Christopher BarrettThe booking diary is now open for new London venue British Airways ARC, with AEG Presents having signed a naming rights deal with British Airways for its 3,800-capacity performance venue in Olympia.
The purpose-built live music and events venue, located above the existing west exhibition hall in Olympia London, is due to open next year. British Airways ARC is part of a £1.3 billion transformation of Olympia London set to feature a 1,575-seat theatre, 30 bars, restaurants and eateries, two hotels and 550,000 sq ft of office space. The development is expected to contribute more than £600 million per year to the UK economy and attract 3.5 million people to events annually.
Olympia was built as an events and exhibitions venue 140 years ago, and has seen performances by acts including Jimi Hendrix, Rod Stewart, Primal Scream, The Cure and The Chemical Brothers. AEG Presents said British Airways ARC will honour that heritage.
ASM Global will run operations at Olympia London’s Grand Hall, including concerts and other live entertainment shows. Bloc Party and Interpol are to co-headline the first of a series of shows at the venue, promoted by SJM Concerts
Ticketing for British Airways ARC will be handled by AEG-owned AXS.
AEG Presents Europe chief operating officer Andrew Spencer said, “This is a pivotal moment as we open the diary for bookings and reveal the name of British Airways ARC. We’re delighted to be working with BA and as we take the next step towards opening all the teams are very excited. 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.”