Global Arena Guide 2025 - Preview

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2025

The definitive guide to arenas hosting live music and entertainment

70 600+

Markets profiled

Arena directory

Entertainment engines How arenas are driving business in the GCC

The venue boom

All the key new arena openings

Seventh Edition

The O2 is proud to be the world’s most popular arena. Since opening, we’ve welcomed over 100 million visitors across 3000+ events. We believe in putting artists and fans at the centre of everything we do and remain committed to investing in a more seamless fan experience, world-class backstage facilities, and innovative sustainability projects that support a brighter future for our planet and live music in the UK.

Contents GLOBAL ARENA GUIDE 2025 Editor James Drury Sub-editor Michael Muldoon Designer Philip Millard Contributors Hanna Ellington Eamonn Forde Dan Frost Francine Gorman Ben Lee Tochi Louis Adam Woods Marketing & advertising Tom Brint Assistant Elspeth Dawe Directory Laura Silva

Welcome

5

Features Q&A: Cooperation Amongst Competitors: Olivier Toth (EAA) & Nancy Skipper (NAA) John Langford: Greener, leaner, smarter, sharper The New Arena Boom Middle East Focus: How arenas are helping drive growth in the GCC Q&A: From Bins to Wins: How PreZero Arena Gliwice embraced zero waste Q&A: Rebecca Kane-Burton – OVG International Q&A: Pink Bows Foundation Q&A: Meagan Walker – Legends/ASM Global Q&A: Tom Lynch – Live Nation

4 6 10 18 25 34 38 78 90

Market profiles Africa Egypt Kenya Nigeria Rwanda Senegal South Africa

22 23 21 22 21 20

Asia China Hong Kong Indonesia Japan Malaysia Philippines Russia Singapore South Korea Taiwan Thailand

26 28 28 30 31 31 33 32 32 33 33

Australasia Australia New Zealand

Cover image Ahoy Rotterdam © Set Vexy

Directory Advertiser index

35 37

Europe Austria 39 Belgium 40 Balkans: Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Romania, Serbia 41 Baltic States: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania 41 Czechia 42 Denmark 44 Finland 45 France 46 Germany 49 Greece 53 Hungary 53 Ireland 53 Italy 54 Luxembourg 55 Norway 56 Poland 58 Portugal 60 Slovakia 61 Slovenia 61 Spain 62 Sweden 66 Switzerland 68 The Netherlands 68 Türkiye 71 United Kingdom 72 Ukraine 76

Latin America Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Costa Rica Ecuador Paraguay Peru Puerto Rico Uruguay

80 83 82 81 83 85 84 81 84 85 81

Middle East Bahrain Israel Kuwait Saudi Arabia UAE

86 86 86 88 88

North America Canada Mexico USA

91 96 93

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GREENER, LEANER, SMARTER, SHARPER Fan expectations, rising costs, packed calendars, and pressure on climate action… it may be a boom time for arenas, but that doesn’t mean the challenges have gone away. AEG Europe’s COO John Langford shares how the company is responding – and what it reveals about the future of live entertainment spaces.

6 Global Arena Guide 2025

A

cross Europe and beyond, demand for live entertainment at arena level is surging, but so too are the pressures that come with it. “The appetite for live events, combined with a healthy supply of content, has never been stronger, and this is a trend that we see extending well beyond the borders of our current markets,” says Langford. That demand is driving faster timelines, new touring models, smarter venues, and a tighter focus on sustainability, efficiency, and experience.

While the arenas business never stands still, it feels very much like this is a golden period for the sector. With new venues breaking ground in Asia, the Middle East, and across Europe, existing arenas are adapting fast – upgrading infrastructure and investing in fan experience to stay competitive.

Asia features heavily in AEG’s development plans.

“Expanding our presence in Asia is a significant focus for us, as the region is becoming a global hub for concerts, sports, and cultural events, attracting both international and local talent,” he says. “We are shaping this evolution by investing in state-of-the-art venues across key markets, including Thailand, Japan, and China.”

One of those projects, the 17,500-capacity IG Arena in Nagoya, Japan, was set to open as the Global Arena Guide went to press. In Europe, the company has plans for a new 8,500-capacity venue in Edinburgh. Langford keeps details of

John Langford | Interview further sites under wraps but hints at more to come: “We continually monitor global market activity by analysing touring patterns and audience response to identify opportunities for new arena-sized venues. Currently, we have several exciting projects in the works.”

And while arenas have never been busier, so too have stadium shows. “What’s interesting is that this has not had any impact on arena-level activity,” says Langford. “The volume of forward bookings across our portfolio is the strongest we have seen.”

That strength brings its own challenges, particularly around calendar avails. “Our programming teams are the best in the business, continually juggling limited availability to deliver a vast array of live experiences from music, comedy, sport, and more. Demand from first-time productions, upcoming arena talent, and more requests for innovative productions, our programming teams are motivated to begin conversations with promoters early and are working collaboratively to bring the most sought-after shows to our venues. At the same time, we are also seeing lead times for certain shows getting shorter, with some shows announcing, selling out, and taking place within just a few months.”

