Severe thunderstorms swept through southern Ontario on Sept. 2, causing extensive damage to Rogers Stadium, a 50,000-seat venue located north of Toronto. Radar-estimated winds reaching 80 mph tore through the area, impacting the stadium's outdoor seating and raising questions about its readiness for an AC/DC concert scheduled for Sept. 16.
Environment and Climate Change Canada, the nation's primary federal weather agency, reported that the storms produced straight-line winds, torrential rain, and very large hail. The damage at Rogers Stadium was concentrated in several sections of the northern seating area, with images depicting torn-apart rows and collapsed seats.
Live Nation Canada confirmed the damage in a statement, emphasizing that employee and contractor safety is the top priority. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the severe weather event. The company is currently assessing the full extent of the damage and plans to release further information as it becomes available.
Rogers Stadium, described as Canada’s newest landmark concert destination, features a large concert floor surrounded by stadium-like seating on its northern, eastern, and western sides. It has previously hosted major artists including Coldplay, Bruno Mars, Foo Fighters, and Post Malone. The upcoming AC/DC concert is slated to conclude the venue's concert season.