Live Nation Canada has unveiled plans for Rogers Stadium, a new seasonal outdoor concert venue that will open at YZD (formerly Downsview Airport Lands) summer 2025. With a capacity of 50,000, Rogers Stadium will become Toronto and the GTA’s largest purpose-built music venue hosting fans and artists from around the globe. Built as a unique open-air experience, the facility will become one of Canada’s newest landmark concert destinations, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a must-play market 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. 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,” said Erik Hoffman, President, Music, Live Nation Canada. “This a natural evolution of our stadium programming and we’re excited to bring this new venue to life with our partners at Rogers while continuing to book world-class shows at Rogers Centre, as well.”
“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,” said Tony Staffieri, President and CEO, Rogers. “Rogers Stadium will attract the best artists from around the world and provide concertgoers with a premium entertainment experience in a unique festival atmosphere.”
“I’m so pleased to welcome Live Nation and the future Rogers Stadium to YZD,” said Premier Doug Ford. “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.”
Rogers Stadium will be strategically positioned at the north end of the former airport’s runway, serving as a temporary fixture as Northcrest’s $30B transformative masterplan unfolds over the coming years. The stadium is centrally located, with easy access to 400-series highways and public transit connections, making it easily accessible. This landmark will not only visually anchor the evolving 370-acre site but play a crucial role in energizing both the city and the region’s economy. By hosting a wide range of concerts and music acts, Rogers Stadium’s construction and operation will generate thousands of jobs, boosting tourism, supporting local businesses and injecting an estimated $80-$100M into the local economy.
“This new music venue will enhance Toronto’s reputation as a world leading destination for the biggest touring acts from around the globe,” said Mayor Olivia Chow.
“Rogers Stadium is a testament to our vision for this masterplan, which includes a series of communities, creating a space where people come together to experience the best the city has to offer,” said Derek Goring, Chief Executive Officer of Northcrest Developments. “Our 370-acre project’s scale and impact are unprecedented. With development plans for these lands years away, this new venue serves not only as a premier concert venue but also reflects Northcrest’s commitment to creating a seasonal destination that brings much-needed infrastructure for the city’s arts and culture sector. This partnership is one of the many ways we continue to shape the soul of this community before development even begins, ensuring that YZD becomes a beacon of cultural and community life for years to come”.
The YZD transformation project, spearheaded by Northcrest Developments, represents one of North America’s largest mixed-use redevelopments. Over the coming decades, YZD will evolve into a connected series of communities with seven new neighborhoods, accommodating over 55,000 residents. The development includes more than 28 million square feet of residential space, seven million square feet of commercial and cultural spaces, and nearly 74 acres of parks and green spaces.
