A major new chapter in Bristol’s live entertainment story was unveiled today as the city’s long awaited 20,000 capacity indoor arena was officially named Aviva Arena.

The naming follows a landmark long term sponsorship agreement between YTL Live, the operating company behind the new complex, and Aviva, the UK’s leading diversified insurer. The multi million pound deal secures naming rights for the venue, which is due to open in late 2028 and is set to become one of the largest indoor arenas in the country.

Located in Brabazon New Town in north Bristol, the arena will form the centrepiece of a wider entertainment complex and is expected to welcome around 1.4 million visitors each year for live music, sport and major events. More than 120 major shows are forecast annually, positioning the venue as a key destination on the international touring circuit.

The launch event took place at Aerospace Bristol, beneath the wings of Concorde, where chart topping British singer songwriter Tom Grennan delivered a six song set to invited guests. Among those present were Sir Francis Yeoh, Executive Chair of YTL Corporation, and Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England.

Work has already begun to transform the historic Brabazon Hangars, the birthplace of the UK’s Concorde supersonic jets, into the new entertainment destination. The wider YTL Live complex will also include conference and exhibition facilities. Over its first decade of operation, the development is estimated to contribute £1 billion to the Bristol economy.

The project is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs during construction, with up to 500 permanent roles once the arena is operational.

Andrew Billingham, Chief Executive of YTL Live, said:

“Aviva Arena will be one of the most exciting and sustainable live entertainment venues anywhere in the world, and we are incredibly proud to welcome Aviva as our naming partner. This long term partnership brings together two organisations with shared values around innovation, sustainability and community impact. Aviva Arena will put Bristol firmly on the global touring map, delivering unforgettable experiences for fans and artists alike while creating lasting benefits for the city and the wider region. And just as importantly, the Arena will become a platform for local talent to grow, thrive, and shine.”

Dame Amanda Blanc, Group Chief Executive Officer of Aviva, said:

“Bristol is an important city for Aviva, and we are proud to back this new world class arena which will have such a positive community impact. Aviva Arena will further strengthen Bristol’s position as one of Europe’s great creative cities and become a landmark destination for the South West of England.”

Aviva Arena joins a growing portfolio of cultural venues backed by the insurer, including Aviva Stadium in Dublin and Aviva Studios in Manchester.

Colin Skellett, Chief Executive of YTL UK Group, said:

“Securing Aviva as the naming partner for the arena marks a defining moment in our journey to create one of Europe’s most exciting live entertainment destinations. Our partnership with Aviva represents a major milestone in delivering a venue that will raise the bar for live entertainment in the UK and drive substantial long term benefits for Bristol and the wider region.”

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, described the sponsorship as a strong endorsement of the UK as a place to build and invest. She said:

“Aviva and YTL’s landmark sponsorship commitment is a powerful endorsement of the UK as a world class place to build, to do business and to grow. It’s good news for people across the West of England, creating thousands of jobs and putting the region firmly on the global map for live entertainment.”

Designed for the next generation of global touring, the fully electric venue will target carbon neutral operations. Plans include 20 dressing rooms, extensive production facilities and flexible stage configurations. It will also feature what developers describe as Europe’s largest services yard, capable of accommodating up to 60 touring lorries at once.

The arena will be delivered by YTL Construction UK and will sit at the heart of the wider Brabazon regeneration project, which is transforming the former Filton Airfield into a new neighbourhood with homes, schools, workplaces and green spaces.

When Aviva Arena opens in 2028, customers of Aviva will be offered exclusive benefits including a 48 hour ticket pre sale window, priority access, ticket upgrades and in venue discounts.

Developers say the project will usher in a new era for live entertainment in Bristol, combining large scale international events with long term economic and social gains for the region.

More info: https://www.avivaarena.co.uk

Author: Adam Bailey

Adam is a regular contributor for established press release distribution website Release-News.com. He writes on a wide range of topics including music.