The reigning Canadian Premier League champions, Atlético Ottawa, face an unusual challenge as they prepare for their historic CONCACAF Champions Cup debut. Due to ongoing construction for the Lansdowne 2.0 redevelopment project, the club cannot host its first-round match at TD Place this winter. Instead, the team's designated 'home' game against Major League Soccer's Nashville SC will be played nearly 500 kilometres away at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton in February.
Superfans Gear Up for a Long-Distance Road Trip
Despite the significant distance, dedicated supporters like superfans Bryce Crossman and Jon Hopkins are already planning their journey to The Hammer. Both are leaders of the Capital City Supporters Group, a fan club founded in 2020 alongside the return of professional soccer to Ottawa.
"There's definitely a level of disappointment," Hopkins admitted, referencing the social media frustration expressed by many fans. However, he noted the situation was "not necessarily unexpected" given the known construction timeline for Lansdowne 2.0.
Crossman remains optimistic about fan turnout, emphasizing the match's significance. "We don't know the next time we'll be playing against an MLS team," he said, predicting that "at least a few hundred" Ottawa supporters are contemplating the drive to Hamilton.
Stadium Standards Limit Local Options
Alex Mejia, the club's chief of operations and compliance officer, explained the difficult decision. While acknowledging fan frustration, he clarified that the construction schedule was outside the club's control. The search for an alternative venue was constrained by strict CONCACAF hosting requirements.
"CONCACAF requires hosts to meet certain standards, including adequate suite and club seating, broadcast facilities, locker rooms, and parking," Mejia stated. The club evaluated several stadiums closer to Ottawa but found them unsuitable.
Compounding the issue, other major Eastern Canadian venues were also unavailable. Montreal's Olympic Stadium is under renovation, and Toronto's BMO Field is being upgraded for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This left Hamilton's Tim Hortons Field as the closest compliant stadium, a venue where Ottawa fans have previously traveled to support their team.
Looking Ahead to a Lansdowne 2.0 Future
Despite the immediate logistical headache, the club's leadership expresses strong support for the long-term Lansdowne 2.0 project. Mejia highlighted the future benefits for players and fans alike.
"We'll have newer facilities, better accessibility, and, overall, we're just continuing to raise the fan experience," he said, framing the construction as a necessary step for the club's growth.
The match against Nashville SC is a direct result of Atlético Ottawa's dramatic snow-covered CPL championship victory in November 2025, which earned them this prestigious continental berth. While the 'home' atmosphere will be unconventional, the club and its traveling supporters aim to turn a Hamilton stadium into a pocket of Ottawa passion for one crucial February night.
