The O2 London highlights

The O2 Arena

The O2 Arena is the first American-style multi-purpose stadium in London that can hold 15,000 people. It is also the second-largest stadium in the UK and the busiest music arena in the world.

indigo at The O2

With a capacity of 2,700 people, indigo at The O2 is a venue for live music and smaller club events. There are four bars, a VIP area, and a stage at this club venue. You can get the best seats to the events at Kings Row, which gives a better view than the VIP area as well.

Up at The O2

Up at The O2, opened in 2012, is an expedition across the O2’s roof that can be completed with a 90-minute walk. Enjoy the stunning 360-degree views of London city from the summit and catch sight of the Olympic Park, Greenwich, Canary Wharf, and the Thames Barrier.

Outlet Shopping

Enjoy a shopping experience at Outlet Shopping where you will find over 60 brands to explore, including Adidas, Calvin Klein, Next, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, and more. Plus, most of these brands offer a 70% discount, and you get free parking for 4 hours on spending £35 on shopping.

Shopping at The O2

Bars and restaurants

At The O2, you will find a wide range of bars and restaurants. You can enjoy drinks at the bar, eat a fancy meal from a cuisine of your choice, like American, Italian, Asian, and Latin, or hang out with your friends for pizzas or burgers after enjoying the activities at The O2.

Restaurants at The O2

Cineworld

London’s biggest cinema, Cineworld, offers different movie-watching offerings. Choose 4DX to experience extreme cinema, ViP for luxury recliners and an exclusive bar area, 270-degree surround views at Screen X, or watch the movie on the Superscreen, the largest auditorium in the UK.

Selfie Factory

If you wish to improve your Instagram game, then pay a visit to the Selfie Factory, which is an interactive pop-up experience. You can access photo-friendly rooms and walls here, such as The 2D Room, The Safe Room, The Flower Cove, Donut Wall, and so on, all in 60 minutes.

TOCA Social

TOCA Social is the world’s first social entertainment location with 17 interactive football-related private spaces. Enjoy food and cocktails with interactive football. There's also a Willy Wonka-inspired Dessert Room, 2 Photo-booths, and a trophy wall, with an interactive leaderboard.

Hollywood Bowl

Boasting 12 state-of-the-art bowling lanes that include three VIP lanes, Hollywood Bowl is the perfect attraction for families and friends. There is a Hollywood Diner serving American classics, a spacious bar, several arcade games, and a wide range of entertainment options.

Oxygen Activeplay

Oxygen Activeplay is a trampoline park at The O2 where you have different zones suited for visitors of various ages. There are two floors of trampoline courses, including a dodgeball court, mega airbag and foam pits, reaction walls, a soft play area for kids, and much more to enjoy.

O2 shop

O2 shop is the hub for new technology, where visitors can learn about the gadgets and the best deals on them. You can also get tips on how to use your smartphone smartly, including information on the best apps to download, how to take portraits, and so on.

ImmotionVR

ImmotionVR is a 12-station VR entertainment and game zone that offers several VR experiences, including VR rollercoaster rides on the Cinematic Pods, an interactive VR arena, and even VR racing with amazing visual FX, 360 HD sound, and immersive motion.

Mamma Mia! The Party

Based on the popular movie, Mamma Mia! The Party is a themed attraction that opened at The O2 in 2019. Sing and dance your ABBA hearts out with a 4-course Mediterranean meal on the island of Skopelos, where Nikos and his family will host you in their fantastical Greek taverna.

iFLY Indoor Skydiving

Soar through the air at iFLY Indoor Skydiving as you free-fall without a parachute. Whether you're seasoned or a first-timer, skydive in a controlled environment with a team of instructors on a 60-min session, including a pre-flight briefing, expert training, and of course, the flight itself.

Boom Battle Bar

Spread over two floors, get ready for a night of games like shuffleboard, beer pong, axe throwing, and golf, and private karaoke rooms filled with props that will make your next Instagram pic. Or get bottomless brunch and cocktails every Saturday at The Big BOOM Brunch.

