Construction has reportedly started on the arena that will sit inside the Millenium Dome.
Its planned opening is Spring 2007 (2 years)

- The capacity I dont know....some sites say 22,000 others say 26,000!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/Sparkynufc/dome.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/Sparkynufc/dome3.jpg

http://img248.echo.cx/img248/3687/domearena220br.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)

http://img248.echo.cx/img248/853/domearena9th.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)

http://img248.echo.cx/img248/4986/domearena333337yw.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)

The Arena will be run by Entertainment group AEG!

Will be home of the London Knights Ice Hockey team...and a London basketball team I guess!

Will also host the Gymnastics and Basketball competitions if the London Olympic bid is successful!

Official Site
http://info.aegworldwide.co.uk/

London 2012
http://london2012.com/en

London Knights Ice Hockey
http://www.knightice.co.uk

You will be my bestest friend if you find construction pics...I hope some will appear on the official site soon!

It can't be easy to build a new structure under a roof, because it's imposible to use high tower cranes.
But it look good indeed. :applause:

Looks great...

I hope its London 2012....!

Have you had a look at the David Beckham academy which will be run by group AEG right beside the Dome?

Its amazing....and the best thing.....It opens THIS summer!

It will house two full size indoor football pitches, world class state of the art class rooms and many many for amazing facilities!

London is changing....greenwich peninsula is having a whole revamp...and its all U/C right now!

Looks great.
But can anybody tell me the reason why the Millenium Dome then was built at all? Was there a special purpose for what it was needed?

Was a tourist attraction!

Was a tourist attraction!


Has a science center and all that kind of crap inside!

Oh and a circus was in there aswell!

Was the most expensive building is history costing £1bn nearly $2bn dollars....and it closed after a year!

Looks great.
But can anybody tell me the reason why the Millenium Dome then was built at all? Was there a special purpose for what it was needed?

It contained the Millenium Exhibition, which was a complete fiasco.

It should be emphasised that it will not be primarily a sports arena. Basketball and ice hockey are minor sports in the UK and won't come close to filling it. It will make most of its money from pop concerts.

@Philip & eddy

Thanx

Have you had a look at the David Beckham academy which will be run by group AEG right beside the Dome?

Yes, you too can be as intelligent as David Beckham!

This is good, because the Dome is great architecture wise, but was just utter crap that did nothing. This will give it a decent purpose.

I'm glad too about this building finally having a use. i actually like it as a building.

This is very good news for the biggest white elephant in history. I just couldn't believe that New Liebour sanctioned One Billion pounds of British peoples money on the dome for something that would last just one year.

Now that is has a permanent purpose which it should have had from the start it will be a good addition to the growing sporting facilities in London.

http://img123.echo.cx/img123/3499/dome29pm.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)

Stunning and the perferct time for new images, as things are hotting up for london,the IOc members will start making their decisions,

It will be the best arena in the world IMO....and hopefully in a few years time it could be as famous as Madison Square Garden...or whatever

Looks fantastic, I just hope it doesnt take many major events away from the NIA and NEC in Birmingham. we cant let this country become even more London orientated.

Stunning and the perferct time for new images, as things are hotting up for london,the IOc members will start making their decisions,

never mind this, our passion for sport shown by the Liverpool celebrations and the tv viewing figures should swing it our way :D

I emphasise SHOULD.

Looks fantastic, I just hope it doesnt take many major events away from the NIA and NEC in Birmingham. we cant let this country become even more London orientated.

It could get even worse ;), as i heard that excel might be looking at extending the complex...don't see how as its quite developed around that area isnt it?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/olympics_2012/4586813.stm

London have also won the 2009 World Gymnastics Championships, which will be held in the dome!

If baqthier, Rainier Meadows or jmancuso are reading....if you can, may you please change the name of this thread to...

(MULTI) LDN, England, UK - The O2 Arena (23,000)

Yep 23,000 is the official seat count for the arena.


Dome Facts

The Millennium Dome is the world's largest 'dome' and is built on the meridian line in Greenwich.
- The dome is over 1 kilometre (0.62 miles) in circumference and 320 metres (1,050 feet) in diameter.
- Awards garnered by the dome include: a RIBA Award 2000, Civic Trust Award Commendation, 2000 and; European Structural Steel Design Award, 2000.
- The dome's new name is pronounced 'oh two'.

Height 95M 311ft...Taller than the statue of Liberty

http://lachlan.bluehaze.com.au/london2000/dome2000/dome053.jpg

The Dome will finally find a use...:okay:

It will be the best arena in the world IMO....and hopefully in a few years time it could be as famous as Madison Square Garden...or whatever

Madison Square Garden is famous because of the hockey, basketball and boxing matches. Its far from the greatest arena in the world these days. Probably right now is close to the bottom of the NBA and NHL venues.

I love the use, but the inside is a bit plain. Very reminiscent of the Staples Center inside of the bowl. Has huge shoes to fill if it wants to be the best. There are some great, great arenas out there.

Great to see it finally being used for something. Cannot work out how on earth it cost £1,000,000,000!

Pop concerts and stand up shows would be fantastic in there.

The dome didn't cost that much, it was the area the dome went on that cost a lot.

Some of these you may of seen, but anyhoo, they're labled this time...

http://img270.echo.cx/img270/7871/thedome5ys.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)

1- Cutway of the Dome
2- O2 at the Greenwich Peninsula
3- Main Concourse of the O2
4- Main Enterance
5- The O2 Arena
6- Rock'n'Pop Steet
7- The O2 Interior
8- Bars and Resturants
9- The O2 Music Club
10- Video Lounge and Recharge Bubble
11- Exhibition Bubble


The place is amazing....its like our own little Vegas or Disney Land in the centre of London...just without all the Casinos or rides :D

They'll have nightclubs, restuarants, museums, multicomplex cinemas and other fun things. It's gonna be unreal.

My two fave things UC now in London....Wembley, and This


I would sooner have this than say...a 600 footer.

It really does show just how big The Dome is when they can build a massive arena inside of it and still have loads of room left to build cinema's and restaurants.

It really does show just how big The Dome is when they can build a massive arena inside of it and still have loads of room left to build cinema's and restaurants.

Yeah, I especially love how it's like they're constructing a building within a building, very futuristic.

I think an arena is a PERFECT use for this awesome-looking structure! :) :) :)

I'm still baffeld that they are building a cinema when there is one about 1 mile away that's got 14 screens.

I'm still baffeld that they are building a cinema when there is one about 1 mile away that's got 14 screens.

This is central London were talking about, there must be about 20 cinema's within a mile of Leicester Square that all manage to stay in business.

Looking this arena up, I cam accross some comments made by AEG, and other news.

They are hoping to take away the biggest film premiers from Leicester Square.

It also wants to create a "2-shaped" pier or terminal between the Dome and the Thames so that, from the air, the company will boast one of the world's largest logos.

There will be another music venue, a smaller-scale jazz and blues club, alongside a 2,000-seater Las Vegasinspired music theatre.

The "02 Arena" will take up 40 per cent of the site. Encircling it will be an indoor "street" more than a kilometre long lined with other attractions, including the proposed casino.

This is central London were talking about, there must be about 20 cinema's within a mile of Leicester Square that all manage to stay in business.
The are all much smaller, further they are all in central London a major going out and general entertainement area.

Where the dome is has one notable attraction near by - the cinema:

http://www.thelondonmuse.co.uk/ben pics/cinema.jpg

The dome is probably more than 2 miles from the main going out and touristy area of greenwich. Whilst there are many stations that you can walk to leicester square the dome is limited to just one.

Of coursethe dome is plannign to add several bars and restaurants which wil boost the area, and it should be an entertainment marvel but, I just don't think greenwich (that has the original greenwich cinema of 3 screens reopening soon as an art house cinema in the village) can cope with 2 multipx cinemas 1 mile from each other.

23,000 for Basketball games?
I think so, because it looks very big

than it will be +30,000 for concerts (by using the interior room/place)

Looks great, when is it gonna be finished? I see a little kind of mall inside am i right?
Could you enlist what will the entire complex have.

It opens 2007

All this is INSIDE the dome...with the Arena.


7 Bars
10 Resturants
10 Screen Cinema
Jazz & Blues Music Club
Las Vegasinspired music theatre
British Music Hall of Fame
Other minor Exibits and Shops

"They are all self-contained buildings, so if you were to take the dome structure off the top, the buildings would stand alone. For acoustics that means you can run Metallica in the large arena and a string quartet in the music club and the two will not interfere with each other."
AEG Chief Executive

London Knights eh?

Same team name as the junior team (and CHL champions) in London, ON.

They stole the name from us.

London is more of a Hockey city and any canadian City.

1- Cutway of the Dome
2- O2 at the Greenwich Peninsula
3- Main Concourse of the O2
4- Main Enterance
5- The O2 Arena
6- Rock'n'Pop Steet
7- The O2 Interior
8- Bars and Resturants
9- The O2 Music Club
10- Video Lounge and Recharge Bubble
11- Exhibition Bubble


THis place looks awesome...And the purpuses are multible...Anybody has any idea what the construction price on this is? If i understand correctly, they will use part of the existing dome as structure, or is that wrong..? Ad it will be used both for hocky, indor sports (gym, handball etc) and concert events? sounds great....

I dunno...The news is Construction has started...it opens in 2007 and has already been awarded the 2009 Gymnastic World Championships.

And yes...everything in that list is inside the dome which has already been built.

They stole the name from us.

London is more of a Hockey city and any canadian City.
:banana2: :carrot: :cucumber:

:D

Has huge shoes to fill if it wants to be the best. There are some great, great arenas out there.
It does indeed. The MEN Arena in Manchester has been the best arena in the world for the past three years and the busiest arena in the world (in ticket sales) for the past four. Hopefully this place won't impact on our arena too much as in the end it would be damaging for both.

I hope the MEN doesnt lose a bit of business.

But the UK only having one 'super arena' is laughable.

I think the MEN instead of being the main arena in the UK will be the main in the north, and the O2 the main in the south...and there will be good fight for top spot.

It does indeed. The MEN Arena in Manchester has been the best arena in the world for the past three years and the busiest arena in the world (in ticket sales) for the past four. Hopefully this place won't impact on our arena too much as in the end it would be damaging for both.

What makes you think that MEN has been the best arena in the world?

Its been awarded...awards.

EB has mentioned it before...when hes back online i'm sure he'll give you the information you need.

I did find this story though

Arena voted best venue in the world

http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/news/s/13/13759_arena_voted_best_venue_in_the_world.html

Last year the M.E.N. Arena was named the world's top indoor arena for the number of concert tickets sold in the first nine months of the year.

LOL. I'm sorry, but that's just a ridiculous criteria. Basically it sold the most concert tickets for an arena of its size and type. There are arenas out there that blow that thing away.

"In 2001 it sold more tickets than any other indoor arena in the world and is already on course for another record year in 2002."

And thats not size for size.

And thats a seperate story anyway, nothing to do with the 2002 Arena Award.

Have you seen some of the arenas out there?

The MEN is no slouch...and is deffinately the best in Europe.

And The O2 will over take it.

I do think the dome will be the best Arena in the world.

But there are no doubt arenas out there in the same sort of position Old Wembley was...Not the best, but still amazing.

MEN = average in the US and Canada. Doesn't beat the Thunderdome in Oz either.

The Dome as a whole is better than any arena could be. Its just a different kind of venue and the arena is just part of the complex. The Arena itself could end up just pedestrian. But as a complex, when you add the arena to what is already there, that does make greatness.