Langford points to a rise in flexibility as well as volume.

While markets like London and Berlin remain central to the European touring circuit, AEG is eyeing the potential of smaller venues. “London and Berlin are important cultural capitals and primary markets on the European touring route.

We are confident that both markets are well-served from an arena perspective in the current landscape but see great potential at the smaller and mid-size level venues to provide further gateways for entry-level artists. The Uber Eats Music Hall in Berlin is a great example of this, unique in its position in the German market as it is purpose-built for live music.”

The way artists tour is also shifting. While global tours

A self-serve bar at The O2 © Luke Dyson

C2C festival © Luke Dyson

still anchor the calendar, residencies are growing in prevalence – and not just for legacy acts. “For almost 20 years, The O2 has been synonymous with major artist residencies, from Prince’s iconic 21 nights in London back in 2007, to Elton John, Queen + Adam Lambert, and most recently, ten nights of Usher.

“Increasingly, we are seeing major artists choosing to anchor their activities in key markets, whether it be a multinight block or a monthly residency, such as Peter Kay’s record-breaking residency that has kept audiences laughing at The O2 since December 2022.”

He says there’s more to it than convenience. “At a time when rising costs are impacting every aspect of live touring, artist residencies can offer a cost-effective opportunity for big productions, as well as more sustainable touring solution by reducing emissions from travelling stages, crew, and performers from city to city.”

Sustainability is fundamental to most arenas operating today, and The O2 has been at the forefront of some of the most innovative measures, including the first carbon-removed show, with The 1975 in February 2024 (see last year’s Global Arena Guide). “We strive to ensure that considered environmental action is at the heart of our business and

© Luke Dyson

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THE NEW ARENA BOOM

An artist's impression of Hamilton Arena

All over the world, new arenas are taking shape, from major capitals to fast-growing regional hubs.

Ben Lee spotlights the projects set to open in the near future.

North America Hamilton Arena Ontario, Canada Scheduled reopening date: late 2025 Not a brand-new arena, per se, but a total renovation of an existing space. Oak View Group (partnering with Live Nation) is involved with transforming the FirstOntario Centre, enabling it to scale up to 18,000 capacity for concerts.

There will be 100 events planned per year, with Andrea Bocelli already booked for this December. It’s estimated to have cost CA$290m and includes the acoustical panelling featured across many OVG venues and a 10x10m support rigging that can accommodate larger touring shows.

OVG CEO Tim Leiweke says it will “completely transform the downtown area with its accessibility, technology-forward improvements, and priority on sustainability.”

10 Global Arena Guide 2025

Mobile Arena Mobile, Alabama, US Scheduled opening date: 2027 The $237m project to replace the Civic Center aims to entice more acts to stop by and perform in the scalable 10,000-cap venue. Concerts, family shows, and sporting events will make up the programme.

The 22-acre site has been designed to support the city’s Mardi Gras traditions, with multiple ballrooms and space for conventions. Conrad Albrizio’s 1965 mosaics that were displayed in the foyer of the old arena will also feature in the new building.

Mobile’s mayor, Sandy Stimpson, says OVG’s experience will “turn this new venue into a hub for entertainment, culture, and community on the Gulf Coast.”

Latin America Arena Primavera Medellín, Colombia Scheduled opening date: 2026 The fast-growing Colombian market is set to improve even further once Arena Primavera is completed. The 16,250-cap venue is part of an urban renewal master plan that is being redeveloped over a 55,000 sqm area.

The New Arena Boom | Feature The five-storey arena will programme around 75 events annually and welcome 600,000 visitors, with 1,000 direct and indirect jobs generated per event.

Designers HOK have implemented a changing LED façade, while natural ventilation and water conservation systems will position the arena as the country’s first carbon-neutral venue.

Arena Primavera will cost around $55m and is funded by consortium CLK Group, who own Movistar Arena in Bogotá.

CLK strategy director Gabriel Sanchez Olea says: “This new venue will complement Movistar Arena Colombia, strengthening Colombia’s position as a must-visit destination for artists touring South America. This is yet another step in our commitment to the country and the incredible talent of our people.”

Europe Arena Brno Brno, Czechia Scheduled opening date: late 2026 Arena Brno is set to become one of the busiest arenas in Europe as it will be the home of ice hockey team HC Kometa Brno and will host Oktagon MMA matches. The venue will be able to seat just over 12,000, which can extend to 14,000 for concerts, with plans to programme a mixture of music, family shows, and sport.

Technical specifications include a 100-ton rigging capacity over the stage, 30m ceiling height, and retractable elements to build the stage away from the performance area.

The arena confirmed it would book in-house but is also collaborating with local and international promoters. The chairman of the venue’s board of directors, Petr Kratochvíl, says he could not “confirm anything 100% yet” regarding who it will work with but that “everything is going according to plan.”

Cardiff Atlantic Wharf Arena Wales, UK Scheduled opening date: 2026 Cardiff Atlantic Wharf Arena is part of a wider 30-acre regeneration project for Cardiff Bay. The venue was projected to have a capacity of 17,000 to host a mix of events that could be scaled down to 3,500-capacity.

