After big storm, does Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium need upgrades?
Posted July 28, 2026 10:55 am.
After a wet and windy storm walloped Post Malone fans in Edmonton on a stadium tour Saturday, questions are arising about how prepared Commonwealth Stadium is for events during extreme weather.
“Over 30,000 people had crowded into the concourses of Commonwealth Stadium seeking shelter, but on top of that, that crowd didn’t really know where to go,” recounted Scout Hnatuik, co-host of the Elks Call podcast.
Hnatuik was there when the storm hit, along with 31,000 fans packing the stadium.
Fans were told to seek shelter for a delay. The concert was ultimately cancelled after three songs.
The City of Edmonton says staff followed emergency protocols, but many concert-goers were unable to get shelter as the storm picked up. Videos show water blown from the outside streaming in from the ceiling.
According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, there were winds up to 120 kilometres an hour, more than 30 millimetres of rain, and hail as big as golf balls.
“When the storm first opened up on us, I think people kind of panicked a little bit and started pushing and shoving, and it was a little bit crazy for a little bit, but then most people got under,” said concert-goer Jaydy Perkins.
Ticketmaster is promising full refunds in 14 to 21 days.
The City of Edmonton does have some renovations in mind for Commonwealth Stadium. Designs came out two years ago, but the city hasn’t set aside money to build them. And with some of the stadium’s limitations highlighted by the storm, some think it’s time to reopen that conversation.
Hnatuik has seen crowd control issues at the stadium before, but thinks Saturday’s storm highlighted existing problems, saying upgrades to the concourse and the stadium overall could have helped.
“Commonwealth Stadium has now come under scrutiny over this last event, the Post Malone concert on Saturday night,” he said. “I think that modernization would make people feel safer about entering Commonwealth Stadium for any major event.”
In a news release, the city says staff followed emergency protocols and they used audio messages and a jumbotron screen asking fans to seek shelter, and the gates were open for fans wanting to leave.
The concert was cancelled officially because of damage to the stage, seating, and production. No injuries were reported.
The city is encouraging fans to dress for the weather at future events, such as when AC/DC takes the stage in two weeks.
–With files from Lauren Boothby
