I recently visited the O2 Arena and as there are several people here going to the upcoming Stones gigs there, I thought you might like to see what it's really like. Personally, I think it is the best venue in its 'size category' of any I have visited......but then for the amount of money it has cost, it should be!

Approaching the O2 (formerly 'The Dome')


Inside, with the Arena straight ahead


The main 'street' which curves around inside the Dome and where the 20 bars and restaurants are located


Entrance to the O2 Arena itself


This is Indigo2, the 2000 capacity 'club' venue


Oh yes, they are also building a beach.....which should still be in place when the Stones are there!


Another view of the main 'street'


Not long to wait now.....


Once inside the Arena itself, there are several bars which serve beer, wine and spirits and eating outlets featuring stir-fry, burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, fish & chips, etc.

The show I saw was 'in the round' and so quite different from the Stones set up, but the seating is well spaced and the arena feels smaller than its 23,000 capacity. From my position around 12 rows up in Block 102, the sound and lighting was great.
I am now really looking forward to seeing The Stones play there - should be a fitting way to end the tour. See you there!

Thanks for the photos - attending the indigo2 room, next week.

how was Mr Trousersnake?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2007-07-10 11:10 by Adrian-L.

Adrian-L Wrote:
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> Thanks for the photos - attending the indigo2
> room, next week.
>
> how was Mr Trousersnake?


Sshhh! Not good, - Fergie/Black Eyed Peas in support were better!

Manofwealthandtaste Wrote:
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> Sshhh! Not good, - Fergie/Black Eyed Peas in
> support were better!

god, it must have been bad, if thats the case.

but on to more important matters- how much for a pint??

If I remember someone said its £7 for a small basket of Fish & Chips.

Dont think they mentioned the price of drinks.

madmaxx Wrote:
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> If I remember someone said its £7 for a small
> basket of Fish & Chips.

a '2 for 1 meal deal' at Wetherspoons, pre-show(s), it is then!

I am intending to try eat as much as I can at Breakfast in the Hotel as a Large Buffet is included in the room price.

So hopefully wont need to eat the rest of the day.

Not really keen on Burgers Fish & Chips and the like anyway.

madmaxx Wrote:
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> I am intending to try eat as much as I can at
> Breakfast in the Hotel as a Large Buffet is
> included in the room price.
>
> So hopefully wont need to eat the rest of the
> day.


take a bag to breakfast, with you and fill it with croissants and rolls.

There is a Slug & Lettuce pub (left hand side of street in picture 3) which is probably normal pub prices, didn't check it out. Inside the Arena itself the bars serve draught Becks or Boddingtons at £3.50 a pint.

Manofwealthandtaste Wrote:
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Boddingtons at £3.50 a pint.


good news!

Nice pics. Looks to be quite a place. A beach, eh? Should we all meet there with our buckets and spades? We've had Jaz Beach, should we rename it R&B Beach?

Isnt it time we all started talking about arranging a rendezvous pub for the 02 shows?

Gazza Wrote:
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> Isnt it time we all started talking about
> arranging a rendezvous pub for the 02 shows?

Yes- just choose somewhere big enough.
seems the world and his wife, from the board(s) will be attending!

Gazza Wrote:
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>
> Isnt it time we all started talking about
> arranging a rendezvous pub for the 02 shows?

All for...

Gazza Wrote:
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> Nice pics. Looks to be quite a place. A beach, eh?
> Should we all meet there with our buckets and
> spades? We've had Jaz Beach, should we rename it
> R&B Beach?
>
> Isnt it time we all started talking about
> arranging a rendezvous pub for the 02 shows?


Yep! Well, looking at the photos, it seems to be a great place. And £3.50 for a pint INSIDE the arena, whilst not cheap, is very good for a music venue of it's size.

I really like how it has this 'street' going around the outside of the arena / under the dome, like an indoor street, where you are away from the elements if the weather is bad. Perhaps a bit sterile, but the street lanterns and the trees / plants are a nice touch. Reminds me a little of DisneyWorld or something...?!

It seems there are plenty of pubs and bars there, and I imagine these will open for the public quite early during the day of the show, so, I think we should arrange a meet-up at one of the pubs inside the dome but outside the arena? This way, we have a choice, and also we can settle in with a few drinks knowing that:

1. We are all seated so no need to go inside the arena early.

2. We are 'there' already, so no journey to worry about after the meet-up.

Any thoughts?

I mean, otherwise it's going to be a pub somewhere in the west end / city. And then everyone will be on the trains at the last minute to the O2, with more crowds etc...

_____________________________________________________

What's your favourite flavour?...........Cherry Red!!

A pub reasonably near the venue (or at it) would be ideal, but even better if we sort of had the run of the place (or booked a room etc), which is unlikely if its right beside the place

Pilot Inn
[fancyapint.com]

Not a big pub, but it does have a beer garden, which perhaps we could take over if we got there early enough.

There are very few alternatives that are walking distance to the O2.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2007-07-10 17:13 by barking paul.

would you like to do some 'reconnaissance' work?

Thanks!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2007-07-10 22:19 by TooTough.

Thank you for the guide!

wipeacdc@hotmail.com
never too old or young to rocknroll!!!!!!

I'm doing some work as well...i have a few friends who live there and are scouting out the area.....keep you informed

madmaxx Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am intending to try eat as much as I can at
> Breakfast in the Hotel as a Large Buffet is
> included in the room price.
>
> So hopefully wont need to eat the rest of the
> day.
>
> Not really keen on Burgers Fish & Chips and the
> like anyway.


You should stay at a bed & breakfast - then you could eat the bed for breakfast and needn't worry about getting hungry at the show......................

Hi all,

nice pics.

Far out, gives one a good idea of what to expect inside the "big tent". Thanks for the pics.