Molson Canadian Amphitheatre

Molson Canadian Amphitheatre

Molson Canadian Amphitheatre at Ontario Place
Address	909 Lake Shore Boulevard W Toronto ON M6K 3L3
Location	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Coordinates	43°37′45″N 79°24′54″W / 43.629222°N 79.415097°W / 43.629222; -79.415097Coordinates: 43°37′45″N 79°24′54″W / 43.629222°N 79.415097°W / 43.629222; -79.415097
Type	Amphitheatre
Genre(s)	Rock, Pop, and Jazz
Built	1970 (1970) - 1971 (1971)[1]
Expanded	18 May 1995
Owner	Crown in Right of Ontario Administered as an agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture
Former name(s)	Ontario Place Forum (1971 (1971)-1994 (1994))
Seating type	Reserved seating, lawn seating
Capacity	16,000
Website	Venue website

Molson Canadian Amphitheatre (commonly called the Amphitheatre) is a semi-enclosed outdoor concert venue in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Its address is 909 Lake Shore Boulevard West located on the grounds of Ontario Place. The venue hosts many diverse acts, including genres like rock, pop, and jazz.

The first musician to perform at this music venue was Bryan Adams on May 18, 1995.

History

Ontario Place opened in May 1971 with the original Forum as one of first attractions at the amusement park. The original structure consisted of a vinyl canopy, which was replaced by a copper canopy roof in 1978. Its unique configuration consisted of a round stage, which slowly rotated before the audience, which completely surrounded it. The venue had a capacity of approximately 16,000 seats, which included 7,000 seats on the lawn, 5,500 seats under a covered roof, and 3,500 seats that were uncovered.

Over the winter of 1994-1995, came the controversial demolition of the popular Forum and the construction of a larger venue on the site.^[1] In May 1995, the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre opened with two Bryan Adams concerts before sold-out audiences. Many critics lamented the passing of an established cultural landmark from Toronto.^{[citation needed]} However, the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre garnered positive reviews in 1995 winning RPM Magazine's "Best New Concert Venue" award.^{[citation needed]}

As of 2004, 3 million patrons have visited the venue.

In August 18, 2007, the American progressive metal band Dream Theater recorded several songs for their 3 CD/2 DVD album Chaos in Motion 2007–2008.

Specifications

The music venue is open yearly from May to September, due to its outdoor configuration. The amphitheatre has a capacity of approximately 16,000. There are 5,500 reserved seats under the 60-foot high covered roof, 3,500 seats under the open sky, and 7,000 seats on the grass bowl. The floor area (100 level) has an unreserved capacity of 1,000. There are also Club and VIP seats for season ticket-holders. Two large video screens flank the stage, while two video cubes hang from the rear of the covered roof for those sitting on the lawns. The video support system gives everyone in the audience a closeup of the performers on stage.

See also

• Ontario Place Forum
• Exhibition Place
• List of contemporary amphitheatres

References

1. ^ "Ontario Place website, About Ontario Place, Company Information & History, 1990's section". http://www.ontarioplace.com/en/07_about/history.html. Retrieved 23 May 2010. 

External links

• Official site
• Molson Canadian Amphitheatre Seating Chart

	Music of Canada portal
	Toronto portal