The MEN is no slouch...and is deffinately the best in Europe.

And The O2 will over take it.

I do think the dome will be the best Arena in the world.

But there are no doubt arenas out there in the same sort of position Old Wembley was...Not the best, but still amazing.

Eddyk, I think you will find the NEC is one of the best in Europe and is rated higher in the UK then the MEN arena. It doesnt sell as many tickets, but it holds more events then any other Arena in Europe, from the biggest clothes show in the world, to the biggest Dog show in the world, Crufts.

The best single Arena might well be the MEN or The Dome in the future, but Birminghams NEC is located in 4 different structures. The NEC Arena, The NIA, The Symphony Hall and The ICC.

..."The National Exhibition Centre is the busiest exhibition centre in Europe, staging more than 180 exhibitions each year, ranging from world-famous public shows such as Crufts Dog Show and Clotheshow Live to international trade exhibitions like IPEX and Spring Fair, Birmingham.
Up to four million people visit the centre each year. With 21 halls totalling 200,000 square metres (two million square feet) it is also the biggest exhibition centre in Britain and seventh largest in Europe. The NEC is renowned for large-scale international trade fairs, but also has an active interest in helping smaller specialist shows develop, providing advice, support and essential services to organisers.

The flexible, flat-floored, interconnected halls offer endless possibilities for all types of exhibitions and events, complemented by extensive conference and banqueting facilities. The award-winning catering team operate restaurants, cafes and bars throughout the centre, serving meals with quality, imagination and style."...

Welcome to The NEC Arena

The NEC Arena is renowned for its blockbusting concerts and sporting events. Located within The NEC complex, the 12,300 seated NEC Arena receives over 1 million visitors every year.

The list of concerts and entertainment events over the years is punctuated by legendary names. Since opening in 1980 with an epic performance by Queen, The NEC Arena has given the finest stage to the finest performers. To date, no less than 68 concerts from Sir Cliff Richard, 37 nights of Status Quo, Simply Red have appeared at 25 shows. Tina Turner, Diana Ross and Elton John on stage more than a dozen times each. From Pavarotti to Bowie, Kylie to Justin, U2 to Blue, The NEC Arena has worked with them all and continues to do so.

The World Figure Skating and the World Gymnastics Championships have both benefited from the first class facilities, along with The Spanish Riding School of Vienna, World Wrestling Entertainment, Supercross and Gatecrasher. The NEC Arena is also the home of Horse of the Year Show, and the largest scale conventions and conferences – such as the Lions Club International – have been exceptionally served by the Arena’s size and flexibility.

The NEC Group also offers Europe's most sophisticated box office operation to promote and sell concerts, events and exhibitions. The NEC Group Box Office sells up to two million tickets, answers four million telephone calls and mails out 250,000 letters every year.

Welcome to The NIA

The National Indoor Arena is one of the most sought after, and therefore busiest, large scale indoor sporting and entertainment venues in Europe. Since opening in 1991, over 4 million visitors have enjoyed over 30 different sports and an extensive variety of entertainment and music.

Located in Birmingham City centre, close to The ICC, The NIA brings world class sport to the heart of the nation. From club and regional, to national and international, it provides a perfect home for indoor sport at every level. With a passion for performance, and a will to succeed matching the world-class competitors it regularly welcomes.

There are few people whose lives will not have been enriched by the feats of international sportsmen. And the chances are, these heroes will have plied their trade at The NIA. Think of the sweat-soaked palms and brows at Davis Cup Tennis; the strength and power on display at The IAAF Grand Prix; world-class events in sports such as badminton, table tennis and judo as well as powerlifting, basketball and wrestling.

Stamina, exertion and toil successfully brought to the big stage – the result of calm, detailed planning and thought. The events are supported by media and medical facilities, physiotherapy areas, TV lighting and even an integral underground warm up area.

The NIA and its team have forged a reputation for embracing sport at grassroot level, building a relationship and rapport with Governing Bodies which has helped bring World and European Championships under our roof in Birmingham,

And it’s not just about sport. Concerts, entertainment and business conferences and exhibitions are also staged at The NIA. Take the glamour of The Eurovision Song Contest, the spectacular Disney on Ice, the childrens’ favourite Tweenies Live! and the operatic passion of Carmen and Madam Butterfly as examples of the arena’s versatility. Not to mention concerts by Paul McCartney, Oasis, Coldplay, Russell Watson and Destiny’s Child.

The NIA Academy makes use of the arena’s built-in flexibility, creating a more intimate theatre-style auditorium for up to 4,500. It was the setting for the world premiere of Sir Cliff Richard's production of Heathcliff and has also staged numerous concerts and comedy shows. The flexible format of The NIA Academy allows the audience seating area to be adapted to accommodate concerts, intimate ballet as well as comedy and theatre spectacle.

Welcome to Symphony Hall


Symphony Hall opened in 1991 to immediate public and critical acclaim. It was instantly acknowledged both as the UK's finest concert hall and one of the best in the world, a position it retains today. The auditorium is a model of modern concert hall design and the superb acoustics are the benchmark by which all new concert halls are measured. In 2001 the Hall was completed with the installation of the 6000-pipe Symphony Organ.

Symphony Hall's diverse programme of events includes world class music making in all its forms from classical to jazz, world music, folk, rock and pop and also features stand-up comedy. The Hall promotes its own International Concert Season of prestigious visiting orchestras and musicians as well as being home to the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. The Hall also plays an important role in the life of the region and is regularly used for community events, graduation ceremonies and conferences. In all over 350,000 people attend around 270 events at Symphony Hall every year.

Symphony Hall has charitable status and its thriving Education/Community department reaches 20,000 people each year in projects for schools, community
groups and families.

Symphony Hall is situated within the International Convention Centre (ICC) and is easily accessible and well equipped for people with disabilities.

So please Eddyk dont be ignorant and say MEN is the only big arena in the UK, when You've missed the biggest in Britain and the 7th largest in Europe. It holds more events then any other Arena in the continent, not to mention more world and european sporting events then any other UK city. Its very annoying when people believe every word which comes out of EB's mouth.

Eddyk, I think you will find the NEC is one of the best in Europe and is rated higher in the UK then the MEN arena. It doesnt sell as many tickets, but it holds more events then any other Arena in Europe, from the biggest clothes show in the world, to the biggest Dog show in the world, Crufts.

The best single Arena might well be the MEN or The Dome in the future, but Birminghams NEC is located in 4 different structures. The NEC Arena, The NIA, The Symphony Hall and The ICC.


When you say "it holds more events" above, are you referring to the NEC Arena, the NIA or the whole NEC? The NEC Arena and the NIA are miles apart - it's a bit like a company called Old Trafford buying the City of Manchester Stadium and then claiming that "Old Trafford" is bigger than Wembley... :)

When you say "it holds more events" above, are you referring to the NEC Arena, the NIA or the whole NEC? The NEC Arena and the NIA are miles apart - it's a bit like a company called Old Trafford buying the City of Manchester Stadium and then claiming that "Old Trafford" is bigger than Wembley... :)

Its the NEC group - its all joined together. However the NEC Arena on its own, hosts more events then any toher Arena in Europe.

For ages Ive actually wondered...Is it actually U/C

Ive heard people say it is...and Ives said it is....but ive never actually seen evidence to suggest it is.

I just found some on the official site.

Anschutz Entertainment Group and O2 share a vision - to create the most exciting music, entertainment and sport destination in Europe - where everyone can come and play.

Now there's a location... it's perfect... and work is underway

AEG is at the top of its game; one of the worlds biggest and best at building and managing performance venues. O2 has its customers at the heart of everything it does - connecting them to the best music and entertainment available whenever and wherever it can. It's the perfect partnership.

The O2's 23,000 seat arena, theatres, music clubs and exhibition hall will host an unrivalled mix of exciting events but it's also a perfect destination for a last minute night out. It's a whole district of restaurants, bars, clubs and brand new interactive experiences - all under cover and protected from the elements. And if you're an 02 customer, you get access to special features and enjoy some very special privileges, like mobile ticketing and fast track access into The O2.


Also found this...

In the UK, AEG will play a major role in the regeneration of the Greenwich Peninsula that is home to The O2. The company has signed contracts with property development partners Meridian Delta Ltd and the UK Government to deliver a 26,000 capacity entertainment and leisure arena and a surrounding retail and entertainment district at The O2 site. The arena is the catalyst for the whole regeneration project and will be of a world class standard never before seen in Europe.

Bloody hell...is it 23K or 26K.

Its the NEC group - its all joined together. However the NEC Arena on its own, hosts more events then any toher Arena in Europe.
What a complete and utter pile of tosh brumculture. Why do you continually lie? The MEN arena outsells both of your arenas COMBINED! It averages attendances of 11,000 EVERY SINGLE DAY OF THE YEAR. Also, in terms of capacity (at 21,500) it is not far off being as large as both of yours COMBINED before you include our other two (and another one to start construction at SportCity before long too).

For each of the past four years (2001-2004), the Manchester Evening News Arena has been nominated 'International Venue of the Year' in the Pollstar concert industry awards. In 2003 and 2004, it achieved recognition as 'Busiest Arena Venue In The World' based on concert ticket sales, beating all other European and American indoor venues.

Source: http://www.men-arena.com/about/?page_id=68

http://www.terraserver.com/posters/terraserver_thumbnails/Millennium-Dome-thumbnail.jpg

Why its so hard to get construction pics...

1- Its all Indoors
2- The Greenwich Peninsula is not public at the moment....well not near the dome.
3- The closes to can get is opposite it on the other side of the river...Which is pretty wide.
...unless you have a boat of course.

KölnArena is better than Men Arena imo. The capacity is a bit lower (18500) but the design is much better.

The exterior yes...but interior, nah.











imo

Hey eddy, could you post some pics of the interior of the MEN Arena.

What a complete and utter pile of tosh brumculture. Why do you continually lie? The MEN arena outsells both of your arenas COMBINED! It averages attendances of 11,000 EVERY SINGLE DAY OF THE YEAR. Also, in terms of capacity (at 21,500) it is not far off being as large as both of yours COMBINED before you include our other two (and another one to start construction at SportCity before long too).


Yes Earlybird because printing stats is lying. You can never admit anything that faults Manchester can you?

Admit it, THE NEC is bigger and more widely known the the MEN. MEN might sell more tickets, which I still question considering the likes of the Clothes Show, Crufts etc get over 200,000+ visitors every weekend.

If you are talking about concerts you are probably right, as Birminghams are shared between the NIA and NEC.

... "With The NEC (National Exhibition Centre), The NEC Arena, The NIA (National Indoor Arena), The ICC (International Convention Centre) and Symphony Hall making up the family, The NEC Group stages more exhibitions than anywhere else in Europe; has a calendar packed with the biggest concerts, entertainment and sporting events; and offers advanced conference facilities, used by the world's leading organisations" ...

Type in to google - Eddyk, Earlybird and everyone - UK's Buisest INDOOR ARENA - Look at the results.

Like I said before - THE MEN as a single Arena is the buisest - But THE NEC group located in Birmingham with all its venues, blows it out the water.

Why is it so hard to accept?

Ive admitted MEN is buiser then the NEC but you cant admit that the NEC Group is buiser then the MEN. why not?

