YTL Live has announced that insurer Aviva will be the partner for Bristol’s new 20,000-capacity indoor arena.
The operating company for the new live entertainment complex has agreed the long-term multi-million-pound sponsorship agreement including naming rights for the venue, which will be known as Aviva Arena when it opens in late 2028.
It will be one of the largest venues in the country and a first of its kind for the West of England. An estimated 1.4 million people are expected to attend live music, sport and entertainment at Aviva Arena each year.
Tom Grennan performed at the naming-rights launch at Aerospace Bristol.
Work has commenced to transform the Brabazon Hangars, birthplace of the UK’s Concorde supersonic jets, into a live entertainment destination. The entire complex, called YTL Live, will house Aviva Arena in the central and largest of the three Brabazon Hangars, as well as a conference and exhibition space.
It is expected to contribute an estimated £1 billion to the wider Bristol economy over the first decade of operation. A new train station is due to open later this year.
The Aviva Arena is expected to host more than 120 major events every year, establishing the venue as a leading international arena for artists.
The project will create more than 2,000 jobs during construction, with up to a further 500 permanent roles once the arena is operational.
CEO of YTL Live, Andrew Billingham, said: “Aviva Arena will be one of the most exciting and sustainable live entertainment venues anywhere in the world, and we are incredibly proud to welcome Aviva as our naming partner.
“This long-term partnership brings together two organisations with shared values around nnovation, sustainability and community impact. Aviva Arena will put Bristol firmly on the global touring map, delivering unforgettable experiences for fans and artists alike while creating lasting benefits for the city and the wider region.”
Aviva Arena will be one of the most exciting and sustainable live entertainment venues anywhere in the world, and we are incredibly proud to welcome Aviva as our naming partner
Andrew Billingham
He added: “Tom Grennan is the perfect star to help launch the Aviva Arena. As an arena-filling artist in his own right, he sets the tone for the calibre of world-class performers who will take to this stage in the years to come.
“And just as importantly, the Arena will become a platform for local talent to grow, thrive, and shine. We are already exploring ways to support emerging artists who are building their audience and fanbases. Our aim is clear: to ensure that Aviva Arena contributes positively and sustainably to the entire live-music landscape, from emerging talent to headline artists.”
Dame Amanda Blanc, Group CEO of Aviva, said: “Bristol is an important city for Aviva, and we are proud to back this new world-class arena which will have such a positive community impact. Aviva Arena will further strengthen Bristol’s position as one of Europe’s great creative cities and become a landmark destination for the South West of England. Together with the Aviva Stadium in Dublin and Aviva Studios in Manchester, Aviva now supports three iconic venues which host the very best in sport, music and the arts, delivering lasting economic and social value.”
Colin Skellett, CEO of YTL UK Group, said: “Securing Aviva as the naming partner for the arena marks a defining moment in our journey to create one of Europe’s most exciting live entertainment destinations. This partnership is a powerful vote of confidence in our vision for YTL Live and for the future of Bristol as a world-class cultural hub.
“Our partnership with Aviva represents a major milestone in delivering a venue that will raise the bar for live entertainment in the UK and drive substantial long-term benefits for Bristol and the wider region. We are proud to be bringing the Brabazon Hangars back to life for a new generation.”
The Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “Aviva and YTL’s landmark sponsorship commitment is a powerful endorsement of the UK as a world-class place to build, to do business and to grow – exactly the kind of long-term investment this government is backing right across the country. It’s good news for people across the West of England, creating thousands of jobs and putting the region firmly on the global map for live entertainment.”
Once the arena opens, Aviva will offer its customers a range of exclusive benefits, including a 48-hour ticket pre-sale window ahead of general release, priority venue access, ticket upgrades, in-venue discounts and a programme of unique experiences.
The venue will feature 20 state-of-the-art dressing rooms, extensive production facilities, flexible end-stage or centre-stage configurations, and Europe’s largest services yard, capable of accommodating up to 60 touring lorries simultaneously.
Delivered by YTL Construction UK as main contractor, Aviva Arena will be a fully electric venue and is targeting carbon-neutral operations, supporting Bristol’s environmental goals and reinforcing the city’s reputation as a leader in sustainable urban development.
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