Imagine Dragons Kick Off Summer at Toronto's New RBC Amphitheatre

Las Vegas rockers Imagine Dragons kicked off the summer concert season at the newly renamed RBC Amphitheatre in Toronto on Thursday night, giving fans a first look at the rebranded venue. The former Budweiser Stage now features a blue-yellow-and-white archway over a blue carpet, where photo-taking proved popular. However, the iconic marquee sign displaying the night's act has been replaced with a more corporate version, though a new vintage photo booth from Simons adds a nostalgic touch.

Parking Challenges and New Amenities

Parking remains difficult due to Exhibition Place closures for the upcoming FIFA World Cup at BMO Field. Rideshare or public transit is recommended. New food options include bacon and cheese hotdogs topped with Kraft Dinner mac and cheese ($14) and Heinz mayo-style sauces like Mango Habanero and Forty Creek Whiskey BBQ. Six specialty cocktails and margarita flavors ($27) are available at a new tequila bar, along with the El Jimador Pier space on the Riverwalk.

Year-Round Venue by 2030

Announced last fall, the waterfront venue will become year-round by 2030. Renovations starting fall 2027 will add a pedestrian bridge, a lookout deck with elevator access, and expanded capacity. Summer capacity will increase to 18,000 (9,000 seats, 9,000 lawn), while winter will offer approximately 9,000 seats. The venue will close for renovations in fall 2027 and reopen in summer 2029, with full-year capabilities by summer 2030.

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Imagine Dragons Performance Highlights

Frontman Dan Reynolds energized the crowd with anthemic hits, often shirtless, displaying his muscular physique. The band, including guitarist-keyboardist Wayne Sermon, bassist Ben McKee, and touring drummer Andrew Tolman, delivered a 1-hour-40-minute set with highlights like Enemy, Radioactive, Thunder (where Reynolds borrowed a fan's sunglasses and wandered through the audience), and a cover of George Ezra's Budapest. Reynolds also honored the Tyler Robinson Foundation, supporting families of children with cancer, with an emotional version of Walking the Wire.

Upcoming Summer Shows

RBC Amphitheatre will host a record 85-90 shows over six months, featuring artists like Paul Simon, Santana, Muse, Tim McGraw, Motley Crue, Chicago, Styx, Rob Zombie, TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, Wu-Tang Clan, and Foster the People.