MEN Event Listing:
Source: http://www.men-arena.com/events/?page_id=2

Monster Jam 14/08/05 & 13/08/05 & 13/08/05 & 12/08/05
Jamiroquai 10/09/05
Stereophonics 16/09/05
Daniel O'Donnell 21/09/05
McFly 23/09/05
Disney On Ice presents Mickey and Minnie's Magical Journey 02/10/05 &
02/10/05 & 01/10/05 & 01/10/05 & 01/10/05 & 30/09/05 & 29/09/05 & 28/09/05
M People 08/10/05
Donny Osmond 15/10/05
Backstreet Boys 26/10/05
Simply Red 28/10/05
Happy Mondays 29/10/05
Vampires Rock 30/10/05
Michael Buble 05/11/05
Alice Cooper + Twisted Sister 10/11/05
Four Tops and The Temptations 12/11/05
Bob Dylan 16/11/05
Lee Evans - XL - UK Tour 2005 19/11/05 & 18/11/05
The Prodigy 23/11/05
Paul Weller 24/11/05
Ian Brown 03/12/05
a-ha 06/12/05
UB40 09/12/05
Classical Spectacular 10/12/05
Rod Stewart 15/12/05
Embrace 16/12/05
Duran Duran 18/12/05
Depeche Mode 30/03/06

NEC Event Listing:
Source: http://www.necgroup.co.uk/visitor/whatson/SearchWhatsOn.asp?v=ARENA

Rammstein 15 Jul 2005
Rod Stewart 29 - 30 Jul 2005
A R Rahman in concert 31 Jul 2005
R & B Greats part 1 - 8 Aug 2005
Jamiroquai 7 Sep 2005
McFly 15 Sep 2005
McFly 17 - 18 Sep 2005
Donny Osmond 28 Sep 2005
M People 1 Oct 2005
Horse of the Year Show 2005 12 - 16 Oct 2005
Backstreet Boys 25 Oct 2005
Simply Red 5 Nov 2005
Alice Cooper + Twisted Sister 9 Nov 2005
Jasper Carrott's Rock with Laughter 10 - 12 Nov 2005
Bob Dylan 18 Nov 2005
A-HA 3 Dec 2005
Status Quon 10 Dec 2005
Rod Stewart 18 Dec 2005
UB40 20 - 21 Dec 2005
Depeche Mode 30 Mar 2006

But those are just the 2 Arenas - MEN Arena and the NEC Arena ... Now if we look at the NEC event halls, The NIA, The Symphony Hall and the ICC, it shows Birmingham host about 5 times more events in its complexes then Manchester does.

THE NEC HALLS:
Source: http://www.necgroup.co.uk/visitor/whatson/SearchWhatsOn.asp?v=NEC

Premier Kids (Trade) 10 - 12 Jul 2005
The National Rock & Pop Festival (Public) 11 - 14 Jul 2005
Model Expo (Public) 16 - 17 Jul 2005
Antiques for Everyone - The NEC Antiques Fair (Public) 28 - 31 Jul 2005
Footwear UK (Trade) 7 - 9 Aug 2005
Moda UK & Moda Menswear (Trade) 7 - 9 Aug 2005
Summer Memorabilia Show (Public) 13 - 14 Aug 2005
Festival of Quilts (Public) 18 - 21 Aug 2005
Dance, Drama and Music Extravaganza (Public) 20 - 21 Aug 2005
Toy Collectors' Fair (Public) 21 Aug 2005
Homes Overseas Exhibition (Public) 2 - 4 Sep 2005
Autumn Fair (Trade) 4 - 7 Sep 2005
Paintball - The Campaign Cup Birmingham 2005 9 - 11 Sep 2005
CIH Trade Show (Trade) 11 - 13 Sep 2005
Recycling & Waste Management Exhibition (Trade) 13 - 15 Sep 2005
The National Venue Show (Trade) 13 - 15 Sep 2005
The National Stitch & Creative Needlecrafts Show (Public) 15 - 18 Sep 2005
Miniatura - The International Dolls' House Show (Public) 17 - 18 Sep 2005
The National Fast Food, Pizza and Snacking Show (Trade) 18 - 19 Sep 2005
GLEE 2005 (Trade) 18 - 20 Sep 2005

You get my drift - Thats page 1 of 5 so you can expetc another 80+ events within the last half of the year.

Now to the NIA Arena

NIA Arena
Source: http://www.necgroup.co.uk/visitor/whatson/SearchWhatsOn.asp?v=NIA

Brian Wilson 15 Jul 2005
Midland Masters Football 2005 16 Jul 2005
World Junior Wheelchair Basketball Championships 7 - 13 Aug 2005
Monster Jam 19 - 21 Aug 2005
Stereophonics 9 - 10 Sep 2005
Balamory 16 - 18 Sep 2005
Daniel O'Donnell 25 Sep 2005
Lee Evans - XL Tour 2005 30 Sep - 2 Oct 2005
Garbage 20 Oct 2005
League of Gentlemen 21 Oct 2005
Disney On Ice Presents Mickey & Minnie's Magical Journey 26 Oct - 6 Nov 2005
Taste Of Chaos 8 Nov 2005
Four Tops and the Temptations 11 Nov 2005
Michael Bublé 12 Nov 2005
Everly Brothers 14 Nov 2005
Paul Weller 23 Nov 2005
The Prodigy 25 Nov 2005
Birmingham International Tattoo 26 - 27 Nov 2005
Classical Spectacular 3 Dec 2005
Little Britain 7 - 10 Dec 2005
Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra 11 Dec 2005
Joss Stone 14 Dec 2005
Blondie 15 Dec 2005
Cliff Richard Tennis Classic 2005 17 Dec 2005
Sing-A-Long-A-Abba 21 Dec 2005
Bootleg Beatles 22 Dec 2005
Lord Of The Dance 29 Dec 2005 - 2 Jan 2006
Indoor Hockey Finals 5 Feb 2006
Little Britain 23 - 26 Mar 2006
Little Britain4 - 5 May 2006


Im not even going to bother to go on to the ICC and Syphony Hall - I think this already proves my point.

Good'day Earlybird.

But those are just the 2 Arenas - MEN Arena and the NEC Arena ... Now if we look at the NEC event halls, The NIA, The Symphony Hall and the ICC, it shows Birmingham host about 5 times more events in its complexes then Manchester does.


Im not even going to bother to go on to the ICC and Syphony Hall - I think this already proves my point.

Good'day Earlybird.
It doesn't prove anything. Those are just the ones booked right now at the MEN arena. We often get events in the arena that don't book until the week before. Either way, it's irrelevant as the MEN arena has almost the same capacity (21,500) as the NEC and NIA combined! It's the world's busiest arena, which is something you need to accept.

As for your conclusion that it proves Birmingham is busier, why did you exclude the G-Mex (which is licensed as a 19,000 seat arena and an exhibition centre), SportCity, The Apollo, Bridgewater Hall (the busiest concert hall outside London) and the many other facilities? The fact of the matter is that Manchester puts on many more events than Birmingham.

:laugh: I love it! Birmingham is busier than Manchester because it's entire city hosts more events than one of Manchester's venues! Why do you think Manchester gets more tourists than Birmingham BrumCulture? It's because there's more to do here!

... "With The NEC (National Exhibition Centre), The NEC Arena, The NIA (National Indoor Arena), The ICC (International Convention Centre) and Symphony Hall making up the family, The NEC Group stages more exhibitions than anywhere else in Europe; has a calendar packed with the biggest concerts, entertainment and sporting events; and offers advanced conference facilities, used by the world's leading organisations" ...
Ever thought that Manchester's two largest venues (MEN and G-Mex, total capacity 40,500) aren't part of a group, hence why the NEC group is the largest?

Type in to google - Eddyk, Earlybird and everyone - UK's Buisest INDOOR ARENA - Look at the results.
You need to learn how Google works. If you're looking for a specific phrase you need to put it in quotes, otherwise it searches for pages that contain those words. The only reason the NEC comes up is because it is the UK's busiest EXHIBITION CENTRE (hence it matches the words "UK's" and "busiest") and it has an indoor arena (which is not the busiest, but the page still matches the words "indoor" and "arena"). Try searching for "UK's busiest indoor arena" and you'll see there are no hits.

Like I said before - THE MEN as a single Arena is the buisest - But THE NEC group located in Birmingham with all its venues, blows it out the water.

Why is it so hard to accept?

Ive admitted MEN is buiser then the NEC but you cant admit that the NEC Group is buiser then the MEN. why not?
I've accepted that the NEC group as a whole is busier, if you include the NEC itself, but the MEN arena is busier than the NEC arena and NIA combined. If you include the G-Mex and Manchester International Convention Centre you'll see that if ours was a group like yours it'd be busier.

Why is it so hard to accept Manchester puts on more events? That's why we get more tourism!

Lol Earlybird, you really are a twat. As listed. THE NEC Arena and NIA arena host 51 events to Manchesters, 26 in the same time period. I think that quite conclusively shows which arenas are buiser.


THE NEC GROUP IS BUISER THEN ALL OTHER COMPLEXES IN EUROPE. ITS IN THE STATS LISTED BEFORE. STOP BEING SO IGNOARNT.

Why do you think they call it the NATIONAL exihibition centre. The NATIONAL indoor Arena?

Please mate. G-mex, is great so is MEN Arena. but to blatantly ignore what was just stated is plain ignorance.

Stop being so petty. Manchester isnt the best at everything.

Birmingham is also the UK's conference city with more confgerences held in the city and NEC then any other place in the UK. suppose you want o argue that aswell.

ITS THE UK'S meeting place for christ sake. every major road travels through Birmingham. Its int he middle of the country. YOU DONT HAVE TO BE A GENIUS TO UNDERSTAND THAT BIRMINGHAM IS HOME TO MORE EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS THEN ANY OTHER CITY.

Wikipedia

The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) is the seventh largest exhibition centre in Europe, located in Solihull, near Birmingham, England. It is near junction 6 of the M42 motorway, and is adjacent to Birmingham International Airport and Birmingham International railway station. It has 20 interconnected halls, set in 628 acres (3 km²).

The NEC Arena, host to large music concerts, is part of the complex.

Together, The NEC and The NEC Arena host over 5 million visitors each year.

The NEC Group website, www.necgroup.co.uk is the UK's most visited exhibition website receiving more than 8 million visits a year.

G-Mex Centre

The G-Mex centre or Greater Manchester EXhibition centre is a exhibition and conference centre in Manchester in England.

The Manchester Evening News Arena or MEN Arena is a large indoor arena situated in Manchester, England. It is currently sponsored by the Manchester Evening News and has a capacity of 19,000.

It was opened in 1995 and initially known as the Nynex Arena as it was first sponsored by Nynex.

Today, it plays host to many international performing artists and shows.

The arena has been the home of three sports teams, the Manchester Storm and Manchester Phoenix ice hockey teams and the Manchester Giants basketball team. However, the arena is not currently the home of any sports teams.

The National Indoor Arena situated in Birmingham, England was opened in 1991 and is the country's leading indoor sports arena as well as being host to many other events such as music concerts.

Over the years it has hosted many events including:

1993 World Badminton Championships
1998 Eurovision Song Contest
1999 World Judo Championships
2003 IAAF World Indoor Championships
Davis Cup tennis matches
Many basketball, powerlifting, table tennis, and wrestling competitions
The British Indoor Rowing Championships since 2000
The Gladiators television programme from 1992 to 1999
Many music concerts (including those from Paul McCartney, Oasis, Coldplay, and Destiny's Child).
It is run by the NEC Group, who also run the nearby International Convention Centre and the National Exhibition Centre.

I think these discriptions alone, describe which city holds the best facilities.

