Barclays has announced new partnerships with two of the UK’s biggest and busiest arenas.

The financial services giant has become a founding partner of Co-op Live and Principal Partner of The O2. It said the deals mean Barclays customers can purchase reserved tickets for shows at the venues and gain access to premium lounges and hospitality suites.

Barclays said it will support community projects as part of both partnerships. It is the latest move to strengthen the ties between Barclays and the live events industry. Capital’s Summertime Ball with Barclaycard, will Wembley Stadium on 15 June, with a lineup including Mariah Carey, Will Smith & DJ Jazzy Jeff, Rita Ora and Lola Young.

Last month AEG Europe reported that The O2 arena has experienced its best-ever Q1, on the back of the venue having hosted 48 shows in the first three months of this year.

The show count at the 20,000-capacity East London venue was up 9% on Q1 2024, with onsales up 125%. During the quarter, some 10 headline acts made their debut on The O2’s stage.

In April, venue operator Oak View Group (OVG) said Co-op Live (cap. 23,500) kicked off the month with the strongest week for ticket sales since the venue opened in May last year. During the week commencing 31 March, the Manchester arena saw more than 90,000 tickets sold for events at the venue

Barclays MD of sponsorship and client experience Tom Corbett said, “These world-class venues join our growing entertainment portfolio, reinforcing Barclays as a leading brand in entertainment, across music, sports and the arts. These partnerships also mean even more exclusive perks and unforgettable experiences for our customers.”

“We’re excited to welcome Barclays to The O2, the world’s busiest live entertainment arena, and we’re looking forward to creating more memorable moments for fans together,” said AEG Global Partnerships VP Europe Nathan Kosky.

Co-op Live SVP & GM Guy Dunstan said, “Partnering with Barclays not only further elevates Co-op Live’s celebrated fan experience, but also extends our commitment to the North West and its community. Barclays have consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of live entertainment, and we are delighted to bring their expertise and passion to the world’s most acclaimed new arena.”

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