SPORTS DESIGN
looking for – a calibre that has seen the arena voted Best International Arena of the year at the Pollstar Concert Industry awards every year since it opened. Not only is the O2 the biggest ticket-
selling arena in the world, out-selling its nearest rival by over 50 per cent, it hosts the world’s most significant events, such as the ATP tennis finals and the highest profile concerts. On top of this, as the largest entertainment zone in London, the O2 has been a catalyst for the redevelopment of the Greenwich peninsula, prompting valuable additions to the arena’s infrastructure, such as the new river-boat service. “The O2 Arena is without a doubt the best venue in the world,” says promoter Frank Warren. The O2 London stands as a benchmark – the first of the new generation of arenas. A year later, in 2008, the O2 Dublin in Ireland opened with similar impact,
Audiences increasingly expect an immersive and theatrical experience when viewing live sports and music events at today's immense super arenas
giving a new shape to arena design. As with its counterpart in London, the building envelope was dictated by the restrictions of the existing historic façade of the famous Quayside train depot and warehouse that had been converted into the Point Theatre in 1989. As the Point Theatre was too small
for the city of Dublin – it was difficult to stage large touring shows effectively – the venue had to be redesigned and refurbished. The response to this huge challenge was to remove and relocate the internal heritage structure and create a unique elliptical auditorium.
This shape, with its exceptionally wide
wings and retractable seating, means the O2 Dublin has the flexibility to accommo- date a great variety of stage and sports events. The complete arena floor opens up for maximum standing capacity of 8,000 and a full seated/standing capacity of 14,000 when required, yet despite its large capacity the auditorium offers an intimate arrangement where all specta- tors are seated within a maximum of 60m from the farthest staging position. The arena’s flexibility is enhanced by a
fully covered service area and a concealed service drive that assure minimal setting
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SPORTS MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK 2013
www.sportsmanagementhandbook.com
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