Aviva Arena: Bristol’s Landmark 20,000-Capacity Venue Set to Open in 2028

Bristol is preparing to welcome one of the UK’s most ambitious live entertainment venues as Aviva Arena takes shape at Filton Airfield

Scheduled to open in 2028, the 20,000-capacity arena will be the largest live entertainment venue in the West of England, and a major new destination for music, sport and large scale events.

Operated by YTL Live, the arena will form the centrepiece of a wider live entertainment complex and is expected to host more than 120 major events each year.

From Concorde to Concerts: A Historic Bristol Transformation

The arena is being created within the iconic Brabazon Hangars; the historic site where the UK’s Concorde supersonic jets were built. Located at Filton Airfield in north Bristol, the redevelopment will transform the birthplace of Concorde into a state-of-the-art venue designed for global touring productions.

Originally announced in 2020 under the working title YTL Arena Bristol, the project has evolved significantly. Now confirmed as Aviva Arena, the venue is set to become one of the largest arenas in the country and a first of its kind for the region.

Work is already underway to convert the vast hangar space into a world-class entertainment destination. The wider YTL Live complex will also include conference and exhibition facilities, further strengthening Bristol’s appeal as a hub for business events and large-scale gatherings.

A Major Boost for Bristol and the West of England

The impact of Aviva Arena is expected to reach far beyond the stage. Over its first decade of operation, the venue is projected to contribute £1 billion to the local economy. With an estimated 1.4 million visitors attending events annually, the arena is poised to significantly boost tourism, hospitality and the wider regional economy.

The project will also create substantial employment opportunities, including more than 2,000 jobs during the construction phase and up to 500 permanent roles once the arena is operational.

For Bristol and the surrounding areas, this represents a transformative investment in culture, infrastructure and long-term growth.

A New Chapter for Live Entertainment in Bristol

Aviva Arena is designed to place Bristol firmly on the global touring circuit, attracting international artists, sporting events and major productions that previously bypassed the region due to a lack of suitable large-scale venues.

Beyond headline acts, the arena’s vision includes supporting emerging and local talent, ensuring that the venue contributes to the entire live music ecosystem; from grassroots performers to global superstars.

As a long-term naming partner, Aviva adds the Bristol arena to its growing portfolio of major venues, which includes Aviva Stadium and Aviva Studios