What to know
- Scotiabank Arena has launched a new Priority+ membership offering early access to buy up to two tickets for more than 50 eligible concerts and events.
- The membership costs approximately $2,500 annually, plus fees and taxes, but tickets must still be purchased separately and are not guaranteed.
- Additional perks include a dedicated Premium Live representative, early access to ScotiaClub dining and invitations to exclusive member experiences.
- Torontonians have slammed the program as “greedy” and “tone deaf,” arguing it creates another barrier to affordable concert tickets. Scotiabank Arena has yet to respond to the backlash.
Concertgoers hoping to get their hands on tickets to some of Toronto’s biggest shows may soon have another option, but it comes with a hefty price tag that has some Torontonians calling it a cash grab.
Concert and event venue Scotiabank Arena has introduced a new membership program called Scotiabank Arena Priority+, powered by Premium Live, which gives members early access to buy up to two tickets to more than 50 eligible shows.
According to Scotiabank Arena, the program is designed to give members the opportunity to purchase up to two concert tickets before they become available for those without the membership.
Having the membership lets fans bypass ticket sales, including any American Express presale and other fan priority sales at the downtown venue.
An additional membership benefit includes access to a dedicated Premium Live representative to assist with members’ live event needs.
Members will also receive early access to the premium ScotiaClub dining space on eligible concert nights, along with invitations to select Priority+ and Premium Live member experiences throughout the year.
The process works by notifying members when an eligible show is announced. Members then receive instructions on how to access their exclusive ticket purchasing window before other presales begin.
Cost and disclosures
The cost of the membership is around $2,500 annually, plus applicable fees and taxes.
Despite the hefty price tag, the $2,500 membership does not actually include concert tickets.
Members must still purchase tickets separately, and access does not guarantee tickets or specific seating areas.
Additionally, the membership also does not cover every concert at Scotiabank Arena, and is limited to what events are eligible.
While it does apply to more than 50 eligible show announcements, Priority+ access is limited to the first announced show date for each concert.
If any additional dates are added, members will not receive Priority+ access to those new shows. Certain concerts may also be excluded.
Memberships are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to another person without prior approval from Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.
The inaugural membership period began Nov. 1, 2026, and runs until Dec. 31, 2027. It also includes access to eligible shows announced during November and December 2026.
‘Expensive and inaccessible,’ Torontonians react
The latest announcement from one of Toronto’s biggest concert venues has fans upset as a result.
Many residents took to social media, calling the membership “greedy” and “expensive.”
“Just greedy shame on you for pricing people out of live experiences when it’s already expensive to go to them SHAME,” said one X user.
It left a sour taste in many concertgoers’ mouths.
“Scotiabank has always been my #1 fav place for making my best memories. Now i’m a hater screw yall,” one Toronto concertgoer wrote.
“…Companies find new ways to gouge and make the experience sh*t for normal ppl and expect applause for it,” another said.
Many pointed out the existing inaccessibility to buying concert tickets.
“This is tone deaf,” one X user wrote. “People want to see more accessible tickets, not pay $2,500 plus taxes a year to get priority access. Just another hurdle towards fair prices.”
“This makes me unbelievably sad. Why do we need more barriers to get tickets :(,” another X user wrote.
“…pricing people out even further from being able to experience live music,” another X user agreed.
Ultimately, many called on the venue to reconsider the membership.
“…Myself and many fans have personally decided to no longer attend concerts at your venue until this is no longer in effect,” one Toronto resident wrote. “You should be ashamed.”
“You can clearly see the outrage in these replies so I hope you will reconsider and ensure more tickets are getting into the hands of REAL fans for affordable prices,” another fan stated.
“Shut it down,” another simply wrote.
Scotiabank Arena has yet to respond to the backlash since the announcement on Tuesday.
