Adjustments made for crowd control as Coldplay prepares to perform at Rogers Stadium in Toronto
Rogers Stadium in Toronto recently hosted the first of four shows by British band Coldplay, causing a massive influx of fans and prompting organizers to make crowd control adjustments.
Prior to the concert, staff directed attendees arriving at the nearby subway station, with long lines and a busker playing Coldplay hits setting the tone outside the stadium gates.
Following the stadium’s inaugural event, some concertgoers reported lengthy waits to exit the venue due to unpreparedness in managing the large crowds, both on-site and in transit.
As a response, Live Nation Canada, the operator of Rogers Stadium, stated plans to enhance the fan experience by adding more signage, lighting, staff, and water stations to the venue.
In anticipation of the show, Barb Lucas expressed concerns about crowd-related issues after hearing about long washroom lines and limited water availability during the previous concert at the stadium.
Distant travelers like Brian Ellis shared their surprises in not realizing that the event was taking place at Rogers Stadium and were thrown off by the distance they had to walk to reach the venue.
However, some attendees like Emilio DeAngelis embraced the massive crowds, noting that it’s normal for a popular band like Coldplay to attract a large audience.
Pedicab drivers shuttled fans back and forth between the gates and parking areas, providing a convenient alternative for those unwilling to face the long trek to the venue entrance.
Inside the stadium, additional water stations were set up, and merchandise lines attracted hundreds of patrons, all while Live Nation Canada planned to reconfigure exit routes to disperse crowds effectively.
To mitigate transit issues, the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) pledged to deploy increased staff at relevant subway stations on concert nights, while Metrolinx promised to monitor GO train ridership levels for stadium events.
Ticketmaster informed Coldplay ticket holders about limited cellular reception at the stadium gates due to the venue’s high-capacity nature, urging concert attendees to prepare accordingly.
City councillor James Pasternak, representing the Downsview Park area, engaged in discussions with Live Nation and Northcrest Developments about addressing the stadium’s shortcomings to ensure a better experience for future events.
As Rogers Stadium gears up to host a series of concerts throughout the summer, stakeholders are striving to iron out logistical challenges and enhance crowd management strategies for a smooth and enjoyable experience for all attendees.