Live Nation Entertainment has announced the construction of a 50,000-seat stadium in north Toronto, set to become a major venue for global music acts. The stadium, to be named Rogers Stadium, will be built on the former Downsview Airport lands, where a film studio was originally planned. However, the film studio project has been scrapped in favor of the new development.
Northcrest Developments, which oversees the 370-acre site, had previously slated the land for a massive film studio complex but has now shifted focus to the outdoor concert venue. The stadium will be built on the north end of the former airport runway, while Northcrest retains the option to revisit the film studio project in the future.
From Film Studio to Music Venue
The decision to cancel the film studio project reflects a shift in priorities for Northcrest and Live Nation. With the global demand for large-scale concert venues growing, the site has been repurposed to host major artists. “This was a natural response to the unprecedented amount of stadium-level artists on the road today,” said Erik Hoffman, president of music at Live Nation Canada.
Live Nation’s pivot comes as Toronto gains prominence as a key destination for international acts, boosted by the success of local artists like Drake and The Weeknd. Hoffman noted, “Today’s announcement embodies exactly where Toronto sits on the global stage.”
The Downsview Site’s Future
The stadium marks a significant development for the Downsview site, which Northcrest bought from Bombardier in 2018. While the film studio is off the table for now, the site will also host residential and retail developments.
Rogers Communications, which secured naming rights for the stadium, expressed enthusiasm for the new venue. “We’re excited to strengthen Canada’s entertainment and cultural industries, together with Live Nation and Northcrest,” said Tony Staffieri, CEO of Rogers Communications.
Potential Revival of Film Studio
Although the film studio has been shelved, Northcrest retains the option to revive the project in the future. The demand for soundstage space in Toronto remains high due to the city’s growing film and television industry.
For now, the focus is on the June 2025 opening of Rogers Stadium, which will add a major concert venue to Toronto’s entertainment landscape. By prioritizing the stadium, Live Nation and Northcrest are positioning the Downsview site as a key destination for top-tier artists and events.
