Toronto’s iconic waterfront concert venue is getting a major new identity and will soon be undergoing a massive transformation.
On Tuesday, October 28, Live Nation Canada announced that Budweiser Stage has officially been renamed the RBC Amphitheatre, effective immediately due to a new multi-year deal with the Royal Bank of Canada which will run through 2038.
Budweiser Stage, which sits on the grounds of Ontario Place, was only named as such for seven years, previously called the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre from 2010 to 2018. Before that, it first opened in 1995 as the Molson Amphitheatre.
The most significant change will be the venue’s conversion into a year-round facility, allowing it to host events throughout all seasons. This expansion of indoor and outdoor capabilities are expected to dramatically increase its annual show count, with the completed venue set to host more than 1.5 million fans annually.
The new design will feature an expanded summer capacity with both seated areas and the iconic open-air lawn, as well as a winter configuration offering approximately 9,000 seats. This transformation is anticipated to attract more top-tier performers while creating hundreds of new jobs and draw thousands of additional visitors to the city.
Fans can also look forward to a new pedestrian bridge to improve access and ease crowd flow, as well as upgraded amenities including an increased number of food and beverage locations. The project also includes upgraded hospitality areas and a new lookout deck with elevator access to the lawn, improving accessibility. Importantly, fan-favourite features like the open-lawn seating and the stunning views of the city skyline will remain central to the venue’s identity.
While the name change is immediate, the full transformation will take time. The venue is expected to close for renovations in the fall of 2027 and is scheduled to reopen in the summer of 2029 as an outdoor venue. The full year-round capabilities are slated for completion by the summer of 2030.
“The redevelopment of RBC Amphitheatre, formerly Budweiser Stage, strengthens Toronto’s position as a global entertainment hub and a must-play city for artists who are touring,” said Michael Rapino, President and CEO of Live Nation Entertainment.
“With these changes, RBC Amphitheatre will become a world-class venue with unmatched acoustics, fan-friendly design and elevated hospitality experiences.”