A Final Encore for Our Lakeside Icon
Next summer, Toronto’s 30-year-old RBC Amphitheatre (formerly Budweiser Stage) will hold its last concert before closing for a massive overhaul. Don’t worry about losing your favorite summer tradition entirely; the venue is scheduled to welcome crowds back to the waterfront. Here are three nostalgic pillars staying put, alongside five game-changing upgrades arriving for the grand reopening.
Preserving the Magic
First, the legendary open-air lawn seats are staying, expanding from a 7,000-person capacity to room for 9,000 fans. The final design layout ensures we will still preserve that classic backdrop of our glittering downtown skyline. Best of all, the structure will remain securely positioned on the original Ontario PlaceForum’s historic artificial island.
Year-Round Venue, Thanks to Retractable Walls
The new additions are entirely reimagining the guest experience, starting with retractable walls that seamlessly interchange outdoor summer shows with an indoor, climate-controlled winter arena. Upgraded accessibility features introduce a dedicated lookout deck complete with elevator access directly to the grass. Covered seating sections will also benefit from an enlarged, acoustically tuned roof canopy to keep the sound locked in.
Better Crowd Control
To combat the post-show gridlock, a vital second pedestrian bridge will solve the crowded bottlenecking we have all learned to love. Fans can also expect a heavy dose of luxury with upscale food and beverage options paired alongside exclusive premium lounges.
Tell Us What You Think!
So, what do you think? Is it worth the wait for these major upgrades to our favorite lakeside concert spot? Let us know in the comments over at My Toronto!