Venue Review: Rogers Arena – Kygo’s Electrifying EDM Night

Overall Rating: 4/5

Rogers Arena is a multi-purpose venue in downtown Vancouver, primarily known as the home of the Vancouver Canucks and a popular location for major concerts and entertainment events, with a seating capacity of nearly 19,000. On October 10, 2024, Rogers Arena, with its 20,000-seat capacity, hosted a rare EDM show featuring Kygo, alongside special guests Zara Larsson and Vandelux. While EDM concerts are unusual for this massive venue, only a few performers like Kygo have the star power to fill it. The night began at 7 PM, with opening sets by Vandelux and Zara Larsson, both bringing high-energy performances that got the crowd hyped. When Kygo took the stage, the atmosphere was electric, and the arena transformed into a vibrant EDM experience.

Accessibility: 4.5/5

Rogers Arena is highly accessible for both public transportation and parking. Located in downtown Vancouver, the venue is adjacent to Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain Station on the Expo Line, making it easy for attendees to arrive via rapid transit. The station is just a few minutes' walk from the arena's entrance, which is extremely convenient for concertgoers and event attendees alike​

In addition to its SkyTrain proximity, Rogers Arena also offers several parking options. The venue's underground parking lot (Lot 987) is directly beneath the arena, accessible via Griffiths Way. Although parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis for most events, it is limited during major sports events like Canucks games. For those driving, the parking fee is typically around $30​.

There are also several nearby parking options such as the BC Place Stadium Lot and the Costco Downtown Lot, both a short walk away​.

Considering these factors, I’d give Rogers Arena’s accessibility a strong 4.5 out of 5. The combination of SkyTrain access and nearby parking makes it a convenient choice for most visitors, though the cost of parking and availability could be an issue.

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Amenities: 4.5/5

Rogers Arena offers a variety of amenities for a top-tier event experience. Highlights include The SportsBar, which is open during Vancouver Canucks games and major sporting events, offering fans a lively atmosphere with great views. There are also plenty of food and beverage options located throughout the venue, ensuring easy access to refreshments. The arena features accessible seating, restrooms, and dedicated services for guests with disabilities, as well as private event spaces for special occasions.

The arena features everything from classic stadium food to more gourmet selections. For those looking for quick bites, popular concession options include Triple O’s, where you can grab signature burgers and fries. Pizza lovers can head to Panago for slices of pepperoni, cheese, or BBQ bacon pizza. You’ll also find classic stadium fare like hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, and nachos at multiple stands throughout the venue. In terms of beverages, Rogers Arena has a strong selection of alcohol. You’ll find Budweiser, Stanley Park Brewing beers, Nutrl Vodka Soda, as well as a selection of house wines. For cocktails, head to the Tromba Margarita Bar, where you can enjoy margaritas, palomas, and caesars​.

I’d give Rogers Arena’s amenities a solid 4.5 out of 5 for their variety and convenience. However, service speed during peak times could use minor improvements. The food and beverage selection is vast, though the higher-than-average prices, typical of large venues, are a noticeable drawback. Rogers Arena’s spaces are designed with sports audiences in mind, they don’t fully enhance the experience for concertgoers, particularly those attending electronic music events. The arena is well-suited for sports fans, but these features don’t always translate to a seamless concert experience for EDM enthusiasts.

 You can catch a glimpse of Kygo’s epic entrance here.

Security & Safety: 4.5/5

Rogers Arena has a solid reputation for security and safety during events, thanks to its comprehensive measures. The venue features a visible security presence, both inside and outside, and adheres to strict protocols, including bag checks and metal detectors, which are standard for large-scale events. In addition, there are designated staff available to assist guests with any safety concerns, and the arena has clear emergency exits and procedures. That said, as with any large venue, crowd control during major events can occasionally be a challenge, especially when entering and exiting the arena during peak times.

Vibe: 3.5/5

The atmosphere at Kygo's concert in Rogers Arena was a mix of energetic visuals and powerful sound, which delivered on the audio-visual front. The lighting effects were on point, and Kygo’s signature melodic beats created an electric energy in the air. However, the venue's seating arrangement somewhat stifled the typically vibrant EDM vibe. With limited room to move, fans found themselves more constrained to their seats than you’d expect at a dance-heavy EDM event. The crowd leaned more toward sitting and watching rather than the usual "dance all night" atmosphere that EDM enthusiasts crave, the setup wasn’t ideal for those looking to fully immerse themselves in the experience through movement and dancing. In addition, while the sound quality was impressive, the energy from the crowd didn’t quite match that of a typical EDM festival or outdoor venue where dancing and engagement are the norm. This resulted in a more subdued vibe than you might expect from an EDM concert of this scale.

Overall, while the production quality was high, the lack of space for dancing and a more passive crowd detracted from the full EDM experience.

A highlight of Vandelux's energetic performance at Vancouver's Rogers Arena, setting the tone for an unforgettable night at Kygo's concert.

Acoustics: 4/5

Rogers Arena generally offers strong acoustics for concerts, with its large-scale sound system effectively amplifying the music throughout the venue. For Kygo’s show, the sound quality was solid, with crisp highs and deep, punchy bass, delivering an immersive listening experience typical of well-produced EDM events. The sound carried well, and the music reached all areas of the arena with clarity. However, as an indoor sports arena primarily designed for hockey games, the acoustics aren't flawless for live music events. Due to the arena’s vast size and structure, there can sometimes be issues with sound bouncing or slight echoing in certain areas. This is particularly true in the higher sections or corners of the arena. While it doesn’t ruin the experience, it’s not quite the level of precision you’d expect from a venue designed specifically for concerts.

Overall, Rogers Arena handles EDM sound well, but some small imperfections in sound diffusion across such a large, enclosed space prevent it from achieving top-tier acoustics.

A peek of Zara Larsson's performance at Vancouver's Rogers Arena.

Crowd: 3.5/5

Rogers Arena attracts a diverse crowd, especially for big-name events like Kygo’s recent concert. The arena is typically filled with fans of all ages, creating a lively but varied atmosphere. For concerts, especially EDM shows, the crowd energy can sometimes be a bit hit-or-miss. While you’ll find plenty of fans excited and engaged, Rogers Arena crowds tend to lean more toward a “watch-and-enjoy” vibe rather than the full-on dancing and high energy that EDM enthusiasts might expect.

Overall Rating: 4/5

Rogers Arena is a reliable, accessible, and safe venue with great sound and decent amenities, but its seated layout and sports-oriented focus make it less than ideal for high-energy music events like EDM.

Have you been to Rogers Arena? Share your experience in the comments below!