Live Nation's Rogers Stadium, set to open in 2025, will be built on land owned by the Public Sector Pension Investment Board
Live Nation Entertainment Inc. has announced plans to build a 50,000-capacity outdoor stadium in Toronto, located on lands owned by the Public Sector Pension Investment Board, according to The Globe and Mail.
The venue, named Rogers Stadium, will be situated on the Downsview lands, part of a larger redevelopment project led by Northcrest Developments and the federal Crown corporation, Canada Lands Co.
The Downsview site has a long history and is undergoing transformation, with plans to house as many as 83,500 residents by 2051.
Rogers Stadium is set to be built on the north end of a former airport runway. This development is part of Northcrest’s broader decades-long redevelopment plan of the 520-acre site.
Live Nation’s new venue will serve as Canada’s largest purpose-built concert stadium, designed to meet the growing demand for large-scale live performances by global artists.
According to Live Nation Canada’s president of music, Erik Hoffman, the stadium will position Toronto as a “must-play market” for major concerts. He emphasized that in the competitive global touring industry, Toronto needs to ensure it attracts top artists.
Despite its ambitious scope, the stadium will have a limited lifespan as Northcrest plans to eventually develop the land into residential neighbourhoods.
The multiyear lease details were not disclosed, but Northcrest’s chief executive, Derek Goring, mentioned that this partnership creates an opportunity to utilise the space before the long-term residential development begins.
Live Nation expects Rogers Stadium to host 12 to 15 performances annually.
Although the stadium won’t affect shows at Toronto’s downtown Rogers Centre or the Budweiser Stage, its location offers accessibility due to its proximity to transportation and transit links throughout the Greater Toronto Area.
The project also capitalizes on the legacy of Downsview’s previous music events, including the 2003 SARSstock concert featuring the Rolling Stones.
The stadium will feature seats for 30,000 attendees, with the remaining capacity for standing fans. Its design allows for flexibility, with a removable standard stage that can accommodate custom stages for large-scale performances.
Hoffman acknowledged that while the project is an “immense bet,” Live Nation believes the shows will attract full crowds.
While Rogers Communications has secured the naming rights for the stadium, the project has drawn comparisons to other large venues, such as Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium. However, Hoffman noted that this venue, unlike others, is specifically tailored for music events and not sports.
This announcement follows a period of challenges for Live Nation, including legal scrutiny in the US regarding anti-competitive behaviour, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Despite these concerns, Live Nation’s plans for Rogers Stadium are moving forward, with construction aiming for completion by June 2025.
