Wembley Arena

Wembley Arena is an indoor venue in north London that hosts concerts, sports events and live entertainment today. The space accommodates around 12,500 people and uses a cantilevered design that keeps the entire floor clear of supporting columns.

The building opened in 1934 as the Empire Pool to host swimming competitions during the British Empire Games that year. After the war, its purpose gradually shifted from aquatic sports to entertainment and dry-floor events.

The arena established a Square of Fame in 2006, with Madonna receiving the first commemorative plaque for her multiple performances.

Visitors should avoid bringing bags larger than 40 by 35 by 19 centimeters (16 by 14 by 7 inches), as security does not allow them inside. Wembley Park station on the Underground provides a direct link to the venue and the city center.

Engineer Sir Owen Williams designed the listed building without involving an architect, creating an unusual precedent in British construction history. The cantilevered concrete structure spans more than 70 meters (230 feet) and ranked among the boldest engineering feats of its kind when completed.

Location: London Borough of Brent

Architects: Arthur Elvin

Official opening: July 25, 1934

Capacity: 12500

Website: https://ovoarena.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 51.55808,-0.28277

Latest update: December 12, 2025 20:59