A bold new chapter in London’s live entertainment scene is on the horizon as AEG Presents UK officially revealed British Airways ARC, a 3,800-capacity, state-of-the-art concert and events venue set to open in 2026 above the west exhibition hall at Olympia, London. The announcement marks the formal launch of the venue’s booking diary and confirms British Airways as the naming rights partner, signalling a collaboration designed to blend global prestige with local cultural impact. Purpose-built for modern live performance, British Airways ARC promises an elevated experience for both artists and fans, pairing cutting-edge design with the rich legacy of one of London’s most historic entertainment sites.
The venue will become a cornerstone of Olympia’s sweeping £1.3 billion transformation, which also includes a 1,575-seat theatre, 30 bars, restaurants and eateries, two hotels, and more than 550,000 square feet of office space. AEG Presents UK, which will operate the venue, continues to expand its impressive portfolio that already includes indigo at The O2, Eventim Apollo, Watford Colosseum, and the University of Wolverhampton at The Halls. Ticketing for the new space will be managed by AXS, a globally recognised leader in the industry, ensuring a seamless experience from purchase to performance.
While British Airways ARC looks firmly to the future, it also stands as a tribute to Olympia’s storied musical past. Originally built nearly 140 years ago as an exhibitions venue, the site has hosted iconic performances by Jimi Hendrix, Rod Stewart, Primal Scream, The Cure, and The Chemical Brothers. The new venue aims to honour that legacy while reintroducing world-class live music to this historic corner of the capital in a setting designed for today’s audiences and tomorrow’s talent.
Andrew Spencer, Chief Operating Officer of AEG Presents Europe, described the announcement as a pivotal milestone, highlighting the excitement surrounding the unveiling of the venue’s name and the opening of bookings. He emphasized the ambition to respect Olympia’s heritage while delivering a thoroughly modern space with world-class facilities for artists and fans alike. Echoing that sentiment, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer Calum Laming spoke of the airline’s pride in supporting the arts and championing British originality, noting that the partnership will help spotlight emerging talent and showcase the very best of homegrown and international entertainment.
Fans eager to follow the venue’s development and the announcement of its first performers can sign up for updates via britishairwaysarc.co.uk and follow British Airways ARC on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. As anticipation builds, British Airways ARC stands poised to become one of London’s most significant new live music destinations—where heritage, innovation, and global artistry converge under one iconic roof.
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