YTL Live, the operating company for the new live entertainment complex in Bristol, has announced Aviva, the UK’s leading diversified insurer, as the new partner of Bristol’s 20,000 capacity indoor arena, marking a major milestone in the delivery of one of Europe’s most ambitious live entertainment venues.
The landmark and long-term multi-million-pound sponsorship agreement secures 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, sports and entertainment at Aviva Arena each year.
Chart‑topping British singer‑songwriter Tom Grennan lit up the naming‑rights launch at Aerospace Bristol, delivering a six‑song set beneath the iconic Concorde. The exclusive performance played out to a packed audience – including the Executive Chair of YTL Corporation, Sir Francis Yeoh, and West of England Mayor, Helen Godwin – all gathered beneath the wings of aviation history.
Work has commenced to transform the iconic Brabazon Hangars, birthplace of all 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, and is expected to contribute an estimated £1 billion to the wider Bristol economy over the first decade of operation.
Located in Brabazon New Town, north Bristol, with a new train station on its doorstep due to open later this year, Aviva Arena is set to become a global destination for live music, sport and entertainment. The Aviva Arena is expected to host more than 120 major events every year, establishing the venue as a leading international ‘must play 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, delivering long-term economic and social benefits for the 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. This long-term partnership brings together two organisations with shared values around innovation, 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,” said CEO of YTL Live, Andrew Billingham.
Aviva Arena becomes the latest addition to Aviva’s portfolio of iconic venues, joining Aviva Stadium in Dublin and Aviva Studios in Manchester, further strengthening the brand’s presence at the heart of culture, sport and live experiences across the UK and Ireland.
Dame Amanda Blanc, Group Chief Executive Officer 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.”