Lol Earlybird, you really are a twat. As listed. THE NEC Arena and NIA arena host 51 events to Manchesters, 26 in the same time period. I think that quite conclusively shows which arenas are buiser.
No it doesn't, because the MEN arena is decidedly larger. You're also only counting each event as a single showing, whereas in reality many of the acts perform more than once.

THE NEC GROUP IS BUISER THEN ALL OTHER COMPLEXES IN EUROPE. ITS IN THE STATS LISTED BEFORE. STOP BEING SO IGNOARNT.
That is because the MEN and G-Mex aren't a single complex! Stop being so ignorant!

Why do you think they call it the NATIONAL exihibition centre. The NATIONAL indoor Arena?
Because they decided to put that in, just like they decided to put International in the name of G-Mex, the MICC and Manchester Piccadilly. :)

Please mate. G-mex, is great so is MEN Arena. but to blatantly ignore what was just stated is plain ignorance.
What was just stated didn't even include G-Mex. You compared pretty much the entire city of Birmingham to the MEN Arena! Deluded or what!

Stop being so petty. Manchester isnt the best at everything.
But in terms of events staged it most certainly is.
Birmingham is also the UK's conference city with more confgerences held in the city and NEC then any other place in the UK. suppose you want o argue that aswell.
True until last year. Manchester overtook thanks to the UK Government staging it's two biggest events here (Sustainable Cities summit and Labour Party Conference).

ITS THE UK'S meeting place for christ sake. every major road travels through Birmingham. Its int he middle of the country. YOU DONT HAVE TO BE A GENIUS TO UNDERSTAND THAT BIRMINGHAM IS HOME TO MORE EXHIBITIONS AND EVENTS THEN ANY OTHER CITY.
Birmingham is home to more exhibitions. Manchester is home to more events. It's simple to get your head around. That's why we get more tourism. Or do you think by some miracle that they appear in Manchester and just stand on a street corner? :laugh:

BTW, if we go off your little borders comment in the other thread (Birmingham vs. Munich) then the NEC wouldn't even be classed as Birmingham anyway. Do you not see how petty an argument you were holding there?

Upcoming events at G-MEX

24 Jun 2005 -
26 Jun 2005 THE PROPERTY INVESTOR & HOMEBUYER SHOW

26 Jun 2005 -
30 Jun 2005 BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REPRESENTATIVE

17 Jul 2005 -
20 Jul 2005 MANCHESTER FURNITURE SHOW


02 Sep 2005 -
04 Sep 2005 THE KNIT & CREATIVE CRAFTS SHOW


02 Sep 2005 -
04 Sep 2005 STITCH & CREATIVE CRAFT SHOW


20 Sep 2005 -
23 Sep 2005 ASSOCIATION OF ANAESTHETISTS OF GREAT BRITAIN &


26 Sep 2005 -
28 Sep 2005 BRITISH PHARMACEUTICAL CONFERENCE 2005


26 Sep 2005 -
27 Sep 2005 MONEY MARKETING & ADVISER TECH 2005


30 Sep 2005 -
01 Oct 2005 JOBSCENE


30 Sep 2005 -
02 Oct 2005 MIND BODY SPIRIT NORTHERN FESTIVAL


14 Oct 2005 -
15 Oct 2005 THE NORTH WEST MEDICAL RECRUITMENT FAIR


18 Oct 2005 -
21 Oct 2005 IRRV ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION 2005


21 Oct 2005 -
23 Oct 2005 BEAUTIFUL YOU SHOW 2005


26 Oct 2005 -
27 Oct 2005 FINANCE, CONSULTANCY & MANAGEMENT FAIR


29 Oct 2005 -
30 Oct 2005 THE UK WEDDING SHOW @ G-MEX MANCHESTER


03 Nov 2005 -
04 Nov 2005 1ST NATIONAL OUTREACH & PERI-OPERATIVE CARE SYMPOSIUM


15 Nov 2005 -
16 Nov 2005 IHM ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 2005


Yep so many events compared to the NEC - nice one earlybird. Proves you are full of cack.

Considering I only showed page 1 of 5 showing up-coming events for the NEC it really would have made the G-MEX as irrelevent as everyone in the UK think it is apart from Mancunians.

Wikipedia

The National Exhibition Centre (NEC) is the seventh largest exhibition centre in Europe, located in Solihull, near Birmingham, England. It is near junction 6 of the M42 motorway, and is adjacent to Birmingham International Airport and Birmingham International railway station. It has 20 interconnected halls, set in 628 acres (3 km²).

The NEC Arena, host to large music concerts, is part of the complex.

Together, The NEC and The NEC Arena host over 5 million visitors each year.

The NEC Group website, www.necgroup.co.uk is the UK's most visited exhibition website receiving more than 8 million visits a year.

G-Mex Centre

The G-Mex centre or Greater Manchester EXhibition centre is a exhibition and conference centre in Manchester in England.

The Manchester Evening News Arena or MEN Arena is a large indoor arena situated in Manchester, England. It is currently sponsored by the Manchester Evening News and has a capacity of 19,000.

It was opened in 1995 and initially known as the Nynex Arena as it was first sponsored by Nynex.

Today, it plays host to many international performing artists and shows.

The arena has been the home of three sports teams, the Manchester Storm and Manchester Phoenix ice hockey teams and the Manchester Giants basketball team. However, the arena is not currently the home of any sports teams.

The National Indoor Arena situated in Birmingham, England was opened in 1991 and is the country's leading indoor sports arena as well as being host to many other events such as music concerts.

Over the years it has hosted many events including:

1993 World Badminton Championships
1998 Eurovision Song Contest
1999 World Judo Championships
2003 IAAF World Indoor Championships
Davis Cup tennis matches
Many basketball, powerlifting, table tennis, and wrestling competitions
The British Indoor Rowing Championships since 2000
The Gladiators television programme from 1992 to 1999
Many music concerts (including those from Paul McCartney, Oasis, Coldplay, and Destiny's Child).
It is run by the NEC Group, who also run the nearby International Convention Centre and the National Exhibition Centre.

I think these discriptions alone, describe which city holds the best facilities.
No it doesn't BrumCulture. Why? Because Manchester's is inaccurate for starters. The MEN Arena is actually 21,500 capacity, taken from the MEN Arena's own web site! Want some events from the MEN (from this decade, never mind things like Gladiators! :laugh: )?

Commonwealth Games (the biggest sporting event in UK history)
Manchester United Homecoming (after winning the Champions League)
Mike Tyson's first and only fight in the UK
The only ever televised WWE event held in the UK
Kylie Minogue (broke UK box office records)
Pavarotti
Madonna
Paul McCartney
Oasis
Coldplay
The Rolling Stones
Destiny's Child
Masters Football
Michael Brodie vs. Scott Harrison (for the WBO belt)
All Ricky Hatton fights
Snoop Dogg
Rod Stewart
The Manchester Tattoo
X Factor
Westlife
Anastasia
River Dance
Queen
International Netball
Blink 182 (not the forumer)
Sting
Lionel Richie
Bryan Adams
Usher
Phil Collins
Cher
Britney Spears
Eric Clapton
Shania Twain
Justin Timberlake

I can't be bothered with any more!

The simple fact is, someone bothered to put info into the Birmingham ones. It's obvious nobody has done so with the Manchester venues yet.

Yep so many events compared to the NEC - nice one earlybird. Proves you are full of cack.

Considering I only showed page 1 of 5 showing up-coming events for the NEC it really would have made the G-MEX as irrelevent as everyone in the UK think it is apart from Mancunians.
Half of the events in the NEC list aren't even for this year BrumCulture! My God, get a clue. You can't compare apples to oranges!

No it doesn't, because the MEN arena is decidedly larger. You're also only counting each event as a single showing, whereas in reality many of the acts perform more than once.

MEN Arena - Nights in use 30/03/06
= 34
NEC Arena - Nights in use 30/03/06
= 36
NIA Arena - Nights in use 05/05/06
= 69

Manchester = 34
Birmingham Arenas = 105


What was just stated didn't even include G-Mex. You compared pretty much the entire city of Birmingham to the MEN Arena! Deluded or what!

You're right, but as just proved in the last post. G-MEX hosts about 80 events less then the NEC does in every half a year. and as proved the NEC Arena hosts more days of events then the MEN Arena, and thats excluding the NIA Arena.

But in terms of events staged it most certainly is.

In terms of events, it certainly isnt.

MEN and G-MEX centre until the 30/03/06 are hosting
= 43 events
NEC Arena and NEC centre until 30/03/06 are hosting
= 163

True until last year. Manchester overtook thanks to the UK Government staging it's two biggest events here (Sustainable Cities summit and Labour Party Conference).

2 events dont change things. They might be very important, but Birmingham still hoosts more then Manchester simple fact.


Birmingham is home to more exhibitions. Manchester is home to more events. It's simple to get your head around. That's why we get more tourism. Or do you think by some miracle that they appear in Manchester and just stand on a street corner? :laugh:


Umm, surely exhibitions attract more people due to thier sheer size. as stated before, THE NEC and NEC centre host more 4 times as many events and exhibitions then thier Manchester equivelents, and thats without the NIA arena.

No it doesn't BrumCulture. Why? Because Manchester's is inaccurate for starters. The MEN Arena is actually 21,500 capacity, taken from the MEN Arena's own web site! Want some events from the MEN (from this decade, never mind things like Gladiators! :laugh: )?

Commonwealth Games (the biggest sporting event in UK history)
Manchester United Homecoming (after winning the Champions League)
Mike Tyson's first and only fight in the UK
The only ever televised WWE event held in the UK
Kylie Minogue (broke UK box office records)
Pavarotti
Madonna
Paul McCartney
Oasis
Coldplay
The Rolling Stones
Destiny's Child
Masters Football
Michael Brodie vs. Scott Harrison (for the WBO belt)
All Ricky Hatton fights
Snoop Dogg
Rod Stewart
The Manchester Tattoo
X Factor
Westlife
Anastasia
River Dance
Queen
International Netball
Blink 182 (not the forumer)
Sting
Lionel Richie
Bryan Adams
Usher
Phil Collins
Cher
Britney Spears
Eric Clapton
Shania Twain
Justin Timberlake

I can't be bothered with any more!

The simple fact is, someone bothered to put info into the Birmingham ones. It's obvious nobody has done so with the Manchester venues yet.

Yep - and what you think Birmingham hasnt had those artists. Infact Birmingham has probably hosted twice as many gigs then Manchester due to the fact its been open much longer.

You say Commonwealth Games - Birmingham has hosted The World and European INdoor athletic championships aswell as the British Basketball Finals, Olympic Trails, IAAF athletics, Norwich Union, UK schools, Ice Hockey Finals etc.

Commonwealth games, A one of sporting event isnt good enough compared to rbums conitnous events

MEN Arena - Nights in use 30/03/06
= 34
NEC Arena - Nights in use 30/03/06
= 36
NIA Arena - Nights in use 05/05/06
= 69

Manchester = 34
Birmingham Arenas = 105
Again, your figures are inaccurate. Why can't you work these things out? Firstly, the MEN arena hosts multiple shows on the same night so a "nights in use" figure is misleading. Secondly, for the Brum ones a figure of say 6th-12th doesn't mean it is in use for all 6 nights! Thirdly, the MEN is still almost as large as both combined!

