Introduction to Rogers Stadium
Live Nation Entertainment has revised its new concert event location, Rogers Stadium, in Toronto, following concerns expressed by concert attendees after the opening concert on June 29. The company is taking fan and community feedback into consideration and making adjustments to ensure a positive and safe experience for everyone.
Addressing Concerns
"We are already making adjustments based on fan and community feedback and will further refine our operations to ensure a positive and safe experience for everyone in the Rogers Stadium and in our neighboring community this summer," Live Nation said in a statement on the CBC News website. The company needs to move quickly, as the British rock band Coldplay is set to perform four shows at the stadium from July 7th to 12th, and another important test will take place on August 24th and 25th when Oasis is scheduled to perform.
Upcoming Concerts
The Toronto concert will also be the first date for the North American concert tour that began in Cardiff, Wales. Fans of the South Korean pop group Stray Kids praised the performance at the Rogers Stadium, but criticized the event location itself in online comments. The stadium has four stands with seats in the bleacher style around the stage, which has raised concerns about accessibility and mobility issues.
Fan Feedback
Teen novel writer Nav K. Gill took to Twitter to warn those with mobility problems not to buy tickets in the stadium, stating "Even if it is for series 1." Gill also complained about the long lines for water and concessions, saying "Expect huge lines for water or be ready to pay a lot of money for water when it comes to concessions." Other fans expressed concerns about overcrowding, long lines to get into the stadium, and issues with crowd control and public transportation.
Safety Concerns
One fan tweeted about the instability of the seats, saying "Thank you for organizing Stray Kids last night! However, check the stability of the seats before the next concert takes place. Some of our places have come loose, and the employees did not repair it for about an hour after asking for help several times." Toronto council member James Pasternak, whose ward includes the new Rogers Stadium, expressed security and logistical concerns after the concert, calling for an urgent meeting with Live Nation to address issues with crowd management, transit, access to water and washrooms, and accommodation for people with disabilities.
Background
In September 2024, Live Nation and Northcrest Developments revealed plans for a new concert stadium in North Toronto, which would host top global music acts on a former runway in the Downsview airport. The property in North Toronto was previously used to organize a huge film studio complex on a 370-hectare site. Representatives of Live Nation were not available for direct comments, but the company is working to address the concerns and provide a better experience for fans at the Rogers Stadium.
