The O2 Arena
The O2 Arena is a 20,000-capacity indoor arena in London, United Kingdom, and it opened in 2007 inside the former Millennium Dome structure. It is one of the busiest venues in Europe for concerts, sports events, arena events, boxing nights, basketball, darts, tennis and major live entertainment. The O2 Arena currently lists 126 upcoming events on our platform, which gives buyers a broad view of dates, seating options and tickets across the calendar.
The biggest demand usually comes from global concert tours, title boxing cards, Premier League Darts nights, ATP Finals style indoor tennis, Basketball showcases and one-off finals that turn the arena into a true stadium events destination. High-profile dates often sell through early because the room can be configured for end-stage shows, central courts and combat sports, which changes supply by section and pushes premium inventory higher.
When popular dates become hard to find, SeatPin gives buyers access to verified seller listings for The O2 Arena tickets.
Why is it called The O2 Arena?
The O2 Arena is called The O2 Arena because its name comes from a naming-rights partnership with the telecommunications company O2. That agreement was signed in 2005 during the redevelopment of the Greenwich Peninsula site into a multi-purpose entertainment complex. The commercial name reflects the sponsor brand, not the local geography of London or the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
Before the arena opened in 2007, the wider structure was known as the Millennium Dome, which first opened on 1 January 2000. During the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the arena was temporarily called North Greenwich Arena because Olympic branding rules do not allow corporate venue names. The long-term O2 naming deal was renewed in 2017 for another ten years.
Where are the best seats in The O2 Arena?
The best seats in The O2 Arena are usually in Level 1, especially blocks 101, 102, 111 and 112 for close side views, and blocks 105, 106 and 107 for a direct head-on view. For many arena show layouts, Level 1 rows A to R give the strongest balance of sightline, sound and distance from the stage. Buyers who want the clearest central perspective often focus on block 106 and nearby sections.
Standing floor tickets create the most intense atmosphere for concerts, but they suit buyers who are comfortable standing throughout the event and accepting a flatter floor-level view. Premium choices sit higher in the building, including private suites on Level 2 and Level 3, the AMEX Lounge and The Deck, which adds tiered seating, a private bar and waiter service. Those sections usually command higher prices because they combine comfort, fast service and strong views.
How do I get to The O2 Arena on event day?
The O2 Arena is easiest to reach through North Greenwich station on the Jubilee Line. The station sits next to the arena on the Greenwich Peninsula, so it is the main route used by most guests travelling from Central London, London Bridge, Waterloo and other key Tube stations. Journey time is usually about 20 to 30 minutes from Central London, and around 15 to 20 minutes from London Bridge or Waterloo.
- Underground: North Greenwich Underground station on the Jubilee Line is the closest stop.
- Bus: North Greenwich Bus Station serves routes 108, 129, 132, 161, 188, 422, 472 and 486.
- River: Uber Boat by Thames Clippers stops at North Greenwich Pier about every 20 minutes.
- Cable Car: The IFS Cloud Cable Car links the Greenwich Peninsula with the Royal Docks.
- Car: Car Park 1 is used for pre-booked event parking, while Car Parks 2, 3 and 4 handle shorter stays.
- Taxi: A trip from Central London usually takes 30 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Cycle: Free cycle racks are available near the main entrance and parking areas.
Transport for London services are the most reliable choice on busy nights because road traffic around Peninsula Square can build quickly before a major concert or sports event. If you are driving, parking prices and availability can change by event, and non-event parking in Car Parks 2, 3 and 4 starts at about 7. 00 GBP for up to two hours.
For sold-out nights when travel plans are fixed, SeatPin is a practical last-minute route to tickets after you have planned your journey.
What is closest airport to The O2 Arena?
London City Airport is the closest airport to The O2 Arena, at about 2 miles from the venue. It is the quickest option for many visitors coming into London for concerts, sports events or a same-day arena show, especially because the Greenwich area has strong public transport links once you land.
