Live Nation Canada has announced a series of improvements for the second season of Rogers Stadium in North York, which kicks off Saturday with the first of five Bruno Mars concerts. The adjustments aim to address issues from the venue's inaugural season, including transportation, sound, lighting, and amenities.
Free Transit and Enhanced Service
As in the previous year, fans can enjoy complimentary rides home from TTC's Downsview Park, Sheppard West, and Wilson stations on Line 1 after shows. Concertgoers simply show their ticket to TTC staff to access the free trip. The TTC will also add extra subway service on Lines 1, 2, 5, and 6 about 30 minutes before the 11 p.m. show end, along with additional buses and staff to assist with departures.
Nathalie Burri, Senior Vice President of Operations for Live Nation Canada, stated: "We've done what we can to make getting to and from the venue easier this year." TTC spokesman Stuart Green noted that an estimated 50% of the 50,000 attendees will use transit for at least part of their journey.
Metrolinx spokesperson Lyndsey Miller confirmed that no GO Transit services will run to the Mars concerts on Saturday, Sunday, and May 30 due to planned construction on the Barrie line. Instead, GO buses will operate between Allandale Waterfront GO and Highway 407 Bus Terminal. Continuous free shuttle service from Wilson Station will be available, with priority for those with accessibility needs.
New Pedestrian Pathway
A new pedestrian pathway has been created to provide a faster route from Sheppard West to the venue. Burri explained: "This new path will provide an alternative path to Downsview Park which was utilized by the majority of our fans last season and saw a bit of congestion. It now gives us three access points (including Wilson) onto the site on foot."
Additional Parking and Traffic Adjustments
Live Nation Canada has added 1,000 standard parking spots on and adjacent to the site, which must be purchased in advance, along with limited accessible parking. Burri acknowledged traffic challenges: "We do have a lot of land on the site, however access on and off the site as well just general traffic in the neighbourhood continues to be a challenge." She added that the company will monitor traffic flow and its impact on the community.
Green highlighted that there are about 11,000 parking spots at locations serving Line 1, including Sheppard West, Pioneer Village, Finch West, Highway 407, and York University stations, encouraging fans to drive close and take transit.
Soundproofing and Lighting Improvements
Vinyl cladding has been added to the back of grandstands to replace fabric ones for better soundproofing. Live Nation Canada continues to monitor sound with municipal bylaw officers present at every show. Regarding City Councillor James Pasternak's suggestion of a hard noise barrier, Burri said they are working with him on sound options that require more investigation.
Lighting levels around the new pedestrian pathway and stadium interior have been adjusted after resident complaints. Burri noted that there will be no dark zones on site, and safety queuing from last year will return to ensure smooth and safe entries to subway stations.
New Amenities and App
New additions include more free water stations, bathrooms, charging stations, improved lighting and signage, additional shade shelters (including the new fan space Terminal 81), and new food and beverage options. All can be accessed through the new Rogers Stadium venue app.
Beffort Road will be closed to public vehicle and pedestrian traffic on show days. Ride share pick-ups and drop-offs have moved to 81 YZD Lane (north end, about 400 metres to gates) and 590 Wilson Ave. (south end, about 900 metres to gates).
With 20 shows this year (up from 14) and the season ending with AC/DC on Sept. 16, concertgoers are advised to bring warm, waterproof clothing and small collapsible umbrellas, as rain and cooler temperatures are forecast for the opening weekend.
