A New Arena for Cardiff, Europe’s Next Great Music City
A new world-class arena is coming to Atlantic Wharf, placing Cardiff at the centre of a major cultural and economic moment.
Authored by Jim Campling, President, UK Marketing Partnerships
A new world-class arena is coming to Atlantic Wharf, placing Cardiff at the centre of a major cultural and economic moment.
Opening in 2028, the 16,500-capacity arena sits at the heart of Cardiff Council’s Atlantic Wharf masterplan, a long-term regeneration project that will reshape the city, significantly boosting the local economy. With new homes, public spaces, hospitality outlets, a cultural centre, hotel and transport links between Cardiff Bay and the city centre, the area is set to become one of the capital’s most dynamic cultural destinations, welcoming audiences from across South Wales and beyond.
A New Cultural Landmark
Construction is well underway on the state-of-the-art facility, which includes a central courtyard, food courts and new public transport links. Inspired by the area’s industrial heritage at the centre of the region’s iron trade, the arena’s design blends historic references with contemporary architecture, creating a distinctive landmark that will be instantly recognisable on the city’s skyline.
Welcoming the World’s Biggest Artists
Designed as a sustainable, future-focused venue, Cardiff Arena will be the venue of choice for big-name stars and their fans. A key destination for Live Nation’s touring business, the arena will attract visitors from across Europe and beyond. From global headline tours to cultural events that celebrate local talent, the arena places Cardiff on the map as Europe’s next great music city.
World-Class Fan Experience
More than a venue, the arena will be a new cultural landmark, setting the standard for premium live entertainment through luxury suites, VIP clubs and a world-class fan experience.
The Power of Live
Live experiences have never been more meaningful for fans. The data says it all: UK fans across demographics build their lives around live music. 81% call a concert one of their most memorable life moments and 86% say music is a core part of their identity. Four out of five say attending a concert is their go-to way to celebrate life’s biggest moments and seven in ten travel to attend shows each year.
A powerful investment in the UK’s live music culture that genuinely reflects the character and ambition of the city, Cardiff Arena will be celebrated and enjoyed by millions of fans, creating life memories for many years to come.
