Coldplay fans concerned about new Rogers Stadium ahead of band’s Toronto shows

Coldplay fans in Toronto are eagerly anticipating the band’s upcoming performances at the new Rogers Stadium this week. However, concerns have been raised after mixed reviews about the venue’s inaugural concert featuring K-pop group Stray Kids.

Maria Stracham, who will be attending Coldplay’s concerts on Tuesday and Saturday, expressed her shock at hearing about the negative experiences some fans had at Rogers Stadium. While trying to remain positive, she acknowledged her concerns regarding safety aspects and logistical issues.

One of the main complaints from fans who attended the Stray Kids concert was the long wait times to exit the stadium and the lack of accessibility, including difficulties finding accessible parking and signage. Rebecca Lukowski, who was in attendance, emphasized the venue’s lack of preparedness for handling the large crowds.

Mel Farenzena, who traveled with her daughters from Sault Ste. Marie, shared her frustration over the long wait times to refill water bottles and the confusion around the accessible parking situation. Fans highlighted the need for better crowd control and accessibility at the new venue.

Kevin Kennedy, a crowd safety expert, explained that it is common for new venues to experience challenges during their initial events. He advised concertgoers to follow the venue’s instructions, especially in case of emergencies, and to plan ahead for a smoother experience.

Live Nation Canada responded to the concerns raised by concertgoers, stating that they were already making adjustments to address the issues. They assured fans that they were working closely with city officials, transit services, and emergency services to ensure a positive and safe experience for everyone attending events at Rogers Stadium.

Coun. James Pasternak, whose ward includes the stadium, met with stakeholders to discuss solutions to the issues raised by concertgoers. He expressed hope that improvements would be made in time for the upcoming Coldplay concerts, including easier access to water and potential road closures to accommodate crowds.

Overall, fans are hopeful that the concerns surrounding Rogers Stadium will be addressed, and that they will be able to enjoy Coldplay’s performances without any hiccups. With adjustments being made and support from city officials, concertgoers are looking forward to a safe and enjoyable experience at the new venue.