Metallica’s tour arrives in Edmonton for two epic performances at Commonwealth Stadium.

As a powerhouse in the global heavy metal scene, Metallica is set to make a major impact in Alberta’s capital this weekend with two high-profile concerts at Commonwealth Stadium. Known for rock anthems like “Enter Sandman,” “Seek and Destroy,” and “Nothing Else Matters,” the band is already generating significant buzz among fans ahead of their first Edmonton show.

Fans eager to snag band merchandise lined up at a pop-up store near Edmonton’s Exhibition Lands as early as 4 a.m. on Thursday, despite the store opening at 11 a.m. One dedicated fan even traveled from St. John’s to witness Metallica’s live performance in Edmonton.

Metallica’s North American tour will see them perform at Commonwealth Stadium on both Friday and Sunday nights.

Montreal was the only other Canadian city on the band’s tour schedule for this leg. The shows in Quebec and Alberta are Metallica’s first performances in Canada since 2018.

Concerts Cause Traffic Disruptions

The Edmonton Police Service has issued a notice to residents about potential “significant traffic and pedestrian congestion” near Commonwealth Stadium starting Friday afternoon.

Police will be on hand to manage both vehicle and pedestrian flow, with a planned road closure on Stadium Road between 92nd Street and 112th Avenue beginning at 4 p.m.

“Detours will be in place until traffic levels are deemed safe, at which point the road will be reopened,” an EPS spokesperson said in a press release.

Following the concert, Stadium Road will be closed again at 11 p.m. and will remain closed until concert-goers have safely departed the area.

A map detailing the affected closures is available below.

Due to Metallica and Pink’s August performances, Edmonton’s CFL team will not have a game at Commonwealth Stadium until September 7.