The City of Toronto has issued a directive to Live Nation Canada regarding the condition of Rogers Stadium following damage caused by a storm on Wednesday. The directive was issued on Thursday following an inspection of the venue, which can accommodate 50,000 spectators at Downsview Park.
Despite sustaining significant damage, Live Nation Canada confirmed that no injuries were reported due to the extreme weather. An upcoming sold-out concert by AC/DC is still scheduled to proceed on September 16 at the stadium.
Councillor James Pasternak, representing York Centre, emphasized the importance of ensuring safety measures are in place before allowing crowds back into the venue. He expressed concerns about the stadium’s ability to be reconstructed and repaired adequately for safe use, hinting that the AC/DC concert may face scheduling challenges.
Drone images reveal the extent of the damage, with collapsed blue bleachers and partially crumbled grandstands visible at the site.
As per the directive, Live Nation Canada is required to promptly secure the premises, engage an engineer to evaluate and repair the damage, and address safety hazards identified in the inspection report. The city has set deadlines for submitting reports outlining the damage assessment, repair plans, and confirmation of structural safety post-repairs.
The directive also mandates Live Nation Canada to restrict access to damaged areas, conduct necessary repairs, and ensure that all affected structures meet safety standards before resuming operations.