Storm Devastates Toronto Stadium, Threatens AC/DC Concert
Rogers Stadium in Toronto has sustained “significant damage” from a severe thunderstorm, putting the season's final show, an AC/DC concert on September 16, in potential jeopardy. The storm caused extensive damage to the North seating area and widespread disruptions across the city, prompting Live Nation to assess the situation while prioritizing safety.
The final show of the season at Toronto’s Rogers Stadium is facing potential jeopardy following a severe thunderstorm that brought damaging high winds to the downtown area on Wednesday, September 2. Live Nation has announced it is currently evaluating the “significant damage” inflicted upon the 50,000-capacity venue, specifically noting that several large sections of the North seating area were ripped up by the storm.
The upcoming AC/DC concert on September 16, which is slated to be the final event at the stadium this season, is now under review due to the extensive damage. The storm, described by CTV News as a “100-year” event, deluged some areas with nearly five inches of rain. Beyond the stadium, the city experienced widespread disruption, with thousands of residents reporting flooded basements and extensive power outages caused by high winds toppling power lines and blocking streets with downed trees.
Aerial footage showcased the profound damage to the North-end seating section of Rogers Stadium, revealing giant swaths of blue seats crumpled, twisted into piles, and torn from their anchor points. Reports further detailed dozens of rows of seats flipped over, fencing scattered around the stadium, and the bleacher scaffolding pushed and fractured by the wind's force. Debris from destroyed portable toilets was reportedly strewn across the field and outside the facility, highlighting the severity of the impact.
In response to the incident, Live Nation issued a statement on Wednesday night, as reported by The Star: “We are currently assessing the extent of the damage and will provide further information as it becomes available. As always, the safety of our employees and on-site contractors is our top priority. Fortunately, no one was injured during today’s extreme weather event.”
Rogers Stadium has been a busy venue this summer, hosting a variety of major artists including Luke Combs, Mumford & Sons, Post Malone, Noah Kahan, Karol G, the Foo Fighters, Guns N’ Roses, and most recently, BTS for two nights in late August. As of press time, spokespersons for Live Nation Canada and AC/DC had not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the storm damage and its potential implications for the scheduled AC/DC performance.