4.07.2025

"Rogers Stadium Faces Crowd Management Concerns"

TORONTO — The operators of Toronto’s new Rogers Stadium say they are “already making adjustments” after concertgoers voiced concerns about crowd management at the outdoor venue’s inaugural show on Sunday

TORONTO – The operators of Toronto's newly established Rogers Stadium have announced they are "already making adjustments" in response to crowd management concerns raised by concertgoers during the venue's inaugural show on Sunday. The event featured the popular K-pop group Stray Kids, and issues were reported regarding the efficient handling of large crowds.

Live Nation Canada, the company responsible for the operation of the stadium, stated that they are taking fan and community feedback seriously. They are actively "working closely" with city officials, transit services, and emergency personnel to improve the experience for attendees. The feedback highlighted significant delays, with some fans finding it took as long as two hours to exit the stadium after the concert due to inadequate infrastructure for managing the influx of attendees and their subsequent departure.

In addition to the crowd management issues, some attendees expressed concern regarding stability in the upper grandstands, mentioning that their seats appeared to shift during the performance. Live Nation Canada responded by assuring fans that some movement is "expected as part of the design of the venue," emphasizing that the stadium meets and "exceeds" international safety standards.

James Pasternak, a city councillor whose district encompasses the area surrounding Rogers Stadium, was scheduled to meet with representatives from Live Nation Canada and landowner Northcrest Developments to discuss potential solutions to the challenges encountered during the inaugural event. The collaboration aims to address both the crowd management issues and attendees' safety concerns, ensuring a smoother experience for future events.

Looking ahead, Rogers Stadium is set to host the renowned British rock band Coldplay for a series of four performances from July 7 to July 12. The operators are keen to implement improvements before these high-profile concerts in order to enhance both crowd and safety management, demonstrating their commitment to providing a positive experience for concertgoers.

This situation underscores the importance of planning and execution when hosting large-scale events, particularly in newly constructed venues. Both organizers and city officials are learning from the initial responses to set the stage for future successes at Rogers Stadium.