You're right, but as just proved in the last post. G-MEX hosts about 80 events less then the NEC does in every half a year. and as proved the NEC Arena hosts more days of events then the MEN Arena, and thats excluding the NIA Arena.
What a load of tosh BrumCulture. That's not an accurate list. During the first year the arena hosted around 140 INDIVIDUAL EVENTS (not nights). This year it is pushing on for 250 INDIVIDUAL EVENTS! That's 2 events every 3 nights, not taking into account acts which perform on more than one night! Figures for this are on the MEN Arena's own web site! The simple fact, as I told you, is that this event list is nowhere near complete as many acts book in the last couple of weeks.


In terms of events, it certainly isnt.

MEN and G-MEX centre until the 30/03/06 are hosting
= 43 events
NEC Arena and NEC centre until 30/03/06 are hosting
= 163
Inaccurate again. That's only counting pre-booked events.


2 events dont change things. They might be very important, but Birmingham still hoosts more then Manchester simple fact.
Tosh. Those two events had thousands of delegates EACH. Birmingham doesn't even have the facilities to handle a conference of that size. Only two cities outside London have conference halls big enough. Manchester and Glasgow.

Umm, surely exhibitions attract more people due to thier sheer size. as stated before, THE NEC and NEC centre host more 4 times as many events and exhibitions then thier Manchester equivelents, and thats without the NIA arena.
Umm, surely they don't. Events include events put on at the City of Manchester Stadium (if I remember rightly the Oasis concerts alone totalled over 150,000) and Old Trafford. Try looking at the back list of events rather than the up and coming events. You'll see Manchester has many, many more of them. Up and coming events can be misleading as if a facility requires people to book further in advance then it's going to have a more complete list.

Yep - and what you think Birmingham hasnt had those artists. Infact Birmingham has probably hosted twice as many gigs then Manchester due to the fact its been open much longer.
That's the funny thing. It's been open much longer but it hasn't hosted more. I know at least 8 of the items on my list never happened in Birmingham. Also, who cares if it's been open longer. That list of mine is incomplete, but every one of those events is since the turn of the century.

You say Commonwealth Games - Birmingham has hosted The World and European INdoor athletic championships aswell as the British Basketball Finals, Olympic Trails, IAAF athletics, Norwich Union, UK schools, Ice Hockey Finals etc.

Commonwealth games, A one of sporting event isnt good enough compared to rbums conitnous events
Manchester has also hosted the basketball finals, olympic trials, IAAF athletics, Norwich Union trials, ice hockey finals and the like. In fact, if you noticed, Manchester's trials were on TV only this weekend. :) We also have the World Short Course Swimming and World Triathlon coming up this year and we recently (this year) held the first ever Paralympic World Cup. We also just had the UEFA Women's European Championships too, not to mention the Champions League Final in 2003. We have more continuous events than Brum too. :)

Earlybird, prove yourself right, show me links. Like I have done. You're just making up bull now to make Manchester look good.

Now - If there are more event son why arent either the MEN or G-MEX registering them :dunno: seems like Earlybird is telling porkies :yes:

For Fucks SAKE!!! This is supposed to be about the DOME!

Bastards the lot of you, Its like arguin which is the bigger bollock of the scrote whilst the big dick gets on with life (ie, London)...

Whats the Commonwealth games got to do with the MEN?? Did they host the closing ceremony inside it of somet? I think not..

Also, leave off Gladiators!! I was a huge fan as a kid, was going to marry Jet.. met her at a PA, got kissed twice *mmm memories*

Both cities have good venues, why should one need to be better than the other??!!

Whats the Commonwealth games got to do with the MEN?? Did they host the closing ceremony inside it of somet? I think not..
No, but MEN and G-Mex hosted a number of the events.

Earlybird, prove yourself right, show me links. Like I have done. You're just making up bull now to make Manchester look good.

Now - If there are more event son why arent either the MEN or G-MEX registering them :dunno: seems like Earlybird is telling porkies :yes:
BrumCulture, you've already been on their site. You know they have an "About" page (where the attendance figures and the like come from) and you know they have an "Event Archive" which lists their backlist of events. Why should I cite sources when they're freely accessible from the menu you used to get your original event list from?

BrumCulture, you've already been on their site. You know they have an "About" page (where the attendance figures and the like come from) and you know they have an "Event Archive" which lists their backlist of events. Why should I cite sources when they're freely accessible from the menu you used to get your original event list from?

Because they are not even close to the brum figures yet you make out they are. WHY?

Because they are not even close to the brum figures yet you make out they are. WHY?
I make out they are because they are. It's easy for everyone to see just by LOOKING at the MEN Arena's web site. All the statistics and previous events are on there for everyone to see. Why lie about it?

Anyway, this thread is about the dome. It's not about Manchester. It's not about Birmingham. I'm drawing a line under this conversation and I suggest you do too.

___________________________________

I make out they are because they are. It's easy for everyone to see just by LOOKING at the MEN Arena's web site. All the statistics and previous events are on there for everyone to see. Why lie about it?

Anyway, this thread is about the dome. It's not about Manchester. It's not about Birmingham. I'm drawing a line under this conversation and I suggest you do too.

___________________________________

Im having the last word - You're wrong :cheers:

I love the dome by the way

so do i...oh and a little addage, the capacity of the MEN is indeed 18,526 fixed seats . the higher capacity is for seats used plus floor space used for standing area with end stage use. i got this data from work who in turn were provided this info from MEN.#

so then guys the dome...i cant wait to see some construction pics...did they say that the arena wil be sound enclosed ie...you wont be able to hear whats inside from the dome's 'road' around it...or will it all be very open plan style. we need to find someone invloved..everyone put out your feelers

BORING PETTY AND OFF TOPIC! STOP please

Did anyone find a construction price for this?

The core is nearly complete :cheers:





http://icthewharf.icnetwork.co.uk/thisweek/news/tm_objectid=16213172%26method=full%26siteid=71670%26headline=hotel%2dplea%2dfor%2dthe%2do2-name_page.html

PLANS for a luxury hotel as part of The 02 development will be scuppered if the Government fails to award the scheme with a regional casino, says its owner.

Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) UK CEO and president David Campbell has admitted the 300-room hotel could be in doubt as part of a £500million plan to turn the former Millennium Dome into an entertainment hub.

He said: ``The two are completely connected; economically we need the two to work together. It is quite a risky venture to put a five-plus star hotel in this area if we don't have a casino.

The Mayor of London has publicly said there should be two casinos in London and if there is only one, this should be the site. I think missing out on a hotel will be a big loss.''


South African company Kerzner International would operate the O2's casino and resort-style hotel, designed by the Richard Rogers Partnership.

The Government is expected to announce the site of the country's super-casino at the end of 2006 as part of reforms to the Gambling Act, with Blackpool touted as a front-runnerThe O2 is part of a £2bn renegeration of the Greenwich Peninsula, from which the Government predicts it will recoup £550m for the public purse over the next 25 years.

Mr Campbell would not comment on how much the venue would generate in its first year of operation but said if the casino plans fell through it would not affect the viability of the scheme.

He added: ``The development will make a much better return overall with the casino but it can still stand on its own feet.''


In May, AEG announced a £6m a year deal with mobile phone company O2 to rebrand the Millennium Dome into an entertainment venue with a 23,000-seater indoor arena at its heart.


Greenwich Council gave outline planning permission for the project last Thursday, September 29, with the concrete core of the music arena near completion.

The first phase, to open in April 2007, will include the arena, cinemas, restaurants, an ice-rink, music club and 1,800-seat Las Vegas-style theatre.

I've looked everywhere.

It's hard to find much news on this...they're keeping everything it quiet.


This will suddenly open and 99% of people in the UK would have no idea it was UC anyway.

Minnetonka informs me there is now a dome layout on the official site.

http://www.theo2.co.uk/venue_layout.html


Nothing special....but it's something.


Also they have added a list of facts....

Top 10 Facts

The O2 has an overall diameter of 365 metres, an internal diameter of 320 metres, and a circumference of a kilometre and is 50 metres high at its central point


Twelve steel masts are 100 metres high


Should The O2 ever be turned upside down:
- Niagara Falls would take about 15 minutes to fill it!
- It would take 3.8 billion pints of beer!
- Or 1100 Olympic-sized swimming pools!


The O2 equals thirteen Albert Halls


The O2 equals ten St Paul's Cathedrals


The O2 equals two old Wembley Stadiums


18,000 double-decker buses could fit into The O2


The O2 is as high as Nelson's Column


It could accommodate the Eiffel Tower lying on its side


The Entertainment District within The O2 will be the same length & breadth as Bond Street



Actually the dome wouldnt be able to accommodate the Eiffel Tower lying on its side....true it is wider that the tower is tall...but the tower is wider than the dome is tall; talking mainly about the bottom of the eiffel tower.

nice :)

· Over 12 restaurants and bars offering an extensive range of choice
· 2200 seater Live Music Club
· British music experience housing UK music memorabilia and interactive attractions
· 11 Screen Cinema complex with 700 seater premiere screening room
· Exhibition Centre to feature King Tutankhamun Exhibition 'Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs' from November 2007
· 1800 seater theatre with resident shows such as Cirque du Soleil
· Ice rink
· World class Regional casino*
· Iconic luxury hotel
· Piazza landscaped open space between The O2 and the tube station, featuring an outdoor screening area and stage
* Subject to gaming license


The arena will have a capacity of 23,000 and will have five floors

The arena will host up to 150 events in its opening year

The arena at the centre of the development takes up less than 40% of the space and will be surrounded by an exciting entertainment district

The O2 will offer high-calibre music events on a similar scale to those hosted in other Anschutz Entertainment Group-owned venues such as the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. Recent events have included the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, U2, Madonna, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, the Grammys and the Emmys

Here we go!

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/57327206.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=E3A33B54CA52535B3128C6833C65A09A

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/57327194.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=E3A33B54CA52535BB9F0E1602A616667

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/57327176.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=E3A33B54CA52535BEB52E21F0E88AE77

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/57325507.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A6267E63677851D188329DF394FE942516

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/57325502.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A6267E63677851D1884E9C89C783688B46

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/57325500.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A6267E63677851D188A55A1E4F32AD3138

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/57325494.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A6097DA57B4D717867F06BF04B24B4128C

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/57325493.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A6097DA57B4D717867C7631F868A8C7D54

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/57325235.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A6FECE8FBA9A46CC1A591E7EC1A351FC8B

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/57325219.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A6B6DD6CF59DE0AB5F810F755E003CBEB8

..

I saw part of it on bbc news 24.


Dome legacy is 'good for future'
The construction site of The O2
There venue will host events for the 2012 Games
Developers of the Millennium Dome are confidant its legacy will be a help and not a hindrance to its future.

The venue in Greenwich, south-east London, is undergoing a £600m revamp to become an entertainment complex.

Renamed The 02, it is due to open in July 2007 and will house 11 cinema screens and a 23,000-seater arena.

David Campbell, AEG Europe president, said: "The fact that people start with such low expectations means there's only one way to go.. and that's up".

Tutankhamun exhibition

Up to 150 events are planned for the first year and the complex it to host basketball and gymnastic events for the 2012 Olympic Games.

The redevelopment of the Dome is part of a £4bn regeneration of the Greenwich area which will see 10,000 new homes, new offices, shops and a hotel.

It is thought the 02 will house a Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs exhibition in 2007.

Subject to obtaining the appropriate licence, it could also feature a casino. Other facilities include a theatre, ice rink, bars, restaurants and cafes.

an artist's impression of the new inside of the Millennium Dome, now called The O2
The O2 hopes to host acts like Madonna in its first year

On Wednesday, journalists were shown how the roof of the arena has now been hoisted onto eight huge concrete blocks to stand just four metres below the Dome's own 170ft-high roof.