But according to Architects’ Journal, the arena’s height, width, and length have shrunk, reducing the venue’s capacity from 17,000 to 15,348, due to inflation causing construction costs to jump from £180m to £280m, according to Wales Online.

It was reported that Live Nation (in partnership with OVG and Cardiff City Council) invested £100m into the arena.

Cardiff City Council estimates 1m people will visit each year and says it could create £92m in annual spend and help stimulate an additional 1,000+ jobs in the area.

YTL Arena Bristol, UK Scheduled opening date: 2027/2028 The YTL Arena confirmed last year that it would be delaying opening for concerts. However, the Malaysian developer and naming-rights partner has since announced a £2bn investment injection to support the wider Brabazon Bristol development project so that progress could continue.

The 19,500-capacity, carbon-neutral arena will transform Filton Airfield’s hangars (where Concorde was built), into the

→

Arena Brno

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Regions | Africa

Africa Rebecca

Gearhouse SA, The Dome represents a major step forward in South Africa’s domestic live infrastructure. With a seated/ standing capacity of 10,500 and an expansive 6,000 sqm of event space, the venue is purpose-built for concerts, conferences, exhibitions, and product launches.

“This venue is not just about scale,” said Justin Van Wyk, head of Big Concerts and Live Nation South Africa. “It’s about creating new opportunities for South African fans to experience global-level productions while also spotlighting local and regional [Pan-African] acts.”

The venue was launched with a headline show by Nigerian artist Tems in March 2025, with ticket prices ranging from ZAR1,310 for VIP access to ZAR800 for general admission.

In Pretoria, SunBet Arena (10,500) is in an entertainment precinct that includes hotels, casinos, and conference facilities. Tyla, Bobby Womack, Cigarettes After Sex, Lauren Daigle, and others havefrom performed there recently.

What can arenas learn other industries?

“We’ve SunBet tobeen be a major holistic solution, such that Retail and built aviation have sources of inspiration clients only my need to worry about theare artist while we take throughout career.

Both sectors fast-moving and care of everything else,” Portelli, events and focused on delivering forsays the Lara customer – and that’s where entertainment “We also continuously invest in arenas need tomanager. be. refurbishing seating, updating and technical specs Retail moves so fast, and itlighting is all about agility. Look at to keep the venuehave competitive.” how high streets changed – it’s about staying ahead of 2024, SunBet Arena hosted 60 events, selling 275,000 theIn curve and pivoting when something isn’t working. tickets, despite ait’s dipthe from the–previous year due to travel that In aviation, tech seamless digital journeys advisories andand election-related The arena reduce stress enhance the cancellations. experience. Airport retailhas is big introduced efficientthe crowd ingress systems such pre-entry business. "Reduce stress of making it to theas plane and I’ll scanning wristbanding nearby restaurants.

Portelli also consumeand at leisure."

It’s theatsame formula in arenas. spoke of the broader challenges and opportunities of placing South Africa a more cohesive global touring “We’ve How are you on thinking about sustainability – notcircuit. just in design tried to encourage through Dubai and then into and operations butrouting in terms of long-term audience and Africa, ending in South Africa,” she says. “There’s amazing infrastructure community impact? in Lagos and Kigali, too; ideally, artists move from The pandemic reminded us just we'd how see much we all need spaces Egypt to Nigeria, Rwanda, and then down to us.

But just that kind of to connect, celebrate, and escape.

Venues aren’t coordinated circuit still isn’t functioning as it should.” buildings – they’re a vital part of community life.

Sustainability is baked into how we operate. Co-op Live, for instance, is Europe’s first all-electric arena – powered by renewables, with rainwater harvesting, solar energy, and heat pumps. This helps make tangible impacts on the local area. In Manchester alone, we support over 12,000 jobs, with 80% of the Co-op Live workforce living within ten miles of the venue.

Long-term sustainability means being a responsible neighbour and a positive force for economic and social good – that’s what drives us.

Kane-Burton OVG International

Rebecca Kane Burton, executive VP of venue management at OVG, discusses the future of South Africa the venue industry.

Population: 60.4m

Having delivered some ofXhosa, the world’s mostEnglish high-profile arenas Languages: 12 incl.

Zulu, Afrikaans, South African rand (ZAR) GDP per $13,960 –Currency: why is refurbishing existing venues just ascapita: important to OVG Internet users: as building new45.34 ones?Mobile connections: 118.6m We’re focused on finding the optimum solution for each South Africa’s considerable reliability in infrastructure market.

While new builds, like Co-op Live [in the UK] areand audience readiness makes the top anchorin for continental transformative, we also seeithuge potential existing routing. With the opening of The Dome Johannesburg, the infrastructure.

Sometimes a venue just in needs a mini facelift country doubling improved down on its position as a premier – better is acoustics, flow, or an enhanced fan destination–for live entertainment in Africa. experience toarena-level restore its competitiveness.

