Table of contents:
- Concerns rise after Stray Kids concert at Rogers Stadium
- Accessibility issues frustrate concertgoers
- Live Nation responds and city takes action
- City officials express cautious optimism
Concerns rise after Stray Kids concert at Rogers Stadium
Several attendees of the venue’s inaugural concert, featuring South Korean band Stray Kids, reported serious problems. These included:
- Up to 2-hour delays in exiting the stadium.
- Long wait times for transit, including buses, Ubers, and trains.
- Confusing signage and lack of accessible infrastructure, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the Downsview Park area.
Maria Strachan, who plans to attend Coldplay’s Tuesday and Saturday shows, said she was “shocked” by what she heard. “I’m trying to stay positive, but I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t just a little bit concerned about some of the safety aspects,” she told CBC News.
Mel Farenzena, who traveled seven hours from Sault Ste. Marie with her daughters, waited two hours for water before giving up and buying six bottles for nearly 60 dollars. “7 p.m. came and we were like, ‘No, we’re not missing this concert because of water,’” she said.
Accessibility issues frustrate concertgoers
Rebecca Lukowski, who attended the Stray Kids event, highlighted major accessibility gaps. “They were not prepared,” she said. She explained that shuttles to accessible parking never arrived and that she spent 30 minutes driving in circles. “There was no signage on the roads. There was no signage for the accessible parking either.”
Maria Strachan added: “If you’re visiting from out of town, there are no hotels around there. There are no restaurants, so you have to make your way back downtown. It just doesn’t make a lot of sense.”
Live Nation responds and city takes action
In response to the backlash, Live Nation Canada issued a statement confirming that adjustments are underway. “We are already making adjustments based on fan and community feedback and will continue to refine our operations,” it said. The company stated it is working closely with city officials, transit agencies, emergency services, and local partners.
City spokesperson Laura McQuillan said Toronto is collaborating with Rogers Stadium to improve logistics. Changes include:
- Road closures on Sheppard Avenue W. between Allen Road and Keele Street from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
- Traffic reductions on Wilson Avenue during concert hours.
- More signage to guide pedestrians and vehicles.
Additionally, Live Nation addressed complaints about seats in the upper grandstands moving, explaining that this is part of the venue’s design and exceeds international safety codes.
City officials express cautious optimism
James Pasternak, the local city councillor, said he recently met with Live Nation, landowner Northcrest Developments, and emergency services. “We are hopeful that we can fix many of these problems,” he said. “The onus is on Live Nation to make it happen.”
He emphasized that key changes are expected for Coldplay's concerts. “I would hope that access to fresh water, especially on hot summer nights, is more easily available,” Pasternak stated.
With thousands expected to attend each performance, fans are advised to plan ahead, arrive early, and be patient as the city and event organizers work to improve the experience at the newly opened venue.
Source: CBC
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