The O2 Arena has been popular on the Nigerian social media landscape for the last few days due to Wizkid’s latest performance at the site.
This follows after the Nigerian global music icon Ayo Balogun Wizkid recently wrapped up his three-day series of the Made in Lagos (MIL) concert at the O2 Arena in London, UK.
After selling out the event three times, the management of the O2 Arena acknowledged Wizkid by gifting him an artwork.
In addition to Wizkid, various other Nigerian music icons who have graced the O2 Arena include Burna Boy, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Bella Shmurda, Mayorkun, Tems, among others.
This article highlights key details you should be aware of regarding the O2 Arena.
General information
| Previous Name | Millennium Dome (2000) |
| Category | Entertainment facility |
|---|---|
| Design style | Dome/tent |
| Address | Greenwich Peninsula London, SE10 United Kingdom |
| Finished | 31 December 1999; 21 years ago |
| Inauguration | 24 June 2007; 14 years ago |
| Proprietor | Homes and Communities Agency |
| Altitude | 52 m (highest point within canopy) 100 m (steel masts) |
| Span | 365 m (overall canopy) 320 m (internal canopy) |
| Structural system | Steel, tensioned fabric |
| Designer | Richard Rogers (canopy) Populous (redeveloped interior) |
| Structural consultant | BuroHappold Engineering |
| Services consultant | BuroHappold Engineering (canopy) M-E Engineers (redeveloped interior) |
| Recognitions and awards | Royal Academy of Engineering MacRobert Award |
| Website | theo2.co.uk |
The O2 Arena was previously known as the Millennium Dome and was inaugurated to the public in 2000 to commemorate the onset of a new millennium. The enormous structure is located on the outskirts of London and cost approximately $976 million (£700 million) to build.
Initially, the structure of the O2 Arena featured a whimsical theme park with displays inspired by culture, lifestyle, and spirituality.
However, just 12 months later, the Millennium Dome, now referred to as the O2 Arena, was closed due to unfavorable reviews.
Despite the closure, the facility was costing the government $1.4 million (£1 million) per month to upkeep, prompting the government to list it for sale, resulting in AEG acquiring ownership.
However, the British Government chose not to sell the O2 Arena outright; instead, it granted AEG the land at no cost after the company consented to pay 15% of the venue’s net profits for 25 years.
Upon taking control, AEG made several modifications to the arena’s design by establishing a cutting-edge entertainment complex complete with a 21,000-seat stadium at its core.
Today, the O2 Arena is encircled by a climate-controlled shopping and dining promenade, combined with an 11-screen cinema and museum area.
Since its opening in June 2007, Bon Jovi performed on the inaugural night. Today, it has been the venue for numerous renowned music icons globally.
Besides the O2 Arena, AEG also owns the Staples Center in Los Angeles, New York’s PlayStation Theater, the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin, and the Barclaycard Arena in Hamburg.
