Max SteventonIG Arena, AEG’s first Japanese arena, hosted its inaugural public event on 24 May. Headlined by music producer and composer Hans Zimmer, the show sold out the 17,000 capacity venue in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture ahead of its official opening on 13 July.
The venue is among a number of projects being developed by AEG in Asia, and IG Arena’s inaugural show follows the recent opening of its 6,000-capacity UOB LIVE venue in Bangkok, Thailand.
AEG International CEO Alex Hill said the opening of IG Arena reflects the global operator’s “commitment to supporting the growth of Asia Pacific’s live entertainment landscape”.
The oval shaped venue, with a 30-meter ceiling height, won’t be AEG’s last in Japan. The 18,000 capacity Osaka Arena is set to open in 2030. Located adjacent to the Bampaku Metro Station and Panasonic Stadium, the venue project is expected to break ground in 2027.
IG Arena will be based in the Japanese city of Nagoya and is expected to host 1.4 million visitors and more than 150 events per year. One of the largest arenas in the country, events at IG Arena will include international and regional music, entertainment, basketball, and other indoor sports.
Hill added, “The opening of IG Arena is a proud moment for AEG and our partners in Japan. Together, we’ve created a world-class venue that reflects the energy, innovation, and cultural richness of this incredible market. Hans Zimmer’s unforgettable inaugural performance has set the tone for what this arena will represent — a new era for live entertainment in the region.”