A great example UnveiledArena in 2025, through a partnership betweenhas Livebeen is Hamilton in Ontario, where our investment Nation, Big Concerts, Stadium Management South Africa, and laser-focused on ensuring it can regain its competitive edge.

What’s also critical is understanding the specific market you are operating in. No two markets are the same, and The Dome, success lies in identifying your unique edge – what makes Johannesburg your offer stand out – and delivering that within your venue with precision. Staying close to industry trends and understanding your competitors is essential, but knowing your strengths is what truly sets you apart.

What defines a great customer experience in arenas today – and where do venues still fall short?

The gold standard is simple: seamless, stress-free, memorable experiences. That includes intuitive queuing systems; streamlined and effective security; and ensuring every touchpoint within the venue is user-friendly. Technology is critical here – using it to speed up delivery, personalise experiences, and reduce friction at every stage of the fan journey.

One of the biggest opportunities that we continue to focus on is premium. Requirements have shifted massively recently; we invest thought and ingenuity, not just at the top end but across a range of budgets. Tailored tiered experiences are where we continue to see huge growth potential.

One common pitfall? Poor staff training – especially when it comes to outsourced teams. At OVG, we outsource very little, but we train all staff, whether they’re in-house or third-party, as one unified team. The fan doesn’t care who you work for – they just want a great night out.

34 Global Arena Guide 2025 20

With so many new venues coming online globally, what will set the best arenas apart in the next decade?

Three things: sound, service, and staying power.

Sound is fast becoming the key differentiator. Artists, fans, and promoters want venues where the audio experience is second to none. At Co-op Live, we’ve designed acoustics that are worldclass, because we know that’s what artists and fans deserve.

Then there’s service. F&B can no longer be an afterthought – it’s a core part of the fan experience. An amazing setlist paired with sub-par food doesn’t cut it. Venues need to match the ambition of their shows with hospitality to match.

Finally, relevance. The best venues will be those that stay agile – identifying emerging trends, adapting to fan Thousands of expectations, and ensuring they’re always one step ahead. professionals read We’re in a competitive, choice-rich market – and it’s IQthe every day. Make venues that evolve fast that will lead the next decade. sure you get the

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Australasia | Regions

Australasia

Australia Population: 26.7m Language: English Currency: Australian dollar (AUD) GDP per capita: $59,600 Internet users: 25.3m Mobile connections: 29.1m

Australia is a territory that, despite a relatively small population comparative to land mass, performs strongly. But its geographical position, especially in an age of sharply rising transportation costs, presents a number of ongoing challenges for its future growth.

Michael Scott, general manager of the 16,500-cap RAC Arena in Perth, says, “Live entertainment is thriving” in the city and that consumers there do spend on live music. “Although the cost-of-living pressures continue, people are still willing to spend their discretionary income on experiences,” he says.

Even so, it is an ongoing challenge for the city, but efforts are afoot to mitigate against the many issues and complications there. “Perth’s isolation continues to pose a challenge when securing international touring acts,” says Scott. “Cost of living hasn’t only impacted households but has also significantly increased the cost of bringing shows to the west coast of Australia. Our event procurement manager is working closely with the key stakeholders across government and industry to find viable, sustainable solutions.”

He adds, “There continues to be a considerable demand for live entertainment from Perth fans, so we are determined to overcome these obstacles and keep bringing world-class acts to town.”

While acts will, for economic and logistic reasons, skip over Perth, those who do play there – including Hozier, Drake, Iron Maiden, Gracie Abrams, Katy Perry, Teddy Swims, and Tyler, the Creator – will more often than not see their shows sell out due to the considerable pent-up demand in the city.

As Scott highlights, a common issue for Australian venues to navigate is that it is increasingly expensive and complex for international tours to include the country. On the other side of the continent, Steve Hevern, general manager of the 21,389cap Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, says the knock-on effect for Australian consumers is that ticket prices are having to rise in order to make international tours more economically viable for acts and promoters. This does not always mean consumers are being put off from attending, but there is a degree of conservatism impacting spending here.

“We are not noticing a drop in spend during a show,” he says, “but it means patrons are being more selective with the number of events they attend.”

He does reveal, however, that the growing cultural cosmopolitanism in Australia is unlocking new opportunities, especially for acts outside of dominant touring nations like the UK and US.

→

ICC Sydney © Dean Lewis

Cairns Convention Centre

Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney

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Regions | Asia

Asia China Population: 1.4bn Languages: Mandarin, Standard Chinese, Cantonese, Xiang Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY) GDP per capita: $22,100 (2023) Internet users: 1.2bn Mobile connections: 1.9bn

The Venetian Arena The live music landscape in China is vast, varied, and absolutely thriving, with reports suggesting that as of October 2024, over 750,000 performances had taken place throughout the country, selling in excess of 34m tickets and generating over ¥18bn, with an average ticket costing ¥524.

