Coldplay's Chris Martin says he ‘never criticized' Toronto's Rogers Stadium
Martin issued the clarification Friday during the third of four concerts at the newly built stadium, which is on the outskirts of the city.
When he first took the stage on Monday, Martin thanked the crowd for going through all 'the traffic and the travel and the trains and the waiting' to get to 'this weird stadium in the middle of nowhere.'
But now Martin says he 'never criticized' the stadium and only meant to thank fans for making the trek to the former Downsview Airport lands.
'I have never criticized this stadium that was beautifully, kindly built for us to play in. I don't think to say anything mean at all,' Martin told the crowd on Friday.
Story continues below advertisement
'I'm so grateful to have somewhere where we can hang out with all of you,' he added.
2:05
Coldplay's Chris Martin calls out Toronto's new venue: 'Weird stadium in the middle of nowhere'
Concertgoers had complained about poor crowd control at the 50,000-capacity stadium when it first opened last month, and some said it was a hassle getting out of the venue even after Coldplay's first show.
Get breaking National news
For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
As of Wednesday, Rogers spokesman Zac Carreiro said Live Nation has been improving the venue's operations and 'we know they will continue to make enhancements at the stadium.'
A Live Nation Canada spokesperson said those adjustments include 'improving crowd flow, easing traffic congestion, enhancing accessibility and comfort to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.'
K-Pop group Blackpink is set to take Rogers Stadium next, with two back-to-back shows on July 22 and July 23.
Story continues below advertisement
— With files from The Canadian Press
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Global News
17 hours ago
- Global News
2025 Calgary Stampede narrowly misses attendance record
The Calgary Stampede came to an end on Sunday, following 10 days of rodeo, rides and for the most part, decent weather. The Stampede was about 130,000 people shy of breaking the existing record heading into the final Sunday, and while it was close, the stampede just fell short of breaking last year's record. 121,704 people passed through the gates on Sunday, bringing the total attendance to 1,470,288 — about 7,000 fewer than in 2024. 7:46 The Calgary Stampede's cultural significance When asked once again about capping daily attendance, Stampede CEO Joel Crowley said at this point, that's still not needed since even on days where families can take advantage of free admission, they typically leave in the afternoon — replaced by those taking in the evening's entertainment. Story continues below advertisement He said there are plans for expansion, but those will have to wait until after the Saddledome arena is demolished. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Now the focus shifts to planning for next year's stampede while the midway is packed up, with much of it headed north to Edmonton's K-Days that kicks off on Friday.
Toronto Sun
21 hours ago
- Toronto Sun
Coldplay's Chris Martin denies insulting Toronto's 'weird' Rogers Stadium
'I have never criticized this stadium that was beautifully, kindly built for us to play in' Get the latest from Mark Daniell straight to your inbox Coldplay frontman Chris Martin in the first of four shows at Rogers Stadium in Toronto. Photo by Anna Lee Before Coldplay wrapped its four-night stand at Toronto's newly christened Rogers Stadium, Chris Martin wanted to go on the record that he wasn't insulting the venue when he called it a 'weird stadium in the middle of nowhere.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account 'I have never criticized this stadium that was beautifully, kindly built for us to play in,' Martin said Friday night in a video that were shared to social media by MuchMusic. 'I'm so grateful to have somewhere where we can hang out with all of you … All I'm trying to say is, thank you for the effort that you all took to come here. That is not a criticism of the people that built it OK? It's just trying to say thank you to all of you for the hassle that you had to go through.' After Martin's initial comments were widely shared by Toronto media, the British singer said he wasn't trying to disparage journalists either for sharing his remarks. 'I don't mean to disrespect any journalists either. I love all people and I don't want to say anything mean about anyone,' he said. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. During Coldplay's opening night show, Martin thanked fans for 'coming through all the bulls— you had to come through to this weird stadium in the middle of nowhere … Thank you for coming through the traffic and the travel and the trains and the waiting and the lines and all the nonsense.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. At the band's second show, Martin knocked the stadium once again for its distance from downtown Toronto when he addressed fans mid-concert. 'Thank you for being here … and especially thank you for travelling on the strange quest that you had to travel on to get to this very bizarre stadium, a million miles from earth,' he jabbed. 'We are solely testing the premise if you build it they will come.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Following the outdoor venue's inaugural show last month, which saw K-pop group Stray Kids open the season, some fans complained that it took up to two hours to exit the stadium near Downsview Park. Others noted that nearby transit stations seemed unable to handle the thousands of people travelling to the show. Stray Kids bandmember Bang Chan also took a swipe at the stadium when he told the crowd, 'I don't know where we are right now' and cracking that the venue was 'legit in the middle of nowhere.' 'There's like planes flying by. There's like a runway,' he said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Ahead of Coldplay's first show, Live Nation promised to reconfigure the exit routes so that crowds would be dispersed to multiple nearby subway stations. In addition to changing the exit routes, the operator promised to add more signage, lighting, staff and water stations. But Leigh Marshall and Adam Archdekin told the Canadian Press they felt 'herded like cattle' as they were held in the venue for 40 minutes after the Coldplay show ended. K-Pop group Blackpink is the next act set to play Rogers Stadium, with two back-to-back shows on July 22 and July 23. mdaniell@ Read More Love concerts, but can't make it to the venue? Stream live shows and events from your couch with VEEPS, a music-first streaming service now operating in Canada. Click here for an introductory offer of 30% off. Explore upcoming concerts and the extensive archive of past performances. Columnists NFL World Golf Editorial Cartoons
Global News
a day ago
- Global News
Trump, unfazed by boos, crashes trophy ceremony at Club World Cup final
U.S. President Donald Trump weathered a mix of boos and cheers during the FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on Sunday following Chelsea's dominating victory over Paris Saint-Germain F.C., and even stuck around when the team lifted the trophy. Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino joined the players on the field after Chelsea's 3-0 win over PSG to congratulate them, present PSG with its runner-up medals and hand Chelsea the championship prize. During the ceremony, Trump remained on stage, but was swiftly swallowed up by the players' frenzied celebrations as Chelsea captain Reece James lifted the cup and Infantino stepped aside. Earlier in the day, the president and his wife, Melania Trump, were greeted by cheers upon their arrival at the venue in East Rutherford, N.J. Story continues below advertisement Trump waved to the crowd and pumped his fist as he entered his luxury box, where he and Melania watched the match alongside Infantino and his wife, Leena Al Ashqar. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Later, Trump faced a wave of boos when he was briefly shown on the stadium's jumbotron as Chelsea raised the cup. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, NFL great Tom Brady and media mogul Rupert Murdoch were all seen in the president's box. In just over a year, MetLife will host the 2026 World Cup final, with earlier round matches to be played across North America, including in Toronto and Vancouver. View image in full screen Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, and U.S. President Donald Trump present the FIFA Club World Cup trophy during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain. Alex Grimm / Getty Images Chelsea, of the English Premier League, spoiled PSG's bid to win its fourth major title of the season, exactly 100 days after PSG clinched Ligue 1 on April 5. The Paris team added the Coupe de France by beating Reims 3-0 on May 24, then romped over Inter Milan seven days later in the Champions League final. Story continues below advertisement Sunday's match fell on the first anniversary of the assassination attempt Trump survived in Butler, Pa., while campaigning for president. 'It remains my firm conviction that God alone saved me that day for a righteous purpose: to restore our beloved Republic to greatness and to rescue our Nation from those who seek its ruin,' Trump said in a statement released Sunday night after he returned to Washington. — With files from The Associated Press
