What The O2 Arena is, for a first-time visitor
The O2 Arena is the roughly 20,000-capacity indoor arena at the center of The O2 entertainment district on the Greenwich Peninsula in southeast London. It is built inside the former Millennium Dome, the huge white tent structure from the 2000 celebrations, and opened in its current form in 2007. Londoners usually just say "The O2." The arena building fills about 40 percent of the dome; the rest holds shops, places to eat and the smaller indigo at The O2 venue.
For a US visitor, the useful comparison is a modern NBA or NHL arena, with a few British habits. Most concerts sell a standing floor (general admission, no seats), and the seating bowl is split into two main tiers: Level 1, the lower tier close to the floor, and the upper tier, whose blocks are numbered in the 400s. Seating sections are called blocks. Premium lounges and suites sit between the tiers.
The short seat answer: for an end-stage concert, Level 1 blocks facing the stage are the best seats in the house, and the upper tier's center blocks opposite the stage are the value pick because the steep rake keeps the stage in view. If you want to be close and do not mind standing for hours, the standing floor is the way, but arrive early.
Understanding the tiers, blocks and standing floor
The floor
For most concerts the floor is standing only, though some shows seat it. The layout changes by production, and the arena floor can also be an ice rink, a basketball court, a boxing ring or a tennis court.
Level 1 (lower tier)
The lower tier wraps the floor with blocks numbered in the 100s; the venue's own pages mention block 101, by a customer service desk, and blocks 107 and 108, where the Terrace bar-stool seating sits. Several Level 1 premium options, such as lounges, the OVO Lounge seats and the Pepsi Deck, are mixed into this tier.
Premium level
Between the tiers are suites and members' clubs, including Club 101 and a suite numbered 337. Single-event packages are sold for some of them.
Upper tier (the 400s)
The upper tier is large and steep, with long rows. A London ticket guide, tickts.co.uk, describes it as running from block 401 to about 420 and notes that the steep rake keeps even the back rows in view of the stage. If heights bother you, ask for a seat a few rows back from the front edge.
Exact block numbers facing the stage change with each production, so check the seating map for your event before you buy.
Best seats for concerts, sport and comedy
End-stage concerts
- Closest: the standing floor. The front is first come, first served, so serious fans queue well before doors.
- Best seated view: Level 1 blocks directly opposite the stage, a little up from the floor, give a clear view over the standing crowd and the full light show.
- Side blocks near the stage: close, but you see performers in profile and may lose the video screens.
- Value: the center of the upper tier opposite the stage. It is high, but the steepness means few heads in your way.
Sports
The arena hosted the ATP Finals tennis from 2009 to 2020 and hosts boxing and WWE events. For ring and court events, center-side Level 1 blocks are best; the upper tier is a long way from a boxing ring, so bring patience for the video board.
Comedy and family shows
Big comedy tours play here too. A seat facing the stage matters more than height, because most of the show is on the screens anyway once you are past the first Level 1 rows.
Seats to think twice about
- Blocks behind or right beside an end stage: sold as restricted view at many shows.
- Extreme upper corners: the longest look in the building.
- The back of a packed standing floor if you are short: a seat in Level 1 will show you more.
Getting to The O2 from central London
Plan the trip like a commute: the arena is east of central London, and most of the 20,000 fans leave at the same time.
- Tube: North Greenwich on the Jubilee line is the nearest station, and its exit opens onto the O2's outside forecourt. The venue says services are frequent before and after major events.
- River boat: Uber Boat by Thames Clippers stops at North Greenwich Pier beside The O2. It is a scenic alternative to the Tube from central London piers.
- Cable car: the IFS Cloud Cable Car crosses the Thames to The O2 and is more sightseeing than transit.
- Bus: routes including the 108, 129, 132, 161, 188, 422, 472 and 486 serve North Greenwich bus station, with night buses on the 108, 188 and 472.
- Driving: on-site car parks take pre-booking on event days, and Car Park 1 has a free drop-off and pickup point.
From any London airport, the venue points travelers to Transport for London's journey planner. Allow extra time after the show; the Tube station gets crowded, and the boat or a short walk to a quieter bus can be faster. Check the O2's travel page before you go.
The A4 bag rule, entry and cloakrooms
The O2's bag rule catches many American visitors. As of 2026, you may bring one bag of A4 size or smaller (A4 is the standard European paper size, about 8.3 by 11.7 inches) or a standard handbag. Backpacks, travel cases and large tote bags are not allowed in the arena, which matters if you are coming straight from your hotel or a day of sightseeing with a backpack.
- Bag storage: paid bag storage sits just outside the main entrance, and American Express cardholders get a free bag drop lane. It closes one hour after the show.
- Cloakroom: for standing-floor ticket holders at entrance E, for coats and small bags, closing 30 minutes after the show.
- Food and drink: finish anything you bought outside before security; empty crushable bottles are allowed and free tap water is available.
- Group tickets: the lead booker may need photo ID matching the ticket name, and the group should enter together.
- Not allowed: professional cameras with detachable lenses, glass or hard bottles, large umbrellas, horns and whistles, and laptops at sporting events.
Accessible seating is on every level, with lifts and step-free concourses. Read the O2's safety and bag page before you go.
From Millennium Dome to one of the world's busiest arenas
After the Millennium Experience closed at the end of 2000, the dome was leased in 2001 for redevelopment as an entertainment complex. Construction of the arena ran from 2003 to 2007. Because cranes could not work inside the dome, the arena roof was built on the ground and lifted into place, and the rest of the building went up around it. The arena was designed to cut the echo common in older arenas.
The O2 sold more than 1.2 million tickets in 2007, its first year, and Wikipedia lists it as the third-busiest music arena in the world by ticket sales as of 2023. Michael Jackson was due to begin a 50-show residency here in July 2009 before his death. During the 2012 Olympics it was called the North Greenwich Arena under sponsorship rules. Storm Eunice shredded part of the dome's fabric roof in February 2022, and the arena reopened within a week. More recent highlights include the 2024 League of Legends World Championship final and a record pro wrestling crowd of 18,992 for AEW's Forbidden Door in August 2025. More history is on the O2 Arena Wikipedia entry.
Frequently asked questions
What is the capacity of The O2 Arena?
About 20,000 for concerts, according to London theater and ticket guides. The exact figure depends on whether the floor is standing or seated.
What size bag can I take into The O2 Arena?
As of 2026, one bag of A4 size or smaller, about 8.3 by 11.7 inches, or a standard handbag. Backpacks and large totes must go to paid bag storage outside.
What is the nearest Tube station to The O2?
North Greenwich on the Jubilee line. The station exit leads straight onto The O2's forecourt.
Is standing or seating better at The O2?
Standing gets you closest but means arriving early and standing all night. A Level 1 block facing the stage gives the best seated view over the crowd.
Are the upper-tier seats at The O2 any good?
The upper tier, with blocks in the 400s, is high but steep, so the center blocks facing the stage still see the whole show. Corners and blocks beside the stage are weaker.
Can I get to The O2 by boat?
Yes. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers stops at North Greenwich Pier beside the venue, and the IFS Cloud Cable Car crosses the river to The O2.