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YTL Live, the operating company for the new live entertainment complex in Bristol, has today announced Aviva, the UK’s leading diversified insurer, as the new partner of Bristol’s 20,000 capacity indoor arena, marking a major milestone in the delivery of one of Europe’s most ambitious live entertainment venues.
The landmark and long-term multi-million-pound sponsorship agreement secures naming rights for the venue, which will be known as Aviva Arena when it opens in late 2028. It will be one of the largest venues in the country and a first of its kind for the West of England. An estimated 1.4 million people are expected to attend live music, sports and entertainment at Aviva Arena each year.
Chart-topping British singer-songwriter Tom Grennan lit up the naming-rights launch at Aerospace Bristol, delivering a six-song set beneath the iconic Concorde. The exclusive performance played out to a packed audience - including the Executive Chair of YTL Corporation, Sir Francis Yeoh, and West of England Mayor, Helen Godwin - all gathered beneath the wings of aviation history.
Work has commenced to transform the iconic Brabazon Hangars, birthplace of all the UK’s Concorde supersonic jets, into a live entertainment destination. The entire complex, called YTL Live, will house Aviva Arena in the central and largest of the three Brabazon Hangars, as well as a conference and exhibition space, and is expected to contribute an estimated £1 billion to the wider Bristol economy over the first decade of operation.
Located in new district Brabazon in north Bristol, with a new train station on its doorstep due to open later this year, Aviva Arena is set to become a global destination for live music, sport 2 and entertainment. The Aviva Arena is expected to host more than 120 major events every year, establishing the venue as a leading international ‘must-play arena’ for artists.
The project will create more than 2,000 jobs during construction, with up to a further 500 permanent roles once the arena is operational, delivering long-term economic and social benefits for the region.
Purpose-built for the next generation of global touring, Aviva Arena will sit at the forefront of the live entertainment industry’s move towards greener practices. The venue will feature 20 state-of-the-art dressing rooms, extensive production facilities, flexible end-stage or centrestage configurations, and Europe’s largest services yard, capable of accommodating up to 60 touring lorries simultaneously - setting a new benchmark for artist and production experience.
Delivered by YTL Construction UK as main contractor, Aviva Arena will be a fully electric venue and is targeting carbon-neutral operations, supporting Bristol’s environmental goals and reinforcing the city’s reputation as a leader in sustainable urban development.
Aviva Arena will usher in a new era for live entertainment in the wider Bristol region and deliver a state-of-the-art venue for artists, audiences and the city alike.