Virgin Media Gamepad

This is the stop for all gamers and pro players. Head over to raid, race, battle, and play with super-fast broadband on Xbox consoles at this free and open-to-all space. Play at one of the 16 gaming pods with Xbox Series X consoles or book The Cave, an exclusive gaming lounge for groups.

The O2 Arena upcoming events

Here are some of the most famous acts that will be gracing The O2 Arena in the coming months!

Mar 29-May 7: Usher - Past Present Future tour
May 13-14: Twenty One Pilots - The Clancy world tour
May 15: Bryan Adams
May 24: The Lumineers ft. Michael Marcagi
June 1: John Legend
July 10-17: Billie Eilish - Hit Me Hard and Soft
Sept 26: OneRepublic ft. Ella Henderson
Oct 13-14: Katy Perry
Nov 30-Dec 1: Hans Zimmer
Dec 10-11: Mumford & Sons ft. Sierra Ferrell

More events

The O2 Arena seating plan

The seating of the O2 Arena has been divided into 53 zones, all providing an unobstructed view of the center stage.

The O2 Arena capacity

The seating capacity of The O2 Arena is 20,000.

The making of The O2 Arena

The head architect of The O2 Arena was Richard Rogers, and the landscape architects were Desvigne & Dalnoky and Bernard Ede.
The firm that collaborated in designing The O2 Arena was Populous, also known for creating the Silverstone Pit Area and Paddock.
The height of The O2 Arena at its highest point is 50 meters. The total built-up area of The O2 Arena is 100 square meters.
The roof has a diameter of 365 meters and is interrupted by a ventilation shaft.
High-strength cables of 70 kilometers in length have been used to bear the weight of the cloth glass fiber matrix roof.

History of The O2 London in a nutshell

The O2 Entertainment Avenue was earlier constructed as the Millennium Dome, in a dome-shaped structure, to house the Millennium Exhibition - an important exhibition for welcoming the third millennium.
Due to political controversy and insufficient visitors, the exhibition ran only from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2000, before succumbing to financial problems
In December 2001, Meridian Delta was given a 999-year lease by the government to develop the Dome as a sports and entertainment center.
Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) was given a sub-lease of the Dome for 58 years to develop and operate The O2 during the duration of the lease.
The naming rights of the venue were sold to O2 plc under the investment program. So, the project was officially called ‘The O2’ on May 25, 2005, and the name sponsorship was extended in 2017 for ten years.
The construction of new buildings inside the Dome structure began and light modifications to the Dome were made in the form of blue lights to the support poles and plasma displays to the large sculptures being added.
Later, the arena roof was constructed, followed by the construction of the main arena building and the entertainment avenue surrounding it.
The North Greenwich station and The O2 were joined by a wide pathway with a glass roof, and the Peninsula Piazza Square was built in front of The O2 for conducting special events.
The venue was rebranded to The O2 and reopened to the public on June 24, 2007, with a Bon Jovi concert held at The O2 Arena.

Visitor information

O2: The O2 is open every day from 10am to 10pm.
Events: Monday through Saturday, events in the arena end by 11pm, and on Sunday, events end by 10:30pm. However, each show is unique. Exact times may not be available until closer to the event. You can not enter some events until there is a proper break in the performance. It is up to the event promoter to decide.
Box Office: The box office is located directly to the left of the main entrance to The O2. It is open from 12pm until 7pm and on arena event days, till 9pm.

By tube/train: Take the Jubilee line to North Greenwich.
By bus: Take bus numbers 108, 129, 132, 161, 188, 422, 472, or 486 and get off at North Greenwich station. You can also get the 188 bus direct to/from central London via Waterloo.
By boat: Travel to The O2 by boat by taking an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers.