When it comes to arenas, large-capacity spaces are on offer throughout the country’s provinces and regions, and international stars are increasingly plotting dates within China as part of their global touring plans. Ed Sheeran, for example, recently opted to complete a six-performance stint at the 80,000-capacity Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium, with further international stars including Imagine Dragons completing dates over the past 12 months, as well as Kanye West receiving rare approval to host two listening parties and 70,000 spectators at the Wuyuan Stadium in Haikou.

Traditionally a difficult territory for international artists to access due to strict visa requirements and strongly enforced cultural rules, recent touring activity has seen a number of prominent international acts making their way to the territory – and multiple large-capacity arenas throughout the mainland have been available to host them. The Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai for example, formerly known as the Shanghai World Expo Cultural Center, can accommodate a seated crowd of 18,000 people, and in 2024, the venue hosted concerts from international artists such as James Blunt and OneRepublic, with two dates expected from Hans Zimmer this year.

The recently redeveloped Beijing Workers’ Complex includes a 68,000-capacity stadium, which presented two gigs from Mariah Carey in 2024. Built in the 1950s and occupying more than 80,000 square metres, the venue received a number of upgrades recently to make it more environmentally and economically sustainable.

And another venue that has received significant upgrades

26 Global Arena Guide 2025

can be found at The Venetian Arena, in China’s special administrative region of Macau.

The Venetian Arena can host 1,000 people for dinner events and up to 14,000 spectators for ring sport events and is amongst a suite of arena venues in Macau that are primed to host international touring acts. “Being a tiny island, the audience is primarily tourists from China,” says Colin Dwyer, the arena’s senior technical director for entertainment. “It is highly unlikely most international shows would have the opportunity to schedule a date in Southern China, but they are attracted to Macau, which is a bustling entertainment hub often compared to Las Vegas. This gives those acts an opportunity for their fans to see them live and grow their fanbase.”

The Venetian Arena hosted 45 shows in 2023, six in 2024, before closing for nine months of renovation work, and anticipates presenting around 45 performances in 2025. As part of the renovation, 15 VIP suites were introduced, along with ten VIP sky boxes, a meet-and-greet suite, a couple of star dressing rooms, a broadcast room, and over 1,500 brand-new lighting fixtures. LED corner screens and an L-Acoustics K1/K2 audio system were installed, the rigging loading capacity to the spaceframes was increased, and new retractable seating was introduced. Alongside international acts, the venue ensures to programme popular genres from neighbouring territories: “Cantopop and K-pop are the most successful in this market,” says Dwyer. “We also do a bit of live broadcast variety shows for the Chinese market. It is common to have at least four arenas operating on a Saturday night in Macau, and currently Thousands of there are several daily resident shows in theatres asprofessionals well. read Recent international shows include Green Day, AlanIQ Walker, every day. Make Andrea Bocelli, Plácido Domingo, Charlie Puth, and Westlife.” sure you get→the

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Europe | Regions

Europe

Austria Population: 9.1m Language: German Currency: Euro (EUR) GDP per capita: $56,000 Internet users: 8.2m Mobile connections: 13.4m

Austria’s live entertainment market is “currently very dynamic and on a strong upward trajectory, especially in regard to international acts,” according to Leonard Roth, head of marketing at historic Vienna arena Wiener Stadthalle.

The 16,000-capacity venue hosted more than a million audience members at more than 300 events in 2024 and has a packed calendar through the rest of this year, including major gigs by the likes of Billie Eilish, Green Day, and Lionel Richie.

Though it doesn’t attract quite as many big names, the last year has been similarly successful for Olympiahalle Innsbruck, a 10,000-cap arena in Austria’s mountainous western region. Around 170,000 visitors attended events at the venue in 2024 – its second most successful year of the past two decades.

Thousands of

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Regions | Latin America

Latin America

Argentina Population: 47.6m Language: Spanish Currency: Argentine peso (ARS) GDP per capita: $27,100 (2023) Internet users: 41.2m Mobile connections: 64.7m

Buenos Aires was one of the locations for Primavera Sound’s 2024 Latin America edition, which due to “external difficulties” that didn’t guarantee a successful production, failed to take place. But the capital has still been an attractive market for global touring artists. Coldplay sold out ten nights at River Plate stadium in 2022, Taylor Swift brought her Eras Tour in 2023, and Oasis will be returning there this year.

The 7,500-capacity Luna Park had to quash rumours in February that it was being demolished despite Live Nation and DF Entertainment securing a 20-year lease at the end of 2024 from its co-owners across two branches of the catholic church. The deal includes a $34m investment to increase the capacity to 13,000, so the 93-year-old venue can rival fellow Buenos Aires location Movistar Arena.

The Grupo La Nación-owned and Legends/ASM Globalmanaged 15,0000-capacity Movistar programmed 190 shows in 2024. Despite international shows thinning out, the venue still had Kendrick Lamar, Sting, and Iron Maiden perform, with Nile Rodgers & Chic and Katy Perry scheduled for later this year. Elsewhere in the capital, the 4,700-capacity Estadio Obras Sanitarias hosted St. Vincent, Garbage, Franz Ferdinand, and The Kooks, and the 12,000-capacity Tecnópolis hosted the Quilmes Rock festival in April.

