AC/DC Concert in Toronto Canceled Due to Severe Storm Damage at Rogers Stadium

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The upcoming AC/DC concert at Rogers Stadium in Toronto has been canceled following significant storm damage to the venue. Live Nation announced the need for extensive repairs after a powerful storm caused structural issues.

TORONTO — A scheduled concert by AC/DC at Rogers Stadium in Toronto has been canceled after a severe storm caused extensive damage to the venue. Live Nation, the operator of the stadium, reported that engineers assessed the situation following last Wednesday’s storm and concluded that parts of the structure must be removed and rebuilt. The storm, which struck the Toronto area, brought powerful winds and resulted in localized flooding and power outages. Photos taken the day after the storm revealed significant destruction at the open-air venue, including blue bleachers scattered across partially collapsed grandstands and torn signage.
Kevin Mahoney, the on-site meteorologist for the stadium, highlighted the extraordinary nature of the storm, describing it as a 100-year event for Toronto. “A suspected microburst with extreme winds and heavy rainfall made this storm exceptional for the region,” Mahoney stated in an online update released by Live Nation. He noted that ongoing forensic meteorological analysis is being conducted to fully understand the storm's impact.
Wayne Zronik, president of business operations for Live Nation Canada, expressed the disappointment of the cancellation but emphasized the priority of safety. “We have been collaborating closely with the city and our partners to assess the storm damage and determine the necessary steps moving forward,” Zronik said. He confirmed that the decision to remove and rebuild the affected sections of the stadium is essential to ensure fan safety when the venue reopens next summer.
All ticket holders for the concert scheduled on September 16 will receive automatic refunds through Ticketmaster. This concert was intended to be the last event of the season at the 50,000-capacity stadium. Following the storm, the city issued an unsafe building order, mandating Live Nation to provide an engineering report by the upcoming Tuesday that details the damage, proposed remedial actions, and a timeline for the required repairs.
While the city has not disclosed the findings of the engineering report, it has committed to working with the stadium's owner during the reconstruction process. Doug Perovic, an engineering professor at the University of Toronto who was not involved in the report, indicated that the visible damage, particularly the collapse of the north grandstand, appeared to be severe and would require considerable time for assessment and repair.
Perovic pointed out that the seating that collapsed was a modular structure specifically designed for such events, which could complicate the repair process. “They will need to source exact replacement components, which may present supply chain challenges,” he explained. After reconstruction, the venue will also need to undergo rigorous inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards as mandated by the city.
Reflecting on past incidents, Perovic noted the tragic stage collapse at Downsview Park during a Radiohead concert over 14 years ago, which resulted in one fatality and several injuries. He mentioned that, while amendments were made to the Ontario Building Code to enhance the safety of temporary structures like grandstand seating, there are still regulatory gaps that need to be addressed in future assessments.
In conclusion, the cancellation of the AC/DC concert serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in event venues, particularly in the face of unpredictable weather events. The upcoming months will be critical as Live Nation and city officials work together to restore the stadium and ensure it meets necessary safety requirements for future events.

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