A new music venue, the British Airways ARC, is set to open in London in 2026, with a capacity of 3,800 attendees. Located above the west exhibition hall at Olympia, this state-of-the-art arena aims to blend modern design with the rich musical heritage of the venue, which has hosted legendary artists for over a century.
On November 20, 2023, AEG Presents UK announced its partnership with British Airways for this impressive project. The venue will not only enhance the existing offerings at Olympia but also aims to serve as a platform for emerging talent in the music industry. The official ticketing partner for the arena will be AXS, and although the opening date remains unspecified, the venue’s booking calendar is now live.
Preserving Musical Heritage
Olympia has a storied musical history, having welcomed iconic performers like Jimi Hendrix, The Cure, and Pink Floyd. Andrew Spencer, Chief Operating Officer of AEG Presents Europe, expressed his enthusiasm for the new venue, stating, “Olympia is a place that has an incredible musical history which we want to honour whilst creating a venue that is thoroughly modern with world-class facilities for artists and fans alike.”
The British Airways ARC is part of a larger £1.3 billion redevelopment that will also introduce 30 bars and restaurants, two hotels, a 1,575-seat theatre, and 550,000 square feet of office space. This ambitious project reflects a commitment to revitalizing the area while maintaining its cultural significance.
Creating Unique Experiences
Calum Laming, Chief Commercial Officer of British Airways, highlighted the importance of this project in representing modern Britain. He stated, “Together with AEG Presents UK, not only are we creating unique experiences for audiences, we’re also helping shine a spotlight on the next generation of talent.” Laming emphasized that British Airways aims to showcase both homegrown and international entertainment, reinforcing the airline’s role as a flag carrier for the UK.
As the opening approaches, music fans can stay updated on the venue’s first acts by visiting the official website and social media platforms. Anticipation is building, with announcements expected in the coming months regarding the inaugural performances at the British Airways ARC. This new arena promises to be a significant addition to London’s vibrant music scene, celebrating its past while looking forward to the future.