Outside of the capital, Neuquén’s Estadio Ruca Che has mostly been attracting local talent to its multipurpose 8,000-capacity arena. Hip-hop artists YSY A, hard rockers Airbag, and cumbia star Ke Personajes have all played in the Patagonian city. Córdoba’s Quality Arena is one of the standout locations, with its 7,500 standing, 6,400 mixed seating/standing, and 4,200 seated capacities. Ignacio Taier, COO of Grupo Q, has also seen international shows decrease but is positive on the outlook for the Argentinian market.

“Generally, the health of the live entertainment market in Argentina is good,” he says. “We are promoting more shows.

National artists are filling arenas. We have concerns with costs but that is a constant globally. The rise in costs is mostly for technical requirements, so costs have gone up and

80 Global Arena Guide 2025

Movistar Arena, Buenos Aires

margins have gone down.”

Despite rising costs, it’s a busy 12 months ahead for Quality Arena, which also has sister venues with the 1,500– 3,500-cap Quality Espacio and 300–400-cap Quality Teatro.

“We’re fully booked and have a lot pencilled in. We promote more than 200 shows per year. In the arena, we have 80 shows this year, mainly booked on weekends.”

He says scaling down to 3,000–4,000 capacity is a growing trend for artists who want that versatility, as shows with US pop duo Ha*Ash, Australian soft rockers Air Supply, and Puerto Rican rapper Young Miko have done well at this scale. Trap, rap, and urban genres continue to dominate, with Emilia Mernes selling 12,000 tickets over two dates. Latin pop is another hugely popular genre with Mexico’s Cristian Castro and Colombia’s Camilo selling at the 3,000–4,000 scale, too.

National rock star Fito Páez sold 6,400 tickets.

Taier says technical improvements have been a focus at Quality Arena. “We prepare our arena to make the fan and artist experience the best we can. We are developing our premium seating, with boxes at the back of the arena, and improving our food and beverage for new revenue streams.

“We aim to always have a plug-and-play arena to reduce costs and make it easier for artists. We recently bought the new PANTHER sound system from Meyer Sound as an important improvement for artists, because when they come to Latin America, they do not find the best equipment, so we’re investing in this.”

Latin America | Regions

Santiago, Chile

Chile Population: 18.7m Language: Spanish Currency: Chilean peso (CLP) GDP per capita: $29,500 Internet users: 18.6m Mobile connections: 31m

Chile was well ahead of the curve in the South America arena chase, and that’s down to businessman Peter Hiller. He bought an old arena in the capital and reopened it in 2006 as Arena Santiago, before rechristening it as the Movistar Arena and upping its capacity to 17,000 in 2008.

His foresight has been rewarded again and again. At the end of 2024, Movistar Arena ranked first in South America and fourth worldwide in ticket sales and is one of the pillars of Be Live Entertainment Group, which, under Hiller’s son Daniel, owns and operates Movistar Arenas in Santiago and Bogotá, Colombia, as well as promoter Bizarro Live.

Daniel Hiller has predicted an over-supply of concerts in the Chilean market this year, in response to an election in November and a wobbly economy. Needless to say, it’s looking busy: Hozier, Picus, Trueno, Zúmbale Primo, Beéle, Norah Jones, El Quarteto de Nos, and Quevedo represented about three weeks of impending shows at the time of writing, with many more to come through the Chilean winter, which runs into September.

Paraguay Population: 7.5m Languages: Spanish, Guaraní Currency: Paraguayan guaraní (PYG) GDP per capita: $15,800 Internet users: 5.8m Mobile connections: 9.2m

Asunción’s 5,500-capacity SND Arena works hard, with recent shows by Duki, Roberto Carlos, Andrés Calamaro, Ana Gabriel, and others. But with a young population, a strengthening economy, and a propitious location between Argentina and Brazil, in the midst of the increasingly feverish South American touring circuit, the Paraguayan capital dreams of more.

The signs are that it might soon get it, in the form of the $207m Smart Arena, scheduled for 2027. Planned for a site close to downtown Asunción on the banks of the Paraguay River, near the newly built Héroes del Chaco Bridge, the

15,000-capacity, HOK-designed arena is the brainchild of local promoter Walter Ayala.

It will offer a range of entertainment options, including a wax museum dedicated to music history, a walk of fame, themed restaurants, a convention centre, and a hotel. But most of all, it will integrate a variety of sustainable practices and smart technologies, including clean and renewable energy, high standards of water management, sustainable mobility, responsible purchasing, and the creation of large green areas.

“We aspire to be the first carbon-neutral arena in South America, and although we have just entered the design phase, we are in the financial structuring process,” says Smart Arena CEO Federico González. “Next month, we will start running our own ticketing business, and by the end of the year, we are aiming to have in place a smaller venue for 5,000 people, right in front of the main project.”

Uruguay Population: 3.4m Language: Spanish Currency: Uruguayan peso (UYU) GDP per capita: $31,000 Internet users: 3.2m Mobile connections: 7.2m

“If we build it, they will come” is the mantra of the cities that believe that the right facility will put them on a lucrative touring map, and Montevideo’s Antel Arena is often the type of arena they mention.

