live nation canada

Fans will need proof of vaccination to attend Live Nation concerts in Canada

Live Nation, the global entertainment company behind events at Toronto's Budweiser Stage, Danforth Music Hall and others, has announced firm protocols regarding vaccination for fans at its events across Canada and the U.S.

Guests will have to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result to gain admission to "as many as shows as possible" that the brand puts on, including major festivals such as Bonnaroo south of the border.

The company already implemented the policy for Lollapalooza in Chicago July 29-Aug. 1.

Ticketholders will be notified of the measure, along with any other COVID-19 protocols, via email. The rule, which also applies to artists and staff, is slated to go into effect on Oct. 4 in the U.S., though the brand did not confirm to the Canadian Press what the timeline for Canadian concerts is.

Live Nation is one of three key stakeholders redeveloping Toroonto's Ontario Place into "a world-class year-round destination," and is also opening a new venue in the city, called History with Drake.

Ticketmaster, which Live Nation merged with more than a decade ago, announced one of its most lucrative months ever for North American ticket sales in July, with Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino saying during a recent company call (per CNBC) that we'll soon be entering "roaring era” for concerts and events as we emerge from the pandemic.

"Vaccines are going to be your ticket back to shows," Rapino said to fans in a statement. It had previously been up to performers to determine whether they wanted any sort of vaccination guidelines at their events with the company.

The news comes just one day after Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment likewise announced that attendees at Toronto Raptors, Maple Leafs, Argos and FC games will need to provide proof of inoculation against the novel coronavirus (or a negative test result) prior to entry to games starting Sept. 16.

Lead photo by

Tom Pandi for Budweiser Stage


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in Music

50 essential live music venues in Toronto where you need to see a concert at least once

Toronto concert venue needs to raise almost $3M to pay for its new home

Drake makes surprise appearance at 21 Savage concert in Toronto

There's a free all-ages music festival in Toronto next month

Toronto hotel prices during Taylor Swift's concert run are totally out of control

Third incident brings police to Drake's Toronto mansion yet again

Police respond to second incident at Drake's Toronto mansion in two days

Ticketmaster crashes for Canadians during Live Nation $25 concert sale