Downsview Secondary School Students Shine as Planet Operators at Coldplay’s Rogers Stadium Shows

July 14, 2025

This summer, Live Nation Canada welcomed a group of students from Downsview Secondary School to serve as Planet Operators during Coldplay’s concerts at Rogers Stadium — an opportunity that blended hands‑on experience, sustainability, and the magic of live music. Students were paid a stipend for their work, giving them both professional exposure and meaningful recognition for their contributions.

Downsview Secondary School is part of an underserved community, with many students facing significant external challenges that impact their educational experience. The school has consistently ranked high on the Toronto District School Board’s Learning Opportunities Index, a measure that reflects the level of need within a school community. For many of these students, attending a major concert — let alone working behind the scenes — is an experience that would otherwise be out of reach.

The partnership offered students a chance to step into a world where their skills, passions, and potential could shine. As Planet Operators, they played an important role in Coldplay’s sustainability‑focused show design, contributing to an initiative that celebrates creativity, environmental responsibility, and community engagement. The Live Nation team was deeply moved by the students’ enthusiasm, professionalism, and curiosity throughout the experience.

In a heartfelt letter, the school shared how much the opportunity meant to their students, describing it as “a chance to shine” and “a dream come true” — an experience they will carry with them for years.