They also saw work continuing on a giant "street" which will include shops, bars and restaurants and will be open to the public free of charge.

Former Dome minister Lord Falconer has said that the regeneration deal should give the government back about £550m over the next 20 years.

Troubled times

The £758m Dome had a troubled year after opening to the public in 2000.

There was much criticism of its contents and continued calls on National Lottery money to bail out the project when the estimated 12 million visitors' figure only reached just over six million.

Government regeneration agency English Partnerships has responsibility for the Dome, which is currently costing the agency around £35,000 a month to maintain.

English Partnerships will hand over full responsibility for the Dome to AEG when work inside is completed in 2007.

The government announced in October last year that maintaining the Dome between July 2001 and September 2005 had cost taxpayers more than £30m.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/nol/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/06/uk_enl_1144859095/img/1.jpg
:cheers:

Finally some pictures! I'd forgotten how big the Dome was.

Great news! The Dome always had the potential to be magnificent, it was just handled extremely poorly, as so often seems to happen in Britain!

:cheers:

Amazing aswell...like 2 years from proposal to Construction.


Its like, Dundas square...but inside a huge tent.

looking good, when is it scheduled to be completed

Why didn't they just build an arena in the first place???

The Millennium Dome - one billion pounds flushed down the toilet - Welcome to New Labour....where your massive taxes result in nothing!

so is this place gonna like a shopping center in it? or just shops that open when events are being held here? because the arena doesnt take up that much space & there is going to be alot of left over space.

^^ i would think the shops and restaurants will be open like any other, the dome would make more revenue like that.

The main theme of the devolpment seems to be more entertainment/music than shopping. I'd guess the main arena will do almost all its business from concerts plus if I remember correctly their were a couple of other music venues, a cinema and some kind of rock hall of fame.

and a theatre (circque du soleil stylee)

the dome at night

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y68/El_Greco/dome_night_view.jpg

http://www.theo2.co.uk/

Jt is the first act to open it up next year.

More pictures inside.

It's what London is crying out for!

It looks like it is going to be amazing

Any idea on how they are going to build the roof inside the dome?

They could build the roof on the floor and then lift it up with hydraulics.

It seems like a really small time to build, or did they already started?

They raised the roof up from the floor, and this took place several months ago.

Any idea on how they are going to build the roof inside the dome?

They could build the roof on the floor and then lift it up with hydraulics.

It seems like a really small time to build, or did they already started?

That's what they did. I'm not overly happy about Trousersnake opening it, but it's going to be an amazing place.

Any pics of the construction?

This was in April:



http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/57327206.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=E3A33B54CA52535B3128C6833C65A09A

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/57327194.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=E3A33B54CA52535BB9F0E1602A616667

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/57327176.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=E3A33B54CA52535BEB52E21F0E88AE77

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/57325507.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A6267E63677851D188329DF394FE942516

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/57325502.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A6267E63677851D1884E9C89C783688B46

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/57325500.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A6267E63677851D188A55A1E4F32AD3138

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/57325494.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A6097DA57B4D717867F06BF04B24B4128C

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/57325493.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A6097DA57B4D717867C7631F868A8C7D54

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/57325235.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A6FECE8FBA9A46CC1A591E7EC1A351FC8B

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/57325219.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A6B6DD6CF59DE0AB5F810F755E003CBEB8

Well it took awhile, but this building is finally getting the service of use, that such a large iconic building deserves. It looks very cool, and will be a hub of activity when it's open.

I should be going on a guided tour in the next couple of weeks so hopefully i can get some updated pics for everyone.

^ Nice one SE10 :)

I wanted to go on the tour this Sunday, but now I have other plans.

I thought they seemed a bit off when it came to taking pictures inside.

This is going to be one awsome arena and this is a superb way to "salvage" the millenium dome. Can't wait to have it finished!

This was part of the old Mellenium Dome right? or whatever it was called...

Does anyone know the construction price for this?

going to be fantastic in 2012 for the olympic games

It's expensive but who cares really! Better upgrade the millenium that have taxpayers money being poured over it to keep it going. Thanks to these upgrade the millenium dome will have a proper use and might even generate money.

I already have a thread on this, more detailed, and has many more replies.

I don't have the time to find the link now though....can't be that many pages back.

I drove past the dome on Saturday and wondered how things were progressing in there.

Anyone heard anything in the last 9 months?

Justin Timberlake concert on 4th July.

Well, that does imply things have moved on apace.

However, the Dome will encompass not only a 23,000 indoor arena but also (if memory serves) two smaller music venues. How can we be sure that JT will be performing in the 'proper' arena, not the smaller ones?

Internal construction pictures are long overdue....

The tickets are being sold for the main arena. The Scissor Sisters are also confirmed to play the arena. There is a smaller, 2200 seater venue - the Live Music Club.

Unofficial site visit.

http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=7845

Thanks, Sparks. As always, you're on the money!

I have to say that's possibly the coolest thing I've seen in ages. Infiltrating the Dome and getting all those pictures. I take my hat off to Stumpy, Tank and Palace Fan.

One thing:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b266/cjwinternet/Millenium%20Dome%20170107/IMG_4812.jpg

This doesn't look that different in dimensions from the MEN, yet it purports to hold about 5,000 more. How can this be?

Sorry lads, you'll have to go back and take more pictures!

the other end of the arena has a much deeper upper tier than that at the front sides (the ends you can see in the picture) this is different to the MEN whos upper tier is the same depth continuously

Ok, I'm not too upset about the arena bowl now...it's not a total horseshoe shape thing.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d157/Leemaunders/IMG_0175.jpg

I still can't see how it's going to be 25% bigger than the MEN. Is it just me or do the actual pictures look a whole lot smaller than the renders on the O2 Arena website?

Shocking how many people on the site where those images came from had no idea that this was happening inside.

I'm guessing around 95% of the population of the UK don't have any idea this is going on inside the dome.

It needs more publicity!!!!

I take it you haven't seen the adverts for Justin Timberlake playing at the 02 all over the city?!

I don't live in the citeh.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d157/Leemaunders/IMG_0175.jpg


Judging from this pic it doesnt look as big as the Kölnarena.
It actually looks like it has the same size and a similar layout as the upcoming O2-World in Berlin.
Either they are going to cram more people in, or the 25k include the capacity at concerts.

I bet that soon an NBA game will be hosted in London :)

The lower tier hasn't reached ground level yet so it's still got it little bit to go before we can judge its actual size.

The lower tier hasn't reached ground level yet so it's still got it little bit to go before we can judge its actual size.

To me it looks like the lower tier has already reached its maximum at the side stands.
They will probably put extra retractable tiers on later.
But one stand will remain low. I think it has almost the same layout as the O2world in Berlin which is also being realized by Anschutz.
Theyll probably have the same capacity in the end unless theyll cram more people into the O2-dome.

This render from the O2-world looks very much like the O2-dome now.

http://www.o2-world.de/images/pressebilder/gross/o2_World_hock_south.jpg

You can see that one side will also be kept low in the O2-world.

http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d157/Leemaunders/IMG_0175.jpg

Either they are going to cram more people in, or the 25k include the capacity at concerts.

No the 25k figure is for the amount of seats excluding the concert floor. It says so on the actual o2 website. I think you guys should wait a little bit till you see pictures of it nearing completion. When I was looking at construction pictures of Arsenal's Emirates it looked really small without seats and just concrete. Now it's massive!

No the 25k figure is for the amount of seats excluding the concert floor. It says so on the actual o2 website. I think you guys should wait a little bit till you see pictures of it nearing completion. When I was looking at construction pictures of Arsenal's Emirates it looked really small without seats and just concrete. Now it's massive!

Dunno, if you look at the rendering of the O2-dome it looks like it was planned out like a big bowl.
But right now one side is being kept low like in the O2-world

http://www.gle.co.uk/onelondon/NewGVine/GVineimages/27April/O2Dome.jpg

Also you have to remember that the 02 Arena is primarily designed for use of music concerts and not things like Basketball, Ice Hockey, Handball and the likes. So it's hard to compare it to the major European sports arenas.

It was like this in the beginning...

http://www.sportsvenue-technology.com/projects/millenium_dome/images/millenniumdome05.jpg
Just a rough idea I suspect...



I don't think i've seen another image is a complete upper tier, you can't really see in the picture above.

maybe they can add temp seats at that one end...there will be room i think..but for the gigs coming up there so far all the seating plans that we see at work are lower teir full circle upper tier 3 sides with one end missing and the other end alot deeper than the sides (ie more rows)
i dont care..it looks awesome anyway. cant wait to go

I found these pictures taken 8 weeks ago...

http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/72810170.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=8AF8AF6A335E5B08E250369FA24C876E
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/72808326.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=8AF8AF6A335E5B085020403A299C8B66
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/72808013.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A62BB6D4792B77AEE6C7631F868A8C7D54
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/72813656.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A65B1AE248F8F494514EF3EA9A178B7582
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/72809529.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A6BE1638454B9C8A6F810F755E003CBEB8
http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/72813662.jpg?v=1&c=MS_GINS&k=2&d=17A4AD9FDB9CF19390335F8FA9CA92A6E2ED16B6432364EF4E9C89C783688B46

LONDON - DECEMBER 12: Construction continues inside of the O2 Arena at The O2 on December 12, 2006 in London, England. The construction, on the site formerly known as the Millennium Dome will cost over GBP600 million and will transform the venue into an entertainment complex. A cinema complex, a 23,000-seater arena and potentially Britain's first super-casino will be contained inside when it opens in July 2007. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

Caption:
LONDON, United Kingdom: Construction work at 'The O2' (formerly Millennium Dome) building is pictured in Greenwich, south-east London, 12 December 2006. The project's promise is to be the largest entertainment destination of its kind in Europe. Playing host to over 150 music, entertainment and sporting events in its first year, it will be the first new Olympic venue to be completed for the 2012 games. AFP PHOTO/BERTRAND LANGLOIS (Photo credit should read BERTRAND LANGLOIS/AFP/Getty Images)

I don't think i've seen another image is a complete upper tier, you can't really see in the picture above.

Well thats true.
But I remember seeing a rendering which showed the arena from above with tiers going all around I think.

Dunno, if you look at the rendering of the O2-dome it looks like it was planned out like a big bowl.
But right now one side is being kept low like in the O2-world

http://www.gle.co.uk/onelondon/NewGVine/GVineimages/27April/O2Dome.jpg


Good spot! It does look suspiciously like the render for the O2 World in Berlin. Given the common ownership and sponsorship and I'd say it's more likely to be a copy and paste of that design. Why duplicate all the architectural and structural work?

If this is true, the downside is this:

O2 World is listed on WorldStadiums.com as '17,000' capacity. I know they're not always the most reliable source for this data (look up the old Springfield Park in Wigan, under past stadiums - 35,000! and then look at the picture of the old place*) but at least the 17,000 fits with what my eyes are telling me - a slightly smaller version of the MEN.

Here is the render on WS.com:

http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_menu/past_future/pictures/future_stadiums/berlin_o2_arena2.jpg

I predict a re-scaled capacity figure.

* NOTE:
I think WS.com gave Springfield Park (Wigan Athletic FC) the capacity of 35k instead of its true 10-12k (IMO) because they confused it with the old Central Park (Wigain Warriors RL) capacity. I was there for the first World Club Challenge v Manly in 1987 (Att: ~38,000), so that official figure wouldn't be that far wrong for that ground. Central Park is not listed on WS.com

Why duplicate all the architectural and structural work?

