Max SteventonThe operator of Bristol’s new 20,000 capacity arena YTL Live has confirmed insurance company Aviva has secured naming rights for the venue.
Aviva Arena is due to open in late 2028 and will be west England’s biggest indoor venue once complete.
Bristol’s newest venue forms part of YTL’s £2bn development of Brabazon Hangars into a live entertainment destination. The whole complex will be named YTL Live with Aviva Arena located in the central and largest of the three Brabazon Hangars. Conference and exhibition spaces will make up the rest of the complex.
YTL estimates the venue will contribute £1bn to the local economy in its first decade of operating creating 2,000 jobs during construction and 500 permanent roles once operational. Aviva Arena is expected to host 120 events a year, according to YTL.
Located in Brabazon New Town in north Bristol, and with a new train station set to open on its doorstep later this year, Aviva Arena is poised to become a global destination for live music, sport and entertainment.
It marks the latest addition to Aviva’s venue portfolio, alongside Dublin’s Aviva Stadium and Manchester’s Aviva Studios.
“Securing Aviva as the naming partner for the arena marks a defining moment in our journey to create one of Europe’s most exciting live entertainment destinations”, said YTL UK Group CEO Colin Skellett. “This partnership is a powerful vote of confidence in our vision for YTL Live and for the future of Bristol as a world-class cultural hub.”
Aviva CEO Dame Amanda Blanc said, “Bristol is an important city for Aviva. Aviva Arena will further strengthen Bristol’s position as one of Europe’s great creative cities and become a landmark destination for the South West of England.”