Opened just over a year before Covid, the Legends/ASM Global-managed arena has made Uruguay, as small as it is, a no-brainer stop on the booming South American circuit. Across regional and international concerts, festivals, exhibitions, fairs, sports tournaments, and family shows, Antel Arena hosts an average of more than 300,000 people per year. In 2025, to date, you could have seen The Pretenders, Erreway, Duki, Tan Biónica, and others, with Kylie, Manuel Turizo, and Babasónicos on the horizon.

Another key venue in the Uruguayan capital is the Teatro de Verano Ramón Collazo, a 4,235-capacity, open-air entertainment centre in Parque Rodó on the Montevideo promenade.Thousands In of November 2024, the theatre reopened its doors after completing read professionals a second phase of renovations as part of a project improve IQto every day. Make the Rambla – the coastal avenue on which it stands. sure you get the

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Regions | Middle East

Middle East

Tom Lynch

Israel Population: 9.5m Language: Hebrew Currency: Israeli shekel (ILS) GDP per capita: $48,400 (2023) Internet users: 8.6m Mobile connections: 10.4m

Since Hamas launched attacks on Israeli citizens in October 2023 and the subsequent Israeli military assaults on Gaza, international touring to this part of the world has remained significantly limited. While some concert activity has resumed, major international acts continue to approach the region with caution.

Despite ongoing challenges, Israel's concert infrastructure remains operational. Tel Aviv is the main concert hub, with the Menora Mivtachim Arena a key indoor facility, accommodating up to 12,000 fans. The venue has a cutting-edge audio-visual system, featuring a Arena 300 sqm LED cube suspended above operations at MEO in Lisbon and at Helsinki Halli,the central court and an advanced Finland’s premier venue, which TW hasAudio been sound closedsystem. for years.

In really Jerusalem, theabout city-owned Pais the Arena continues We’re excited reopening doors in Helsinki operating as an 11,000-capacity venue across six international levels, later this year and putting the venue back on the hosting mainly domestic performances currently. touring map.

A new multi-purpose arena in Ashdod, designed as a 5,000-seat venue, is expected to serve a regional hub for What trends are you seeing in terms of as changing demands sports, entertainment, andand public The arenavenues forms part from artists and / or fans, howevents. are Live Nation of a largerto sports adapting them?complex that includes a football stadium and Olympic-sized pool.a“The offers Ashdod a new Sustainability swimming is increasingly big arena focus for artists as they cultural that the unites athletics, performance, look for landmark new ways–toone reduce environmental impact of and community integrated landscape,” say touring. Welife seewithin this asaacarefully priority right from the beginning of a architects new venueHQA. project. Munich Arena, for example, will be built to the German Gold Standard for sustainable design and construction, and our sustainability division, Green Nation, will play an integral role in the project from development through to operations and beyond.

We’re really onArabic creating spaces where artists can Population: 4.3mfocused Language: not only perform rest andGDP relax, and record.

Currency: Kuwaitibut dinar (KWD) perrehearse, capita: $35,174 Internet it's users: 4.2m a Mobile connections: 7.5m Whether a gym, kitchen for a private chef, or even a studio space, we are working with artists to ensure our venues Kuwait’s live entertainment is thriving, The Arena are places they feel relaxed,sector comfortable, andwith productive.

Kuwait a standout year inhigh-quality 2024. “Our calendar of Thereporting emergence of increasingly tour events was packed with aartists myriadunderscores of artists from merchandise from Gen-Z the throughout importance the Arab world,” says general manager Ken Jamieson.

“Artists of creating purpose-built retail experiences, which can serve in thenot region a strong andalso loyal fanbase, and or our fans onlyhave at the show, but during the day the day audiences are often boosted by many travelling fans, before. particularly from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman.”

We’re also challenging ourselves to respond proactively venue has hosted an array of Arabic talent, including andThe creatively to fans’ lifestyle choices by offering great Amr Diab, Mutref Miami Band, and Tamer Hosny. vegan menus, as Al-Mutref, well as low-alcohol and alcohol-free drink “We’ve been able to offer a F&B varied programme that brings alternatives as part of our strategy. different audiences into the venue,” Jamieson adds.

Looking ahead, The arena’s 2025 calendar is already full and notably includes Western artists for the first time since its 2022 opening. “Adding Western-focused entertainment gives our calendar a real international flavour,” he says. The venue is also making its mark in sport, having won Padel Tournament of the Year in 2024 and securing the inaugural World Padel Pairs event in 2025.

While Kuwait faces regulatory complexities that can affect live event planning, venues like The Arena Kuwait are working to position the country as a viable stop on regional Thousands of tour routes. “The growth of the event supply industry here professionals read means we can now meet the production demands of IQ global every day. Make tours,” says Jamieson. sure you get the

Live Nation Tom Lynch, president of Live Nation’s EMEA venues division, Bahraininsights into exciting new shares Population: 1.6m Language: Arabic in the industry. markets and trends Currency: Bahraini dinar (BHD) GDP per capita: $29,893 Internet users: 1.6m (99% penetration) Mobile connections: 2.5m (155% penetration)

Tell us briefly you got into the business Bahrain’s live how entertainment market is on a strong growth Itrajectory, joined Live Nation in early 2024, having worked in music, with Al Dana Amphitheatre playing a central role. venues, and live events for over 20 years.

