Christopher BarrettAEG Presents newest venue Watford Colosseum will see Ocean Colour Scene perform the inaugural show on 29 August, followed by concerts by acts including Jake Bugg, The Stranglers and David Essex.
The venue’s opening follows a programme of improvements and refurbishment reportedly worth £5 million. The 40,000 square-foot venue will be able to accommodate 2,345 people standing or 1,189 seated.
AEG Presents, which was appointed in March 2023 by Watford Borough Council to manage the venue, said it will feature a new stage, enhanced wayfinding and a comprehensive refurbishment of all areas. It said significant improvements to the mechanical and electrical systems will also ensure a “best-in-class” experience for fans at the venue.
Once reopened, the venue is expected to contribute just short of £2million to the local economy each year, while creating new jobs and volunteer opportunities.
The Colosseum is the latest addition to AEG Presents’ burgeoning venue portfolio, which includes London venues Eventim Apollo (cap. 3,500), Indigo at The O2 (2,800), University of Wolverhampton at The Halls (consisting of the 3,404-capacity The Civic and 1,289-cap The Wulfrun) along with a new 4,400-capacity, purpose-built, live entertainment venue at Olympia London set to open late this year.
AEG Presents CEO Steve Homer said, “To be just a few months away from the very first show at Watford Colosseum is an exciting moment. Watford really deserves a venue of this calibre and we are looking forward to delivering artists and events that span all kinds of genres. We can build on the rich history of the space as a new era begins.”