To save money maybe.
All Im saying is, that the current dome looks similar to the renderings of the O2-World.



O2 World is listed on WorldStadiums.com as '17,000' capacity.

Yes the O2-world will have a cpacity of 17k for an ice-Hockey layout.
The question is what the O2-Dome will have in the end for a Ice-Hockey configuration.
Because right now to me it doesnt look like its going to hold 25k.
But I guess we have to wait and see until its finished.

To save money maybe.
All Im saying is, that the current dome looks similar to the renderings of the O2-World.

Yes the O2-world will have a cpacity of 17k for an ice-Hockey layout.
The question is what the O2-Dome will have in the end for a Ice-Hockey configuration.
Because right now to me it doesnt look like its going to hold 25k.
But I guess we have to wait and see until its finished.

What I'm saying is that I agree with you. The 'why duplicate...?' question was rhetorical. Of course it's been copied to save money, which more strongly indicates that the much-trumpeted capacity of 23k+ will actually become reduced to 17k. Like you, I think that number appears to agree with what my gut-feel is saying, from looking at the pictures.

Of course, all we can do is wait for it to be confirmed but I for one will not be surprised as and when [;)] it happens

Just realised, there's a bit of a Star Wars theme going on here...

You have absolutely no evidence that it's going to be 17,000 yet jumping the gun by udging construction pictures. If the developers announce a 23,000 capacity arena. That's what I'll be expecting.

Just realised, there's a bit of a Star Wars theme going on here...


Yeah, Chewie and Lord Vader are having a conversation about the millenium dome. :banana:

The government report on the super casino proposal there, listed the arena capacity as 23,000.

14 July: Khan v Limond (World Championship Boxing)
29, 30 Sept: LA Kings v Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
10 Oct: Boston Celtics v Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA)

latest pictures (w/ thanks to sparks and delores of the uk section) - opens on the 24th june with a bon jovi concert:

http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/06_01/domeES_468x263.jpg

http://www.bbc.co.uk/london/content/images/2007/05/22/picture13_450x320.jpg

a photo by our very own SE9 showing the transformation of this area of east london in the last decade, a transformation that continues at pace, with residential and office towers planned or under construction all around the current cluster.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/142/327208783_dc9c41d5b0_o.jpg

finally..it's time to use it...enough time seating on it's ass.....

by the way...i'll post soon -maybe tomorrow?some pictures of the area to show the regeneration going in the area..:)

looks fun...

It doesn't look like 23k to be honest.

The O2 arena will hold audiences of up to 23,000 in comfortable, flexible
http://www.theo2.co.uk/web/guest/whatson/arena

i think capacity for basketball is +/- 20.000

opened last night:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1081/622490043_c256841b20_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1291/622490081_f23c48aa0a_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1004/622490147_f7a9ed3925_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1374/622490135_f640b7b049_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1125/621025364_367daeaa9c_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1229/621026052_4b2ac809be_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1272/620307917_ee6ff2f531_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1081/622490043_c256841b20_o.jpg

I wouldn't call the blonde facing the camera a bag - I hope somebody pointed out she was in the wrong queue...

The interior of this is pretty crap really, they've compromised it to fit in the corporate boxes. I think the MEN arena is safe in it's position as the UK's premier arena. :)

The interior of this is pretty crap really, they've compromised it to fit in the corporate boxes. I think the MEN arena is safe in it's position as the UK's premier arena. :)

I wouldn't be so sure

Yeah the bowl definitely looks like a generic NHL bowl, not bad, but nothing to write home about either.

I honestly thought this was opening late next year

problem is with arenas theres not exactly a lot of flexibility you can have with the overall layout, i mean to create an efficient use of the space and inculde the required revenue takers in the form of the executive boxes. I think however they have done a fantastic job, ok not as much led ribboning as i'd like (not by americas standards) but it still looks amazing. would have liked it to be slightly bigger but im guessing they pushed it up as high as it would go towards the dome roof.

but It doesn't only host the O2 Arena, the dome also has a smaller arena called Indig02 (or something), a cinema with the 11 screens including the biggest screen in London an exhibition space etc...

I think they could have played around with the design a little more. Could have done a suite layout closer to the Palace at Auburn Hills, this would allow them to cantilever or extend the second level for a closer bowl or a higher capacity at the same distances. Or gone for a more creative variety of premium seating like the AT&T center where the premium seating blends into the bowl (suites, club seats, lodge boxes, terrace tables ect.) or something. There is nothing wrong with it, I was just expecting something a little more interesting with it supposedly being THE European arena.

i guess it doesnt help when the main purpose of this arena is for concerts so the designers put in the one side with less seating etc and facilities to accomodate this sort of function more so than if it was an nhl arena with a more flowing symmetrical design. it will be interesting to see what the o2 arena in berlin turns out to look like, being a specifically built arena from scratch.

From opening night:

http://www.imagehosting.com/out.php/i823858_42420276domefireworkspa416.jpg

Bon Jovi played there:

http://www.imagehosting.com/out.php/i823885_42420280domeoutsidegetty416.jpg

arena bowl looks very 1980ish to me for some reason.

i wouldn't say that. it looks alot like the Wachovia center or the TD Banknorth Garden, exept in blue, definitely not a groundbreaking design though

Looks like a less polished Staples Center inside

I was in it yesterday and got a tour from one of the heads.

Guys the arena is magnificent inside.

For 20,000 it's amazing how intimate it is. The guy told me that the very back row of the arena is still closer to the stage than the back row of Wembley Arena!

:cheers: :banana: :cheers: :banana: :cheers: :banana: Greenwich does it again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The designers were restricted to building within a structure already in place. It's an arena to rival the best in North America.

The designers were restricted to building within a structure already in place. It's an arena to rival the best in North America.

And lets not forget it doesn't only consist of that one arena.

Here are some snaps from my tour yesterday of the actual Arena.



http://aycu28.webshots.com/image/17387/2004126561482241524_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2004126561482241524)

http://aycu29.webshots.com/image/21228/2004138366930758829_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2004138366930758829)

http://aycu06.webshots.com/image/19205/2004134529123294626_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2004134529123294626)

http://aycu21.webshots.com/image/20220/2004145920757439226_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2004145920757439226)

http://aycu01.webshots.com/image/20640/2004144476880204709_rs.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2004144476880204709)

i am impressed
better than expected

looks fantastic! ...

I guess we Americans just sort of expect something unique about a new arena these days. They could have probably done an imbalanced bowl like the Sommet Center in Nashville, which has fantastic concert sightlines and acoustics for an arena, and very modern feel throughout. The disappointment is similar to the BOK Arena (set to open next year) in Tulsa, which is a Cesar Pelli design. It has an attractive flowing glass Facade, but a very plain two tier bowl. I guess my expectations of Pelli design were a little different for the bowl, although I believe this is his first arena.

The designers were restricted to building within a structure already in place. It's an arena to rival the best in North America.


it looks aight, and to have all of the amenities, but what up with the semi horseshoe?

and have to agree about us expecting different things. This place looks very plain inside compared to say:

http://img284.imageshack.us/img284/2818/234618979wppcaofs24dx.jpg
http://www.crazycampbells.com/images/MergedArena.jpg

Definitely the most attractive bowl in the US, and I would say world, the lower level is too shallow and the upper tier isn't exactly close in, but there is so much visual intrigue, such a cool looking bowl.

The O2 is going to see more concerts than sporting events, hence the incomplete third tier. The Iowa Events Center as well as the The Sommet center in Nashville have an incomplete, or smaller upper level in one end and a lower roof in that end. This is to help project and clarify sound (like a concert hall) and provide better sightlines for concerts, if less than ideal for sporting events. They have more intrigue than this, but are really concert oriented.

perhaps in this country we prefer things a little less flashy,glitzy..i don't know,more subtle?....i mean..that,that Aemrican arean..do you really need all those mass banks of big screens and neon signs?

signage = money

And out of town scores/other sports scores and stat lines some of the time. I think the LED ribbons are useful for that purpose, as well as working as ad space.

Is there a guided tour available at the Arena?

perhaps in this country we prefer things a little less flashy,glitzy..i don't know,more subtle?
Like most people have stated above, the O2 was built to serve a variety of functions, with [please correct me if I am wrong] no permanent tenant. Arenas like the Hangar in the USA have major pro sport tenants and are built to accomodate them the best. The truth still remains though that multipupose venues manage to accomodate many things equally poorly.

:hug:

An arena can host ice hockey and large concerts equally well, however they don't host basketball and hockey equally (you end up with either good sight lines for hockey and mediocre sightlines for basketball, or agood sightlines for basketball and awful sightlines for hockey), just look at the the Hangar, Sommet center, the Xcel Center or Wells Fargo arena for a smaller town cheaper design. They all are excellent hockey arenas (especially Xcel), good large concert arenas (especially Sommet) and acceptable basketball arenas, even if the lower ends kinda suck. Phoenix's US Airways center or the Conseco Fieldhouse are excellent basketball arenas, okay concert venues, and awful hockey arenas. A multipurpose arena is no where near bad as a multipurpose stadium.

I think the large newer multipurpose arenas do a great job of basketball and hockey compared to older oval venues. The temp seats behind the baskets have been replaced with telescoping seats which do a much much better job. Not as good as Conseco or the FedEx Forum, but damn good and perfect for hockey.

http://img284.imageshack.us/img284/3953/154167007zmkjfjfs29cu.jpg

and don't get me started on hockey. The AAC was originally going to be the Stars' arena. They are the ones who were going to move. The seats hug that rink.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/126/411553992_b16105192c_b.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/54/411553944_eb8699e679_b.jpg

signage = money


oh sorry, i thought we were discussing the aesphetic merits of the said arena's

Yep. It looks pretty damn sweet...

I always thought it was kinda funny how the bowl at the AAC is octagonal in the first level and then rounds out as rises into the upper levels, just a few sightline issues in the lower ends for basketball, but other than that I don't see how anyone could complain.

The O2 Dome looks like a typical arena in North America inside, however why did they not enclose the one end? That's usually a feature of arenas seating 15,000 or less. Now the O2 Dome has seats too far away from the ice in the upper level, plus they have the first row of suites set above the lower bowl needlessly, if they are going to do that they should have built the concourse open at the top of the lower bowl instead of closed. Is this arena mostly for concerts? If so I can see the point of a horseshoe shape, but it's bad for sports.

The AAC is ok, has a great roof. But I think the best arena in NA is xcel energy center...
http://www.emkayusa.com/misc/xcel04.jpg

The Ice?

The 02 might very well host just one hockey game a year.

All around I like the X better than the AAC, especially for hockey. Its got better sight lines and acoustics, although the bowl is no where near as interesting. The X had a much lower suite requirement which made it much easier to get the phenomenal sightlines for hockey, and really fits the rink like a glove. Also the color scheme and north woods theming throughout the building is pretty sweet, and in a great location. best hockey arena in the country, although it doesn't do basketball well at all (no risers, not that it matters since the Target Center is in downtown Minneapolis and is an excellent basketball arena).
How I see the pro arena landscape:
1. Hockey, Xcel Center (St Paul, MN, my favorite pro arena)
1. Basketball, Conseco Fieldhouse (Indianapolis, IN)
1. Concert, Sommet Center (Nashville, TN)
1. Multipurpose (add up all three), American Airlines Center (Dallas, TX)
Most overrated, Staples Center (L.A.)
Most underrated, Key Arena (Seattle, WA)

The Ice?

The 02 might very well host just one hockey game a year.

