Rogers Stadium: Toronto’s New Outdoor Concert Venue

Live Nation Canada has unveiled plans for Rogers Stadium, a new seasonal outdoor concert venue that is set to open in summer 2025 at the former Downsview Airport Lands, now known as YZD. With a capacity of 50,000, Rogers Stadium is poised to become Toronto’s largest purpose-built music venue, attracting fans and artists from around the world. Designed as a unique open-air experience, the facility aims to solidify Toronto’s status as a key destination on the global music scene.

“The number of stadium-level acts touring today is unprecedented, with more acts than available nights at existing venues. That’s why we’re making this investment — to ensure Toronto fans don’t miss out on world-class artists,” said Erik Hoffman, President of Music at Live Nation Canada. “Rogers Stadium will not only meet this demand but also offer a premium stadium show experience, combined with the festival vibe that our fans love.”

The project is a partnership between Live Nation and Rogers, with Tony Staffieri, President and CEO of Rogers, expressing pride in bringing another concert destination to Toronto. “As Canada’s leading communications and entertainment company, we’re proud to partner with Live Nation to bring the country’s newest landmark concert destination to Toronto,” he stated.

Located at the north end of the former airport’s runway, Rogers Stadium is part of a grander vision for the YZD redevelopment project led by Northcrest Developments. This redevelopment, valued at $30 billion, will transform the 370-acre site into a series of communities over the coming years. The new stadium, positioned strategically for easy access to highways and public transit, will contribute significantly to the region’s economy by generating tourism, supporting local businesses, and creating thousands of jobs.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford welcomed the development, saying, “This exciting venue will bring even more tourists and investment to our province, boosting local businesses, creating new jobs, and drawing in artists and events from around the world.” Toronto’s Mayor Olivia Chow echoed this sentiment, highlighting the stadium’s potential to enhance Toronto’s reputation as a world-leading destination for major touring acts.

Northcrest’s Chief Executive Officer, Derek Goring, emphasized the vision behind the YZD redevelopment. “Rogers Stadium is a testament to our vision for this masterplan,” he said, underscoring the project’s potential to create a vibrant cultural and community hub. The overall development plan will include multiple neighborhoods, residential and commercial spaces, cultural sites, and green spaces, accommodating over 55,000 residents.