Following a wave of online complaints after Rogers Stadium’s debut event over the weekend, Live Nation is addressing fans’ concerns and promising immediate improvements.
On June 29, the temporary outdoor stadium located at the former Downsview Airport Lands opened for its first show, K-pop group the Stray Kids. Over 50,000 fans attended the anticipated show, and left with mixed reactions about the newly-built venue.
Online, many concert-goers cited a lack of accommodations for people with mobility issues, long lines for water and washrooms, confusion surrounding exits and transit after the concert, and a general sense of disorganization throughout the night.
In a statement to Now Toronto, a Live Nation spokesperson acknowledged the challenges some attendees faced and said the company is already taking action to improve the fan experience at upcoming events.
“We are already making adjustments based on fan and community feedback and will continue to refine our operations to ensure a positive and safe experience for everyone at Rogers Stadium and in our neighbouring community this summer.”
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In response to specific accessibility criticisms, Live Nation said accessibility has been a core part of the stadium’s design from the beginning, and will continue to improve measures for a better experience for fans.
“Accessibility and inclusion were central to the stadium’s design, and we worked closely with advisors from the start to help ensure a safe, welcoming environment. We will continue to evolve our venues accessibility measures to ensure every fan has the best experience,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Live Nation emphasized that its team is working closely with city officials, emergency services, the TTC, Metrolinx, and other partners to address operational concerns. Fans are being encouraged to use public transit, which is free for concertgoers heading from the venue, as there is no parking available on site.
“We strongly encourage fans to take advantage of free and expanded TTC and GO transit rides home for future events, which will help ease parking and traffic in the area,” the spokesperson added.
The company also addressed concerns raised about the bleacher-style seating, particularly reports of the upper stands swaying or feeling unstable during the concert.
“We are also aware some fans noticed slight movement in the upper grandstands during the concert. Fans should be assured that this is expected as part of the design of the venue, which was built in partnership with world-class structural engineers and exceeds all international safety codes,” Live Nation said.
@nowtoronto Sunday’s Stray Kids concert marked the debut show at the temporary outdoor venue, Rogers Stadium, where an estimated 50,000 people attended. Did you see the show? 🔥 #RogersStadium #StrayKids #Toronto ♬ original sound – Now Toronto
Despite the criticisms, Live Nation noted the night was a major milestone for Toronto’s growing live music scene and thanked the tens of thousands of fans who attended the sold-out show.
“The concert at Rogers Stadium was a landmark moment for live music in Toronto, and we’re incredibly grateful to the 50,000 fans who joined us for the Stray Kids concert.”
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Rogers Stadium is set to host a packed lineup of major concerts throughout the summer and early fall.
Coldplay will take the stage for four nights on July 7, 8, 11, and 12, followed by BLACKPINK on July 22 and 23. Chris Brown is scheduled to perform on Aug. 19 and 20, while Oasis will return to Toronto for shows on Aug. 24 and 25. System of a Down will headline on Sept. 3 and 5, and the season will wrap up with Hozier’s much-anticipated performance on Sept. 10.
