Article content

Despite transportation, traffic, crowd control and noise complaints early in its inaugural season, Rogers Stadium generated more than $500 million in economic activity, according to Live Nation.

Article content

Opening in June 2025 at the former Downsview Airport Lands, the outdoor music venue was built to meet the surging demand for stadium-scale tours in Toronto.

Article content

Recommended Videos

Article content

Nordicity, a global firm specializing in economic data collection, found that in its first season, the stadium’s 14 concerts and 700,000 fans contributed $388 million in GDP and $115 million in federal and provincial tax revenue.

The venue also supported the equivalent of over 3,000 full-time jobs across hospitality, production, transportation, and local supplier networks, while creating $218 million in labour income for employees.

“Rogers Stadium was designed to keep Toronto competitive on the global music circuit while delivering an entertaining experience for fans and artists alike,” said Wayne Zronik, President of Business Operations, Live Nation Canada, in a statement.

“The scale of impact in our first season — from supporting thousands of local jobs to driving new customers to neighbourhood small businesses — shows how a world-class music venue acts as a force for good in our city. We’re proud of these results and look forward to building on this success when we reopen this summer.”

Article content

Article content

Businesses reported 20% revenue increases on concert days

The data also shows how concert tourism drives major spending at local hotels, restaurants and attractions with neighbourhood businesses in North York, including local favourite Cocoon Coffee, reported revenue increases of up to 20% on concert days.

“More and more, people are travelling for the moments that stay with you: a major concert, a can’t-miss festival or a defining sporting event,” said Andrew Weir, President and CEO of Destination Toronto, in a statement.

“Toronto is the place for those experiences and we need large-scale venues like Rogers Stadium to attract the biggest acts in global entertainment. That’s how we draw more visitors and turn those moments into real benefits felt across the city’s economy.”

The broader study assessing Live Nation Canada’s impact as the country’s premier concert promoter and tour producer found by bringing global tours to major sites across the GTA – including 27 stadium-scale events at Rogers Stadium and Rogers Centre last summer – Live Nation Canada generated a total of $577 million in regional economic activity.

Article content

This record-breaking season supported the equivalent of roughly 5,000 full-time jobs and generated $172 million in federal and provincial tax revenue.

Rogers Stadium reopens for its 2026 season on May 23, with five sold-out Bruno Mars dates and many other exciting shows planned throughout the summer.

“Major events like those at Rogers Stadium help protect Ontario’s economy by attracting visitors, supporting local businesses and creating good jobs,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, in a statement.

“The success of this venue highlights the important role live music plays in strengthening our tourism sector and keeping Ontario competitive as a global destination for world-class entertainment.”

Love concerts, but can’t make it to the venue? Stream live shows and events from your couch with VEEPS, a music-first streaming service now operating in Canada. Click here for an introductory offer of 30% off. Explore upcoming concerts and the extensive archive of past performances.

Article content