OVO Arena Wembley turns 90
It's our birthday!
July 25th 2024
OVO Arena Wembley turns 90 today! To celebrate, we’ll be sharing our incredible journey over the next 9 days, one decade at a time. From our very beginning, we’ve been a trailblazing venue —a space where history is made. Our story is one of innovation, unforgettable performances, and iconic experiences.
1930's
The OVO Arena Wembley first opened its doors as 'Empire Pool and Sports Arena, Wembley' as a premier sporting and leisure facility on July 25, 1934.
Did you know... OVO Arena Wembley was constructed in a record 9 months by a team of 800 workers.
Following the Empire Games, the pool was accessible to the public daily from 7am to midnight, offering excellent amenities such as a sun terrace and a restaurant featuring live band performances each day. Fun fact: The pool still exists today, suspended directly beneath the standing floor!
1940's
It's 2024, and the Summer Olympics are back, but 76 years ago, the Olympic games were held right here at Wembley! In 1948, OVO Arena Wembley, then known as 'Empire Pool and Sports Arena, Wembley' hosted boxing and swimming events in the auditorium.
If you look closely, you can see the boxing ring suspended above the pool. That year, Team GBR proudly took home two silver medals in boxing for the middleweight and light heavyweight categories.
1950's
Now, let's travel back to the 1950s as we continue to celebrate #Wembley90!
Ice hockey and ice skating were major winter attractions at the arena. Regular ice skating sessions and thrilling ice hockey matches kept the venue bustling, with public skating available during breaks from competitions.
As the headquarters of the Wembley Ice Hockey Club, the arena hosted club and international matches every Thursday. The Empire Pool & Sports Arena was also the home ice for two professional teams: the Wembley Monarchs and the Wembley Lions.
1960's
Our #Wembley90 celebrations turn to the 1960s...
Throughout the 1960s, OVO Arena Wembley then known as the 'Empire Pool' hosted NME's annual Poll Winners Concert, bringing the biggest names in rock 'n' roll to our stage. Legendary performers included Cream, The Beach Boys, Cat Stevens, The Animals, Dusty Springfield, Cliff Richard, The Shadows, The Rolling Stones, The Who, and The Beatles.
Notably, the Poll Winners Concert on May 1, 1966, marked the final scheduled live appearance by The Beatles.
1970's
As part of our #Wembley90 celebrations, we're taking a trip back to the 1970s! Check out these ticket stubs from Pink Floyd's unforgettable shows at the Empire Pool, Wembley during the decade.
Fun Fact: Pink Floyd played nine nights at OVO Arena Wembley in the '70s.
1980's
Step back with us to an unforgettable era at OVO Arena Wembley: the 1980s!
The '80s saw legendary performances by Rush, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Talking Heads, Billy Idol, David Bowie, Cliff Richard, and many more.
1990's
We're flashing back to the '90s—an era bursting with pop sensations and iconic boy bands.
The decade featured unforgettable performances by Kylie Minogue, Janet Jackson, Cher, Gloria Estefan, New Kids on the Block, Roxette, Take That, Boyzone, 3T, Backstreet Boys, and the Spice Girls.
Just take a look at how many times these artist have rocked the OVO Arena Wembley stage!
Concert Count
- Boyzone (20)
- Take That (15)
- New Kids on the Block (13)
- Gloria Estefan (12)
- Janet Jackson (9)
- The Spice Girls (8)
- Cher (8)
- Kylie Minogue (7)
2000's
It’s time to revisit the '00s!
In 2005, the arena underwent a major transformation, closing for 14 months for a £35 million refurbishment. We reopened in April 2006 with a new feature: the 'Square of Fame.' Now known as Arena Square, this area honours some of our biggest headliners and serves as a vibrant community gathering spot.
Artist Spotlight: On August 1st, 2006 Madonna performed at OVO Arena Wembley and joined The Sqaure of Fame on Arena Square.
2010's
In 2012, Alice Cooper was honoured as the only international act to headline the venue for five consecutive decades. We cemented his spot in OVO Arena Wembley history, literally, when he put his handprint in Arena Square.
2020's
In the present decade, we continue to reflect on our journey through history and embrace new beginnings. After the COVID-19 pandemic, we were among the first venues to reopen and rebranded as OVO Arena Wembley in 2022.
Enjoy these highlights from January 21, 2023, when Dropkick Murphys electrified the crowd at the newly named OVO Arena Wembley, continuing our tradition of memorable performances as we celebrate 90 years of our iconic venue.
