Vanney called a must-win match.

They’re in a similar situation Saturday against the Portland Timbers, a Western Conference club that’s just as desperate for points.

A win over the tired Timbers – they host a Champions League game in Portland Tuesday – could see TFC jump back above the red playoff line this weekend.

Considering the tight playoff picture in the East, drop points by Philly, Columbus, New York and New England are all good results if you’re a TFC supporter.