O2 Arena: Everything You Need To Know Before Going To A Gig

Built within the former Millenium Dome, this giant arena sits on the north tip of the Greenwich Peninsula in SE London and is known for hosting some of the biggest events, whether music, comedy or sports. Unsurprisingly, that means the place can hold up to 20,000 people, and there’s a large space for standing in the stalls, as well as wide-ranging seating options surrounding the stalls.

One of its best features is the fact the complex and surrounding area are home to a lot of restaurants and eateries, meaning you’ll never go hungry before the show.

Getting To The o2

It’s easy to get to the O2 Arena on public transport, with it being only a 2-minute walk from North Greenwich Station, on the Jubilee Line. That said, the large number of crowds at such a high-capacity venue can mean big queues to enter and get on a train after the show.

Going to the venue by car?

With 2100 car parking spaces, the O2 complex is well equipped to handle drivers. Those attending an O2 Arena event should use Car Park 1 and pre-booking is recommended. Blue badge parking spaces are available. Valet parking is also an option.

What time do gigs start and finish at the o2?

The venue’s website and social pages often give this info on the day, as do the bands and promoters. A general rule of thumb for the main act is 21.00/21.30, but this is highly variable. And don’t forget to support the support acts, who usually come on around 20.00 at the o2 Arena.

To ensure you catch your last train home, gigs tend to finish by 22.15 (Monday-Saturday), or 22.00 on Sundays. As mentioned above, there are often big queues when a gig finishes as there’s only one tube station close by.

Queueing At o2 Arena

There are several entrances into the Arena (A, B, E, F, G, H), which can be used for access to the standing and seated areas. Staff will direct you to a suitable entrance if you approach.

The main Arena entrances for gigs are Entrance E, B, and H, both inside the O2 Complex. Entrance B is the closest to the Main Entrance (opposite the tube station) and is also where those with Priority Access can enter.

Entrance A is the usual route for VIP/suite access.

Security Check At o2 Arena

You are allowed to take small bags and handbags (no larger than A4 size) into the venue. One bag is permitted per person. Backpacks, travel cases, laptop bags and large tote bags are not allowed.

Cloakroom Service At o2 Arena

There is a cloakroom service in the O2 Arena but only for those with tickets for standing areas (not for those in seating areas). The cloakroom can be found as you enter the arena at Entrance E.

Coats cost GBP 3 and Bags GBP 5. There is a limited capacity and once full the cloakroom will no longer accept any more items. It closes 30 minutes after the show ends.

There is also a Bag Storage Facility for large bags outside the main entrance to the O2 complex at a cost of GBP 10 per bag. This facility closes 30 minutes after the show ends.

Where is the merch stand in the venue?

Merch stands are available in the main foyer, as well as on Level 1 and Level 4 inside the arena.

For disabled access

The venue recommends those with mobility issues use Entrance B by the main entrance to the O2 complex, though the main concourses are step- and level-free, with accessible lifts available. Staff are available to escort wheelchair users to their seats.

There is a raised viewing platform on Level 1 with free standing fold out seats for accompanying guests. Assistance dogs are permitted and can stay in wheelchair bays. Accessible toilets are available. The venue also offers Assistive Listening Devices for those with or without hearing aids.

Lucky enough to be on the guest list?

Guestlist attendees will pick up their passes from the Box Office outside the O2 Complex (just to the left of the main entrance as you enter). Entrance A is the usual route for VIP/Premiun/suite access.