Places

OVO Wembley Arena

October 24, 2025 18:41

OVO Arena Wembley (formerly Wembley Arena) is one of London's most significant indoor concert and multi-purpose venues. It is located in the Wembley Park area, in close proximity to the famous Wembley Stadium. Over the decades, the arena has hosted sporting events, premieres, world-class shows, concerts by major artists and other large-scale events. Thanks to its convenient location, rich history and renovations, it remains a sought-after venue for entertainment, business events and mass audience formats.

Name	OVO Arena Wembley
Country	United Kingdom
Address	Arena Square, Engineers Way, Wembley Park, London HA9 0AA
Year of foundation	1934 (opened on 25 July 1934)
Original name	Empire Pool & Sports Arena
Area	Approximately 2,655 square metres of continuous floor space
Capacity	Up to 12,500 people
Owners/operator	Owner: Quintain; Operator: ASM Global
Record attendance	No exact ‘all-time record’ figure is given, but it is stated that the arena has a capacity of 12,500 people
Sponsor name	From 2022, ‘OVO Arena Wembley’, as part of a partnership with OVO Energy

History of OVO Wembley Arena

The OVO London Arena was built and opened in 1934 as the Empire Pool & Sports Arena for the 1934 British Empire Games, where swimming competitions were held, among other events. After World War II, the building became a venue for ice shows, hockey and concerts. It underwent extensive renovations. In 2005–2006, it was modernised and reopened in April 2006.

In 2014, the arena was renamed SSE Arena Wembley, and in February 2022, it became OVO Arena Wembley as part of a sponsorship agreement.

In addition to entertainment events, the arena is actively involved in eco-initiatives. It became the oldest venue in the UK to receive the Greener Arena certificate for sustainable development.

OVO Arena Wembley Events

The arena regularly hosts a wide variety of events, including concerts by global stars, sports shows, corporate events and entertainment events.

wembley arena events — OVO Arena Wembley events

Past events

In 2017, the MTV Europe Music Awards ceremony was held here, featuring performances by Eminem, Demi Lovato, U2 and The Killers. An Afrobeat concert was also held. In August 2024, Flavour sold out the 12,000-seat venue. Many legendary artists have performed at the arena, including Madonna, Queen, Beyoncé and others.

And also Paul McCartney on 17 January 1990 during his world tour.

Paul McCartney 1990 at the Wembley Arena

Where is OVO Wembley Arena located?

The arena is located in the lively and modern area of north-west London in the Wembley Park district (postcode HA9 0AA). The exact address is Arena Square, Engineers Way, Wembley Park, London HA9 0AA. In recent years, this area has become a major centre for entertainment and tourism. In close proximity to the arena is the famous Wembley Stadium, the London Designer Outlet shopping complex with shops, restaurants and a cinema, as well as modern residential areas and hotels.

The arena is conveniently integrated into the urban landscape. It stands on Arena Square, which is itself a public area with a fountain, a recreation area and a café, making a visit not only convenient but also enjoyable from a leisure point of view.

In terms of transport, the area is multifunctional. There are several underground and railway lines, numerous bus routes and good road connections. However, during major events (especially if something is happening at the stadium at the same time), it is worth planning your arrival in advance, as traffic jams and road closures are possible.

OVO Arena Wembley is located in one of the most visited and transport-friendly places in London, making it popular with spectators, tourists and event organisers. The seating plan is very compact.

OVO Wembley Arena seating plan

Capacity

In terms of capacity, OVO Arena Wembley can accommodate approximately 12,500 people. This is the maximum number of people for events that use the entire space. It offers a perfect combination of a standing or seated area and stands. For corporate or conference events, the hall can be configured as fully seated or partially seated and partially standing, depending on the format.

Depending on the stage, safety zone divisions, event design and other factors, the actual capacity for a specific event may be less than the maximum indicated. So, if you are planning to attend or organise an event, use 12,500 visitors as a guideline, but check the specific conditions when booking.

wembley arena capacity — OVO Arena Wembley capacity

How to get to OVO Wembley Arena?

The arena is conveniently located in London and accessible by various modes of transport, namely train, underground, bus and car. Detailed instructions for each option are provided below.

