The world’s most popular music venue has announced the sale of its 15 millionth ticket.
The ticket has been snapped up by an Olly Murs fan to see the star perform at the arena in May. Since opening in 2007, replacing the former Millennium Dome, the iconic London venue has been crowned the world’s number one every consecutive year based on the number of tickets sold.
Playing host to the likes of global music stars Beyonce, The Rolling Stones and Take That, sports such as the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, the only NBA season game to be played outside the US, as well as a host of comedy stars from Michael Macintyre to Monty Python, The O2 has brought the best in entertainment to London and UK audiences for 8 years.
Key statistics for The O2 in 2014:
· 2,068,200 tickets sold to all arena events in 2014, with 1,818742 to music shows
· There were events on 164 days throughout the year with 195 performances in total
· Over 9 million people visited the venue over 12 months including a record breaking 416,858 during the ATP World Tour Finals
· An incredible 14,832 pints of beer were served at the Premier League Darts, the most popular beer drinking event
· The most wine was consumed by Dolly Parton fans at 830 bottles, with white wine the clear favourite
· During the year 67,325 burgers were bought, 17,477 pizzas, 49,105 portions of chips and 13,551 burritos
· 280,462 pints of beer were served, 104,624 pints of cider and 6,380 bottles of champagne were purchased
Since opening as The O2 the venue has hosted 1379 individual performances with Bon Jovi being the very first on 24th June 2007.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “London is the entertainment capital of the world, boasting a rich diversity of venues and cultural attractions. So it is fantastic to hear that The O2, one of our most dynamic and iconic venues, has sold its 15 millionth ticket. This underlines its status as a top draw for Londoners as well as visitors from around the UK and beyond.”
Research conducted by Media Insight Consulting reveals that 30% of the UK population has attended The O2, at least once, since the building opened, rising to 40% for 25-34 year olds.
60% of those questioned said The O2 brings the best artists and bands in the world to London.
