AEG Presents UK Unveils British Airways ARC at Olympia, London Booking diary open now for 2026 launch

20 November 2025 - Press release

Booking diary open now for 2026 launch

 

AEG Presents UK, a division of AEG’s global sports, entertainment and venue operator business announced today the official opening of the booking diary and the name of their newest venue.  The 3,800-capacity state-of-the-art, purpose-built live music and events venue, to be located above the existing west exhibition hall in Olympia, London will be called British Airways ARC with British Airways as the naming rights partner. 

Set to open in 2026, British Airways ARC will offer both fans and artists an unparalleled live event experience. Fans interested in finding out more about the new venue, including the first acts set to perform can now sign up via email at britishairwaysarc.co.uk and follow British Airways ARC at@britishairwaysarc on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. 

Operated by AEG Presents UK, the world class venue is part of the £1.3 billion transformation of Olympia , London, which in addition to British Airways ARC will feature a 1,575-seat theatre, 30 bars, restaurants and eateries, 2 hotels and 550,000 sq ft of office space. 

Built as an events and exhibitions venue almost 140 years ago the site is steeped in a rich musical history with artists including Jimi Hendrix, Rod Stewart, Primal Scream, The Cure and The Chemical Brothers having played there. British Airways ARC honours that heritage and will bring incredible live music and events back to this part of London in a venue that is world leading. 

British Airways ARC will join AEG Presents UK’s ever-growing portfolio of venues which includes University of Wolverhampton at The Halls, Watford Colosseum, indigo at The O2 and Eventim Apollo. 

AXS, a globally recognised leader in the ticketing industry will be the ticketing partner for the new venue.

Andrew Spencer, Chief Operating Officer AEG Presents Europe 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 British Airways 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.”

Calum Laming, British Airways’ Chief Customer Officer, said: “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."