By train

The easiest way to get to OVO Arena Wembley is via the railway stations near the Wembley Park area:

Wembley Park station (Jubilee and Metropolitan lines) is approximately an 8-10 minute walk from the arena.
Wembley Central station (London Overground and other routes) is a little further away, approximately a 10-15 minute walk.
The distances from the station to the arena for different exits are listed on the official website. From Wembley Park station to the south-east entrance, it is approximately 675 metres.

If you are arriving by train from another city, look for directions to Wembley Central or Wembley Stadium and then walk to the arena. For example, the route via Chiltern Railways to Wembley Central.

By underground

nearest station to ovo arena wembley — Wembley Park Station

The underground is one of the most convenient ways to get to the arena:

Wembley Park station (Metropolitan and Jubilee lines) is in zone 4 and only a 10-minute walk from the arena.
An additional option is Wembley Central station with the Bakerloo and London Overground lines, approximately a 15-20 minute walk away.

When planning your trip, be sure to factor in transfer times and possible crowds after the event. Wembley Park station is particularly busy after major events.

By bus

Bus routes cover the arena area and offer an alternative to the underground or train. If you are arriving from areas where the underground may not be running (e.g. late at night or during a strike), the bus is a good alternative. There are some important points to consider:

several routes stop near the arena: 83, 182, 223, 297 and others;
stops such as Brent Civic Centre or Lakeside Way is a 3-5 minute walk from the arena;
you cannot pay with cash on London buses, as you need an Oyster card or contactless card.

By car

If you decide to drive, there are some parameters and nuances to consider:

Navigation address: Engineers Way, Wembley Park, London HA9 0AA (or HA9 0DW) check your route.
The arena is located near the A406 (North Circular Road) and is easily accessible from motorways such as the M1 and A40.
There are official secure car parks in the Wembley Park area, which it is advisable to book in advance. For example, rates start at £2 per hour during off-peak times, and it is recommended to book in advance for event days.
On days when major events are taking place, traffic may be severely congested. Temporary road closures and access restrictions are possible.
For people with reduced mobility, there are drop-off/pick-up areas at the arena on Lakeside Way.

If possible, choose public transport. If you are travelling by car, leave early, book your parking, and bear in mind that it may take extra time to leave after the event.

Information for visitors

At OVO Arena Wembley, visitor comfort and convenience are our top priorities. With shows coming up in November and December this year, below is some detailed information to help you enjoy your evening without any worries.

Opening hours

The arena's opening hours depend on the specific event. They may differ significantly from the usual hours. Entrances usually open 1-2 hours before the start of the show, but it is worth checking the exact time on the event page on the official website. Arrive early, especially if the event is scheduled for the evening. Take into account queues, security checks and the time it takes to find your seat.

Hotels nearby

hotels near wembley arena — hotels near ovo arena wembley

There are several good hotels in the Wembley Park area, where the arena is located, making it convenient to stay there when attending an event. For example:

Novotel London Wembley. A four-star hotel within walking distance of the arena, with conference rooms and a fitness centre.
Premier Inn London Wembley Stadium. Convenient budget accommodation, just a 5-minute walk from the arena.

When choosing a hotel, please note that prices can rise significantly on days when major events are taking place, and it is best to book rooms in advance.

Restaurants nearby

wembley arena restaurants — restaurants near wembley arena

The area around the arena offers a rich gastronomic scene, ranging from street food to high-end restaurants. Some good options are as follows:

BOXPARK Wembley. A container restaurant with more than 20 food outlets: burgers, ramen, vegan options.
Pasta Remoli. A cosy Italian restaurant where you can have lunch or dinner before the show.
The White Horse Pub. A classic British pub opposite the arena, with a good menu and atmosphere.

If you just want a quick bite to eat, there are cafés and snack bars in the nearby London Designer Outlet shopping centre.

Parking

For those arriving by car, there are official car parks in the Wembley Park area. Official car parks are open 24 hours a day and are secure, so it is advisable to book in advance. Example rates (not on the day of a big show) range from £2.50 for the first hour to £28.00 for 24 hours. Rates may be higher on event days. For example, at the Pink Car Park, the rate for a day's parking can start at £16.25. Special spaces are available for Blue Badge holders (disabled persons).