Newcastle’s O2 City Hall has recently had a makeover that included the addition of removable ground floor seats to increase the venue’s capacity by 600.
The venue, which dates back to 1927, has been upgraded by operators Academy Music Group. The company acquired the location in the English city back in 2019.
The addition of the removable ground floor seating has brought the capacity of the venue up to 2,600, when the ground floor is turned into a standing area. Capacity is 2,000 for all-seater events. The refurbishment also included an upgrade to the facilities with additional toilets, a renovation of the basement bar, as well as the creation of a new bar area at balcony level.
Multiple international and iconic artists have graced the stage at the Grade-ll listed venue, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie and Bruce Springsteen.
This year, the venue is set to welcome the likes of Florence and The Machine, Paul Weller, Dionne Warwick and The Prodigy.
Chief operating officer of the Academy Music Group Graham Walters said: “When we acquired O2 City Hall Newcastle back in May 2019, we knew that it needed significant adjustments to reinstate it to its former glory and get it firmly back on schedule for major touring acts.
“It’s a stunning room, one that has seen the biggest names in rock and pop over the last four decades. Investment in modern facilities – including the option to have an all-standing auditorium – had to be on the agenda to offer flexible space, as well as keeping a seated configuration.”
Walters added: “This way, we can hugely extend the variety of live music and events to tour in Newcastle and make sure we preserve its future for people and the community to enjoy for generations to come.”
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