What to know
- Concert goers praised smoother crowd management compared to last year, with one TikTok user saying they reached the subway in under an hour after the show.
- Other attendees described the commute as a “disaster,” citing long entry lines, overcrowded stations and delays getting to and leaving the venue.
- Ahead of the concert season, Live Nation announced new transit and venue measures, including free TTC rides from nearby Line 1 stations, added water stations, shaded areas and more washrooms.
- The changes come after many criticized the venue for lack of crowd control, washrooms, water, and shaded areas.
After the Rogers Stadium kicked off its concert season this weekend with the first of five Bruno Mars concerts in Toronto, concert goers are sharing their thoughts on the commute to and from the venue.
Although the rain delayed the start of this concert season at the stadium last Saturday, thousands of fans headed to the venue to see Bruno Mars on Sunday evening.
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After the concert, multiple videos have surfaced online highlighting not only the artist’s performance, but also the experience getting to and leaving the stadium, after the venue received criticism last year for lack of crowd control and commute challenges.
‘Very smooth compared to last year’: Fans applaud efforts
Some concert goers are praising the venue for having made effective changes to manage crowds and implement more transit options for fans since last year.
One user shared a TikTok video with timestamps leaving Mars’ concert on Sunday, revealing that it took them less than one hour to get to the subway.
“Very smooth compared to last year,” the user said in the caption.
Another user was pleasantly surprised to find a new parking lot closer to the stadium.
“About damn time,” they wrote.
‘Disaster’: Other fans criticize commute to and from the venue
Meanwhile, other concert goers continue to raise concerns regarding accessing the venue.
One person on TikTok shared a video showing large crowds walking and standing in line in the area, saying they almost missed the concert despite arriving two hours early because they had to stand in long queues.
“I spent more time getting in and out of Rogers Stadium than [watching] the concert,” they wrote.
Another TikToker said that although the venue did implement foot traffic control measures, the commute was still difficult, since many fans crowded Downsview Station while trying to leave the show.
According to her, the issue was intensified due to lack of GO Transit service in the area over the weekend due to planned track work. The same user also criticized the lack of traffic control for those exiting through Sheppard Station, which also created chaos.
“Getting home and leaving: disaster,” she stated.
Live Nation responds
Responding to the videos shared by fans, Live Nation told Now Toronto the feedback is “encouraging,” highlighting that it has taken steps to improve concert goers’ experiences.
“Moving large crowds is always tricky, and it’s encouraging to hear many saw and felt the difference from our efforts this season,” a Live Nation Canada spokesperson said in a statement to Now Toronto.
Live Nation previously announced transit measures
Before the concert this weekend, Live Nation announced new measures to improve concert goers’ experiences at Rogers Stadium.
Live Nation is encouraging fans to take the TTC to and from the venue by renewing a contract with the transit agency to provide free service on Line 1 from Wilson, Sheppard West, and Downsview stations.
Other measures include:
- Increased subway service and buses on concert nights
- More TTC staff to help manage crowds
- Shuttle service from Wilson Station
- Additional rideshare pick‑up and drop‑off spaces
- A new pedestrian path to Sheppard West Station
- More parking options
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“We’ll continue paying close attention to fan feedback throughout the season and will make further adjustments as needed to support a smooth and safe experience getting to and from the stadium,” a spokesperson for Live Nation added.
Concert goers previously concerned over crowd chaos
Last year, the Rogers Stadium made headlines as fans voiced their concerns over difficulty accessing the venue and crowd control issues.
The venue’s opening Stray Kids concert last summer first led to criticism as fans complained about overwhelming crowd congestion and limited access to water and shade.
After that, during a Chris Brown concert, more than 55,000 people crowded the area around the venue while commuting to and from the show. At the time, many reported hours of wait and intense crowding to leave the venue and access local transit.
Read More
- TTC says no complaints reported after Chris Brown fans slam post-concert transit chaos at Rogers Stadium
- ‘We are already making adjustments,’ Live Nation responds to Rogers Stadium opening night criticism
- ‘They need to sort this out,’ Rogers Stadium concert-goers raise safety and accessibility concerns after opening night