The 10,000-capacity outdoor venue has rapidly evolved from I started out asofashows promoter in grassroots music venues, staging a handful to becoming a full-service ran a couple ofoperator. small record labels, and have had roles as an entertainment event producer, venue operator, management “We went from probably twoand events a month inconsultant the along the way.to My heartevents has always in music,says so it’s a amphitheatre doing acrossbeen the country,” privilege to domanaging what I do director. today. “We’re pretty much sitting Damian Bush, over anything substantial that comes into the country – or Live is involved with some very exciting new spaces, we’reNation delivering it.” suchInasaddition The Dome and the management to in itsJohannesburg flagship venue, the company now of Helsinki Hallemultiple – what'ssites, your impression of the expansion of the programmes including The Quarry (600 cap), global arenaDesert circuitGarden at the moment? the outdoor (1,500), and The National Theater. A definitely seeing momentum and newWe’re 3,500-capacity indoor increasing arena is being retrofitted into opportunity across the global arena right now.

Exhibition World Bahrain, allowing forcircuit extended programming.

The volume of arena tours seems be at“It’ll an “That venue and givesdiversity us year-round capability,” saystoBush. all-time acrossfrom Europe.

Fans want see their favourite cater forhigh everything orchestras andto regional shows to artists in great cities, creating memorable experiences at international concerts and immersive experiences.” world-class venues.

Family and experiential content is a key growth area, Munichais96,000-attendance a great example ofkids’ howfestival. we’re responding following “There’s a to huge that. potential forhe more live thirstWe andwitnessed hunger inthe thehuge region for more,” adds.

“Touring entertainment in the city after Adele’s record-breaking opportunities are definitely increasing.

The region ten-night lasttogether August. better.”

So we’re now developing a is talking residency and working newWith 20,000-capacity venue that willfrom not only create more visitors regularly travelling Saudi Arabia opportunities for fans to enjoy live shows in Bavaria but also via the King Fahd Causeway, cross-Gulf routing is seamless. bring in around €354m acoming year tothrough the local economy.

“Everything substantial Bahrain is either touching us or going through us,” says Bush. “It’s busy – but Which are showing strong growth / are on your radar it’s themarkets right trajectory.” right now?

We are constantly looking for development opportunities in underserved markets across the region, particularly in cities where we believe a new venue could be a catalyst and platform for the whole market to grow, such as Munich or Madrid. We also look for iconic venues where we can add value, like in Helsinki and Lisbon. We recently took over

86 90 Global Arena Guide 2025

Kuwait

“The volume and diversity of arena tours seems to be at an all-time high across Europe. Fans want to see their favourite artists in great cities, creating memorable experiences at world-class venues”

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North America | Regions

North America

Canada Population: 38.8m Languages: English, French Currency: Canadian dollar (CAD) GDP per capita: $55,900 Internet users: 94% of population Mobile connections: 36.5m

Oh, Canada. The northerly neighbour to the live music megalith that is the US holds its own in terms of touring. Despite the potential impacts of US tariffs on the industry and consumers alike, things are looking well across the vast nation.

“Canadians have always had a strong desire for live music

across a wide variety of genres. Right now, we are seeing an increase in the number of international acts from around the world,” says Karen Massicotte, VP of sales, marketing, and business development at PNE, a greater venue campus that includes the 16,000-cap Pacific Coliseum located on the country’s western seaboard.

Massicotte notes Filipino and Taiwanese pop, as well as Punjabi artists, are selling well – “due to the diversity of our region, we see strong consumer responses to international artists out of Asia and India specifically,” she shares.

Additionally, Sabrina Carpenter, beabadoobee, and Kylie Minogue have passed through in recent months.

Configurable between 4,500 to 16,000 guests, the Pacific Coliseum recently upgraded to a DMX lighting system, invested in digital screens, and is set to undergo significant back-ofhouse renovations. Despite seeing an increasing number of shows booked further in advance, complications from US president Donald Trump’s tariffs could impact business.

“We are no longer serving US alcohol products in any of our venues. We also anticipate supply costs for touring artists to be higher, and therefore, the promoters will continue to be looking for more creative opportunities for cost recovery, such as VIP and premium products,” Massicotte says.

In the next province over, Edmonton’s 20,000-capacity Rogers Place (not to be confused with Vancouver’s Rogers Arena or Toronto’s new Rogers Stadium) recently unveiled plans to construct a CA$250m, 2,500-capacity, outdoor event park adjacent to the arena, complete with an amphitheatre.

Programmers are also dialling in on a 5,000-cap theatre-style

→

Zach Bryan at Rogers Place © OEG Sports & Entertainment

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