A multi-million pound sponsorship deal has been struck, securing a new name for Filton’s planned 20,000-capacity arena.
The landmark agreement between developers YTL and major insurer Aviva will now see the entertainment venue named Aviva Arena. The partnership marks a major milestone in the delivery of the 20,000-capacity venue, which is expected to open late 2028.
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 innovation, sustainability and community impact.”
The partnership comes as the latest addition to Aviva’s portfolio of venues, joining their stadium in Dublin and studio in Manchester.
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.”
An estimated 1.4 million people are expected to attend events at Aviva Arena each year. It has been approximated that the entertainment complex will contribute £1 billion to the local economy over its first decade of operation.
Image: YTL. A CGI of inside the arena at full capacity.
The project will create more than 2,000 jobs during construction and a further 500 permanent jobs once the arena is operational.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said: “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.”
The announcement was made a special event at Aerospace Bristol, which featured UK No1 artist, Tom Grennan, who delivering a six-song set beneath the Concorde. His performance set the tone for the live music, sport and entertainment that Aviva Arena expects to attract.
Aviva Arena will be fully electric and is targeting carbon- neutral operations, in support of Bristol’s environmental goals.
Work has already begun to transform the Brabazon Hangars, the former aircraft production site, into the music venue. Other development work is planned to build new schools, community facilities, parks and public squares.
In his speech, Colin Skellett, CEO of YTL UK Group, said: “We’re not building houses, we’re building communities.”
He elaborated on travel plans including a ‘Bristol Circle Line’ to connect the Brabazon site to wider areas in Bristol such as Parkway and Temple Meads.
Further updates will be available at the newly launched website: AvivaArena.co.uk