Entrance: You can use any entrance if you have a ticket for accessible seating. Entrance B may be more convenient for people with mobility concerns.
Accessibility: The main concourses are all on one level and have no steps. There are also accessible lifts on all levels.
Escorts: Only on event days are wheelchair escorts provided.
Seating: On Level 1, there are free-standing fold-out seats accessible for friends, family, and PAs, as well as non-wheelchair users. The fixed seating sections are elevated above the bays. Even if the audience is standing, you may remain seated and have a clear view of the action.
Restrooms: Accessible bathroom facilities, including the changing places unit, are all within easy reach of the accessible bays.

Smoking: Smoking facilities are available at The O2 Arena.
Ear defenders: Ear defenders for people with sensitive ears are available at the facility.
Child safety: Safe Child wristbands can be obtained at the venue.
ATMs: ATMs are available inside The O2.
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi has been made available for visitors at The O2 Arena.

Age restrictions: Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Children under the age of 16 are not permitted to access the standing area. If you are bringing a little child, please ensure they do not cause any problems for others.
Luggage policy: You can only take small bags into the arena.
What’s not allowed: Food and drink, professional cameras and recording equipment, weapons, and explosives are not allowed in the arena.
Security check: Guests and their belongings will be checked at the entry, failing which, entry can be refused.

When to arrive for events: Reach at least 30 minutes before the time of the concert to ensure timely entry.
Luggage policy: Only small bags are allowed inside The O2 Arena, so it is best to pack light.
Outside food and drinks: Food and beverages will not be allowed inside The O2 Arena, so avoid carrying them. Instead, grab a bite at one of the restaurants at the venue.
Accessibility: Call early and ask for assistance if your party has a guest with a disability.
Payments: The O2 Arena has gone completely cashless and contactless in terms of transactions, so make sure you are equipped for the same.

Frequently Asked Questions about The O2 Arena

What is The O2 Arena?

The O2 Arena is the most popular entertainment venue in the world, hosting concerts, sporting events, comedy shows, exhibitions, and many more events from renowned personalities and groups.

How far in advance should I book my tickets?

The O2 Arena is extremely popular, so it will be wise to book tickets as soon as booking opens.

Will I get to see the seating plan before making the reservation?

Yes, you will get to see the seating plan before making the reservation, so that you know you're getting the best view from your seat.

Is it possible to meet the artist after the show?

Some events have backstage or meet and greet passes, making it possible for you to meet the artists.

Will there be flashing lights or images during the shows?

There may be flashing lights and images during the shows, so it is better to enquire before booking tickets.

Can I carry a camera?

Yes, you can carry a camera to The O2 Arena, but not professional grade ones like SLRs.

Can my children visit?

Yes, children can visit The O2 Arena but will be required to be accompanied by an adult and a ticket.

Will the staff let me in if I’m late?

You will be allowed in at suitable breaks once the events have started.

What was there before The O2?

Before The O2 London, the dome-shaped structure was the Millennium Dome, a.k.a the Dome. It housed the Millennium Experience - a huge exhibition that celebrated the start of the third millennium.

Who built The O2?

Richard Rogers built the canopy of The O2 London while Populous redeveloped the interiors of this entertainment complex.

How much time do you need to explore The O2 London?

Depending on the activities that you take part in at The O2 London, it can take you anywhere between 2 hours to a day to explore everything that this entertainment complex has to offer.

What is unique about The O2 London?

The O2 London is home to an indoor arena that is the first American-style, multi-purpose arena to be built in London. It also happens to be the second-largest arena in the UK and is the most popular music venue in the world.

Is it an outdoor or indoor experience?

The O2 London is a dome-style building that offers both indoor and outdoor experiences to guests. There is an indoor arena known as The O2 Arena and several entertainment options, including Cineworld, Hollywood Bowl, InmotionVR, restaurants, bars, and so on. There is also Up at The O2 for an outdoor climbing experience and London in the Sky for an outdoor dining experience available at the venue.

Are there any activities for kids?

There are lots of fun activities for kids such as Up at The O2, Selfie Factory, Cineworld, Hollywood Bowl, Oxygen Activeplay, Virgin Media Gameplay, iFLY Indoor Skydiving, and InmotionVR.