Toronto’s newest open-air concert venue, Rogers Stadium, has had a rocky debut, and Coldplay’s Chris Martin just added to the chorus of complaints.
The 50,000-capacity temporary stadium, built on the grounds of Downsview Airport in North Toronto, opened its doors with a headline show by K-pop group Stray Kids on June 29. But instead of glowing reviews, the first night triggered a flood of frustration.
Attendees took to social media and news outlets to vent about long wait times for washrooms, limited water refill stations, and a lack of shelter, on a day when temperatures hit 27 C at Toronto Pearson Airport.
The venue’s remote location and minimal transit options also drew ire, especially as massive crowds struggled to leave the grounds after the show. Some concertgoers even raised concerns about the upper-tier stands noticeably swaying.
In response to the backlash, Live Nation Canada promised improvements, including increased staff, enhanced lighting, improved signage, and additional water stations at future events.
According to CBC News, the company stated that the movement of seats in the upper grandstands was “expected as part of the design of the venue,” which it claims “exceeds international safety codes.”
Still, Coldplay’s frontman didn’t hold back during the band’s Monday night show — their first of four at Rogers Stadium this week.
“I would like to say thank you so much for coming through all the bulls**t that you have to come through to this weird stadium in the middle of nowhere,” Martin can be heard saying in a video shared by TikTok user @mubblesqt.
“Thank you so much for coming through the traffic, the travel, and the trains, and the waiting, and lines and all the nonsense. I hope you’re OK, and we’re really so grateful to see you.”
He didn’t stop there.
“We welcome you all the way at the back, we see you over there, almost in Quebec,” Martin joked.
@mubblesqt got the kaotica vip ticket, drove from nj to toronto and had the worst experience at the venue! all the staff knew nothing. LITERALLY. just wasted my $2500 on the tix 🤡💀 venue is such a mess #rogersstadium #coldplayconcert #coldplaytoronto2025 #coldplay #fyp #toronto
Coldplay’s run continues Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, but they’re far from the only act booked at the venue this summer.
K-pop powerhouse Blackpink will take the stage for back-to-back shows on July 22 and 23.
Oasis, fresh off their long-awaited reunion after a 15-year rift between brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher, will play two nights on August 24 and 25.
Chris Brown follows with performances on August 19 and 20, while System of a Down and Deftones are slated to bring the noise on September 3 and 5.
Irish singer-songwriter Hozier will close out the venue’s season with a show on September 10.
