AEG Presents UK has formally opened the booking diary for its new 3,800-capacity music and events venue at Olympia London, unveiling British Airways ARC as the venue’s official name.
The purpose-built space, situated above Olympia’s west exhibition hall, is scheduled to open in 2026 and will be operated by AEG Presents UK. The company confirmed Thursday (November 20) that British Airways will serve as naming-rights partner.
Fans can register for updates, including initial show announcements, via britishairwaysarc.co.uk and follow the venue on social media platforms.
The launch of British Airways ARC forms part of Olympia London’s ongoing £1.3 billion regeneration project, which will also include a new 1,575-seat theatre, two hotels, 30 food and beverage outlets and 550,000 sq. ft. of office space.
Originally opened nearly 140 years ago, Olympia holds a long history of hosting major events and exhibitions, including performances by Jimi Hendrix, The Cure, Rod Stewart, Primal Scream and The Chemical Brothers.
“Olympia is a place that has an incredible musical history which we want to honour whilst creating a venue that is thoroughly modern with world class facilities for artists and fans alike.”
Andrew Spencer, COO of AEG Presents Europe
AEG says the new venue aims to revive Olympia’s live-music heritage while offering modern production capabilities and bringing major concerts and events back to this part of London.
British Airways ARC joins AEG Presents UK’s expanding roster of venues, which includes indigo at The O2, Eventim Apollo, Watford Colosseum and University of Wolverhampton at The Halls. AXS, which is part of AEG, will act as the venue’s ticketing partner.
Andrew Spencer, COO of AEG Presents Europe, said the diary opening represents “a pivotal moment” in bringing the project to completion.
Spencer said: “This is a pivotal moment as we open the diary for bookings and reveal the name of British Airways ARC. We’re delighted to be working with BA and as we take the next step towards opening all the teams are very excited. Olympia is a place that has an incredible musical history which we want to honour whilst creating a venue that is thoroughly modern with world class facilities for artists and fans alike.”
British Airways Chief Customer Officer Calum Laming added that the partnership aligns with the airline’s efforts to support creative sectors in London and provide “unique experiences for audiences.”
“Together with AEG Presents UK, not only are we creating unique experiences for audiences, we’re also helping shine a spotlight on the next generation of talent.”
Added Laming: “We’re incredibly proud to champion British Originality in everything we do, so we’re thrilled to be building on our further support for the arts and culture scene on our doorstep here in our hometown, London.”
“Together with AEG Presents UK, not only are we creating unique experiences for audiences, we’re also helping shine a spotlight on the next generation of talent. As the flag carrier for the UK, it’s important to us that we represent modern Britain at home and all around the world, and we’re so excited to be a part of Olympia to showcase the very best homegrown and international entertainment.”
The addition of British Airways ARC comes as AEG continues to expand its global footprint. Last month, its ticketing arm AXS formed a joint venture with Japan’s Lawson Entertainment and agreed to take a majority stake in Singapore-based SISTICMusic Business Worldwide
