Rogers Stadium Faces Scrutiny Over Safety and Accessibility After Troubled Debut
Live Nation Entertainment is rapidly addressing concerns regarding safety and accessibility at its newly opened Rogers Stadium in Toronto, following complaints from concertgoers who attended the inaugural Stray Kids performance on June 29. The issues, voiced widely on social media, prompted an urgent meeting with local officials and a commitment from the entertainment giant to implement immediate improvements.
“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 neighboring community this summer,” Live Nation stated to the CBC News website.
The pressure is on for Live Nation as a busy summer concert schedule unfolds. British rock band Coldplay is slated for four performances at the venue from July 7 to 12, and the legendary Oasis will take the stage on August 24 and 25 for their first live shows in 16 years – marking the North American debut of their current tour, which began in Cardiff, Wales.
While fans praised Stray Kids’ performance, the venue itself drew significant criticism. Concerns ranged from overcrowding and lengthy entry and exit lines to inadequate crowd control and limited access to public transportation. One attendee, a teen novel writer, cautioned on X (formerly Twitter) that individuals with mobility issues should avoid stadium stands, “even if it’s row 1.” The stadium features four stands with bleacher-style seating surrounding the stage.
Further complaints highlighted logistical challenges. “Expect huge lines for water OR be prepared to pay big bucks for water over at the concessions,” one user posted. Another concertgoer from Buffalo, New York, shared on X that seats were unstable and remained unfixed for nearly an hour after being reported to staff.
Toronto councillor James Pasternak, representing the York Centre ward encompassing Rogers Stadium, confirmed that safety and logistical concerns were directly addressed with Live Nation in a post-concert meeting. “With concerts scheduled all summer and shortcomings apparent from the first performance, we put pressure on all responsible parties to sort out concerns about crowd management and transit, access to water and washrooms, improved drop off zones, noise issues, and better accommodation of handicapped persons accessing the site,” Pasternak wrote in a social media post.
Rogers Stadium is built on a 370-acre site previously considered for a large film studio complex. The venue is the result of plans unveiled in September 2024 by Live Nation and Northcrest Developments to create a premier concert destination on a former runway at the Downsview Airport lands in North Toronto.
Despite requests for comment, representatives for Live Nation have not yet provided a direct response. The coming weeks will be critical in demonstrating the company’s commitment to addressing the initial concerns and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all concertgoers at Rogers Stadium.