- London City Airport, about 2 miles away, with fast onward travel through East London connections.
- London Heathrow, about 22 miles away, with links into London via the Elizabeth Line.
- London Gatwick, about 30 miles away, with rail services into London Bridge.
- London Stansted, about 35 miles away, with coach and rail options into the city.
- London Luton, about 40 miles away, with train and coach links into London.
For international visitors, London City is usually the simplest airport because the final transfer into North Greenwich is short. Heathrow and Gatwick offer more long-haul and European route options, but they add more transfer time before you reach The O2 Arena.
How early should you get to The O2 Arena on event day?
You should get to The O2 Arena at least 60 minutes before the event starts. Doors usually open 60 to 90 minutes before showtime, and that extra hour helps with security checks, bag searches and finding your block without rushing. This matters most on sold-out nights when queues build early around the main entrance and North Greenwich station.
Do you need ID to get into The O2 Arena?
Yes, you may need photo ID to get into The O2 Arena, especially for age-restricted events or when a lead booker policy applies. Accepted ID includes a passport, a photocard driving licence or a PASS card. Security staff can also request ID for standing areas, age verification or box office collections, so carrying valid identification is a sensible precaution.
Can you drink alcohol at The O2 Arena?
Yes, alcohol is sold at The O2 Arena, and for many music events it can be taken into the seating area in plastic containers. Bars are spread across the concourse, but outside alcohol is not allowed and will be removed during security checks. For some sports events, alcohol may be limited to concourse areas only, and last orders are usually called about 30 minutes before the scheduled end.
Can you smoke in The O2 Arena?
No, you cannot smoke or vape inside The O2 Arena. The ban covers the arena bowl, concourses and the wider indoor Entertainment District, and there are no smoking areas once you have passed security. Guests who want to smoke must use the designated outdoor zones before entering, because re-entry for smoking is not normally permitted during events.
Can you bring a backpack into The O2 Arena?
No, standard backpacks are not allowed inside The O2 Arena unless they fit the small-bag limit. The permitted maximum size is 21cm x 30cm x 8cm, which is roughly A4 size, and each guest can bring one small bag only. Larger bags must be left at the external storage facility outside the main entrance, where the typical charge is 10 GBP per item and space is limited.
All bags are searched, and several items are prohibited inside the seating bowl, including outside food and drink, large umbrellas, professional cameras with detachable lenses, tripods, laptops and large tablets. Small personal cameras are generally acceptable for most events. Medical equipment and essential childcare bags can be allowed as exceptions, but they still go through full security screening.
Does The O2 Arena have WiFi?
Yes, The O2 Arena has free WiFi throughout the venue and the surrounding Entertainment District. Guests can connect through the O2 WiFi network after completing a short registration process on their phone. The system is built for heavy usage, but speeds can slow during packed concerts and other high-demand events when thousands of devices are online at once.
The O2 Arena Address and Contact Details
The O2 Arena is located at Peninsula Square, London, SE10 0DX, in the United Kingdom. It sits on the Greenwich Peninsula beside North Greenwich Station and does not act as a permanent home venue for one weekly sports team. Instead, it hosts rotating arena events such as boxing, basketball, darts, finals and major concerts in one of the largest indoor venues in Europe.
| Address | Peninsula Square, London, SE10 0DX |
| City | London |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Capacity | Up to 20,000 |
| Opened | 2007 |
| Phone | +44 20 8463 2000 |
| Website | theo2.co.uk |
| X | @TheO2 |
| The O2 |
Ticket demand varies sharply by event type, seating layout and date, with standard concert tickets often starting around £40 to £50 and premium locations rising above £200. If you are comparing sections for an upcoming date, SeatPin helps buyers browse The O2 Arena tickets across different price points and seating areas. For buyers who want premium inventory without splitting a group, SeatPin is useful for finding seated-together options.