Sorry, that was just instinct. when I think of "floor" my brain automatically thinks "ice"

Found these clips of opening night:

Ad9x0xgohZo

those tiers look so steep

R4FGKYgp3Fw&NR=1

Has anyone been to both the O2 and the MEN in Manchester? I'm still sceptical that they can get 20k into an arena that is effectively a horseshoe rather than a true bowl. It would have to be significantly higher than the MEN to have a larger capacity using this configuration.

Found these clips of opening night:

Ad9x0xgohZo

those tiers look so steep

R4FGKYgp3Fw&NR=1

Those tiers aren't steep, these tiers are steep...
http://www.emkayusa.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=1451&g2_serialNumber=1

Buffalo Memorial Auditorium (closed since 1996) I don't think they can legally be built this steep anymore. the lower bowl is at a 45 degree angle, I don't know what the upper bowl is, but it is by far the steepest pitch of any arena I have ever seen. Notice where the feet of the people are, the seats in the row in front rise maybe a couple inches above where your feet go. I have kicked, and been kicked in the head here (on accident....usually)

O2 Arena To Host Tennis Masters Cup For 4yrs From 2009 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/6264650.stm)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1195/671798140_8cc47eee18_b.jpg

A great coup for the 02 :D

Amir Khan boxer will be boxing at 02 on July 14... first boxing ever at 02 :D

http://www.amirsfans.co.uk/boxing_show2.jpg

see homepage http://www.amirsfans.co.uk

great pic :)

O2 Arena To Host Tennis Masters Cup For 4yrs From 2009 (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tennis/6264650.stm)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1195/671798140_8cc47eee18_b.jpg

Great picture, looks like lots of construction in London.

Alot indeed:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1275/709926398_865b03d3e1_b.jpg

^^ Great pics guys

to be fair SE9 found both of them, i just copy and pasted the one i posted from his post in another thread. :)

pasted, posted, post. i have a way with words.

for those in the uk: 9.10pm tonight, itv1 - khan v limond at the O2.

anyone got tickets?

29th, 30th Sept: The NHL will open the 2007/2008 season with two games with West-Coast teams, the LA Kings and Anaheim Ducks, in The O2 arena, here in London (Sold Out)

10th October: The 2007 NBA Europe Live presented by EA SPORTS™ will mark a series of firsts in the NBA’s 19-year history of conducting games in Europe. The Boston Celtics and the Minnesota Timberwolves will play in the first basketball game at The O2, London’s new state of the art NBA style arena.

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/13/752622047c94f311514bpa1.jpg

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/6244/02domezy1.jpg

(edit: first pic thanks to source from flickr).

I still have problems believing it to be 20-23k. Interestingly, world stadiums put its capacity at 16,500 which would make it comparable to O2 World Arena in Berlin. Besides the name, both share the same lay out.

In the image above (indoor arena) 20k seem reasonable.

I'd guess the confusion may stem from how the arena is used since concerts or fightsport allow for floor seating to be added, the horseshoe shape means a stage doesnt limated the capacity as much as it would elsewhere either. Those kinds of events are actually the venues primary function so it would make sense to list the capacity for them.

I still have problems believing it to be 20-23k. Interestingly, world stadiums put its capacity at 16,500 which would make it comparable to O2 World Arena in Berlin. Besides the name, both share the same lay out.

If you look at the interior of both the O2 Arena in London and the O2 world in Berlin it is pretty obvious that the London one is bigger. :| Im not sure if you realise how big the Millenium dome(now the O2 dome) in it self is..

20,000 is capacity for Ice Hockey I think. 23,000 will be for concerts - without the seating at one end, but with standing in the floorspace.

If you look at the interior of both the O2 Arena in London and the O2 world in Berlin it is pretty obvious that the London one is bigger. :| Im not sure if you realise how big the Millenium dome(now the O2 dome) in it self is..

Its not at all obvious.
In fact they look completetely the same from what I can tell (interior wise)

I still have problems believing it to be 20-23k. Interestingly, world stadiums put its capacity at 16,500 which would make it comparable to O2 World Arena in Berlin. Besides the name, both share the same lay out.

Its not a 20k seat arena imo. 16-17k sounds reasonable though.

o2 Dome, London
http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/6244/02domezy1.jpg

o2 World, Berlin
http://www.berliner-rundfunk.de/brfmedia/c/1/697d4af1150c27bc9f25ecf97f3f29.jpg

Maybe the Dome has got more rows in the 2nd tier than the world

Its not a 20k seat arena imo.

I'm sure the people who run the thing would know how many seats it has...

wikipedia describes the O2's capacity as "up to 20,000 (seated)."

wikipedia describes the O2's capacity as "up to 20,000 (seated)."

Yes, but in which layout?
The O2-world will seat around 17k in an IceHockey layout.
I think around the same applies to the O2-dome.

o2 Dome, London
http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/6244/02domezy1.jpg

o2 World, Berlin
http://www.berliner-rundfunk.de/brfmedia/c/1/697d4af1150c27bc9f25ecf97f3f29.jpg

Maybe the Dome has got more rows in the 2nd tier than the world

I think we should use a real picture of the arena for comparison instead of an old render.
I think this render is still one of those 23k cap. ones.

The O2 arena
Up to 20,000 capacity... no limit on pleasure. More

http://www.theo2.co.uk/web/guest/whatson
wtf
Am i wrong or wasn't it "up to 23,000" some months ago??


up to means mostly 20.000 for concerts
so 17.000-18.000 can be for basketball

EDIT: o2 world page says "up to 17.000"
http://www.o2-world.de/cms/fact_sheet/Kapazit_ten.htm


So, concert capacity (mostly concerts)
London: 20.000
Berlin: 17.000

Icehockey (- 1500 or 2000 seats)

pretty much every google search result for "O2 dome capacity" has it at 23,000. this is all i know.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=O2+dome+capacity&meta=cr%3DcountryUK%7CcountryGB

pretty much every google search result for "O2 dome capacity" has it at 23,000. this is all i know.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=O2+dome+capacity&meta=cr%3DcountryUK%7CcountryGB

maybe it was planned as "up to 23,000"
I am a lil bit confused, because even the off. page of the o2 London says now "up to 20.000"

pretty much every google search result for "O2 dome capacity" has it at 23,000. this is all i know.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&safe=off&q=O2+dome+capacity&meta=cr%3DcountryUK%7CcountryGB

Probably because the arena was first said to have a 23k cap.
On the official site it also says that it has a up to 20k cap.

http://www.theo2.co.uk/web/guest/whatson

It seems that there is no easily accesible, reliable info on the capacity of the dome arena in basketball, hockey and concert modes.:bash:

Well see what it holds after the NHL/NBA has been there

AEG says also 20.000 for the o2
http://www.aegworldwide.com/01_venues/theo2.html
But not "up to"

Berlin (16.000) ?
http://www.aegworldwide.com/04_future/berlin.html

thanks boys. looks like it's actually 20,000, doesn't it. not sure which mode that applies to though. we'll have to check how many attend the sold out ice hockey games this weekend for a better idea.

AEG says also 20.000 for the o2
http://www.aegworldwide.com/01_venues/theo2.html
But not "up to"

Berlin (16.000) ?
http://www.aegworldwide.com/04_future/berlin.html

No, up to 17k
You can look it up on the official site:

http://www.theo2.co.uk/web/guest/whatson

Personally Id say that the o2dome figure of 20k goes for concerts.
It looks as big as the o2world and both look smaller than the Kölnarena as they are not full bowls.

I'd imagine it's 23,000 for a concert with the stage in the centre, the first tier running 360 around the edge, and standing - similar to the Prince concerts last month.

No, up to 17k
You can look it up on the official site:

http://www.theo2.co.uk/web/guest/whatson

Personally Id say that the o2dome figure of 20k goes for concerts.
It looks as big as the o2world and both look smaller than the Kölnarena as they are not full bowls.

IMO London has got a capacity of ~18.000 (20.000 concerts)
Berlin ~16.000 (17.000 concerts)

thats waht i understand from the off. pages :D

shame they do not made full bowls

so, Belgrade Arena (20.000) is still the biggest arena in europe?

here we go again...

"at least 17,500" for the ice hockey - USATODAY (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2007-09-26-london_N.htm).

We need moRush here :D
He should know the capacity for the Basketball for the London 2012 Olympics

here we go again...

"at least 17,500" for the ice hockey - USATODAY (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2007-09-26-london_N.htm).
So, 17.500 is the capacity for Icehockey. Basketball can be 18.500-19.000?

And here we go again :D
During the Games
During the Games, the Dome will host Gymnastics and the finals of the Basketball competition. The arena will seat 20,000 spectators for the Basketball final and 16,500 for the Gymnastics.

So, O2 Dome London:
Basketball: 20,000
Icehockey: 17,500
Gymnastics: 16,500

Concerts: 23,000 (?)

here we go again...

"at least 17,500" for the ice hockey - USATODAY (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/2007-09-26-london_N.htm).

that article goes on to confirm a couple more times: capacity for ice hockey at the O2 is 17,500, so for ice hockey mode anyway i think we have an answer.

What about boxing?

So, 17.500 is the capacity for Icehockey. Basketball can be 18.500-19.000?

Right, the Kölnarena has a up to 20k capacity but in IceHockey mode itll be 18,5k
For Handball youd have a 19k capacity.
I think the Handball field is comparable in size to a Basketball pitch.
So up to 18k would be possible for the O2dome for Basketball I guess.

wonderful. At last it became a nice arena.

Sercan, what is the capacity of o2 Berlin?

And here we go again :D

So, O2 Dome London:
Basketball: 20,000
Icehockey: 17,500


Concerts: 23,000 (?)

Dont think that youd get an additional 2,500 seats for Basketball.
18k to max. 18,5k would be realistic

What a mess. They should help us :D
But accoring to London2012 page, capacity for Basketball will be 20,000. But on the otherside, mayb its also wrong

one thing i didn't realise was that the O2 holds its own against the indoor arenas used in north america for NHL/basketball/etc, where capacities range from 16,000 to 20,000 - source (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Hockey_League).

the O2: 17,500
honda center (anaheim ducks): 17,174
staples center (los angeles kings): 18,118

Ive just had a look at the wiki entry on the Staples Center in LA which is also owned by AEG

This is what it says there:

Staples Center seats up to 20,000 for concerts, 18,997 for basketball, and 18,118 for hockey and arena football.

So the difference between Icehockey and Basketball is only around 800 seats there

credit to stumayhew (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stumayhew/671798196/), flick.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1068/671798196_82f4815147_b.jpg

Why all the confusion over capacity?

Its quite simple, it has a Maximum of 23,000 and varies depending on the type of event its hosting.

Thats the problem :D
In the past they said 23,000 etc
but now you can find 23,000 in the off. pages

17,551 attended today:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1424/1459354935_c8c593270b_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1045/1460214528_ba51df9e30_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1019/1459410143_58d141c68c_b.jpg

It doesnt look that many in the photographs, looks half empty, any idea why it wasnt a sell out?

it was a sellout, those pictures were taken during the warmup as the place was filling-up.

tomorrow is a sellout as well. The arena looked good and the Kings won 4-1 :) the Kings announcers really liked the arena and everyone was pleasantly surprised that the games sold out so quickly. no marketing was needed, as both games sold out very very quickly. it was interesting to see so many different jerseys in the crowd, from NHL teams, to national teams to European hockey team jerseys.

i was too late to buy tickets :(, wanted to go just for the sake of it :)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1044/1460253588_610d3c681f_o.jpg