The O2 Arena is a world-renowned multi-purpose indoor arena located on the Greenwich Peninsula in southeast London. Its history is tied to the dramatic and often controversial Millennium Dome, a massive dome-shaped structure built to house an exhibition celebrating the turn of the new millennium. After the exhibition closed in 2000, the dome sat largely unused for several years, often referred to as a “white elephant.” However, in 2005, the mobile phone company O2 acquired the naming rights, and the structure underwent a massive redevelopment. The O2 Arena, a new and technologically advanced venue, was constructed within the dome’s shell and opened in 2007, quickly becoming one of the busiest music venues in the world.
Today, The O2 is a vast entertainment district that includes the arena, a music club (Indigo at The O2), a cinema, a range of restaurants and bars, and a shopping outlet. Its location is a key factor in its success, being easily accessible via the Jubilee line at North Greenwich station. The venue is a premier destination for a wide variety of events, with the main arena having a capacity of up to 20,000. It hosts major concerts by global superstars, from rock legends and pop icons to country music artists, as well as large-scale comedy shows, awards ceremonies like the BRIT Awards, and major sporting events, including the ATP Finals and events during the 2012 Summer Olympics. Beyond the main arena, visitors can enjoy a unique experience by climbing “Up at The O2” to walk across the roof of the iconic dome, offering stunning views of London.
