The OVO Arena Wembley (commonly still referred to as Wembley Arena) is one of London's most recognisable entertainment venues, sitting in the shadow of the much larger Wembley Stadium on the same campus. With a capacity of around 12,500, it has been hosting live events since 1934, when it was built as the Empire Pool for the British Empire Games. Today it is a regular stop for major concert tours, comedy acts, and sporting events. It should not be confused with Wembley Stadium, which is the 90,000-capacity football ground next door.
Getting to the OVO Arena Wembley
By tube
Wembley Park station on the Metropolitan and Jubilee lines is the closest tube stop, about a 10-minute walk along Olympic Way (also known as Wembley Way). From central London, the Jubilee line is the most direct option: Baker Street is about 12 minutes away, Bond Street about 15 minutes, and Green Park about 18 minutes. On event nights, the station handles large volumes but can get very congested, particularly after shows.
By train
Wembley Stadium station is served by Chiltern Railways services from London Marylebone. It is closer to the arena than Wembley Park tube station and is often less crowded. If you are coming from the Marylebone line (which also serves towns in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire), this is a good option.
By car
There are several car parks on the Wembley campus and in the surrounding area. Driving to Wembley is straightforward via the North Circular Road (A406) or the M1. However, the area gets heavily congested on event nights, and parking charges apply. The Wembley campus car parks can be pre-booked. Many visitors park at an outer tube station and take the Jubilee or Metropolitan line in.
The venue
The OVO Arena Wembley is a large single-level hall with a balcony level above. This gives it two main seating areas: the floor/stalls level and the balcony. The layout is more like a traditional concert hall than a modern multi-tier arena, which reflects its age and original purpose as a swimming venue. This design gives it character and a slightly different atmosphere from newer, bowl-shaped arenas.
Best seats for concerts
For concerts, the floor is usually standing at the front with seated stalls behind. The balcony provides an elevated view and is good for those who prefer to sit. Centre-balcony blocks directly facing the stage are the strongest seated positions. The stalls seats behind the standing section offer a lower, more immersive perspective. Side balcony blocks give an angled view that can be interesting for heavily produced shows where there is a lot to see across the stage.
Wembley Arena vs Wembley Stadium
It is worth being clear about which venue you are going to. The OVO Arena Wembley and Wembley Stadium are next to each other on the same campus, but they are completely different venues. The arena holds around 12,500 people in an indoor setting. The stadium holds around 90,000. Double-check your ticket to make sure you know which one your event is at. The approach along Olympic Way from Wembley Park tube station takes you past both.
Food and drink
Inside the arena, concessions sell the standard range. Outside, the London Designer Outlet shopping centre is directly adjacent to the arena and includes several restaurants and cafes, from Nando's to independent options. Wembley Park has been extensively redeveloped in recent years, and there are now more dining options in the area than there used to be, though it is still not a destination for food in the way that some other London arena locations are.
Practical tips
- Do not confuse it with the stadium -- Check your ticket. "Wembley Arena" and "Wembley Stadium" are very different experiences and you need to be at the right one.
- Try Wembley Stadium station -- It is often quieter than Wembley Park tube and just as close to the arena.
- The venue has character -- Its Art Deco origins give it a feel that modern arenas lack. Even if the facilities are not the newest, the building has something about it.
- Balcony seats can be steep -- The balcony has a significant rake. If you are not comfortable with heights, the stalls or floor seats may be a better choice.
- Leave time for the walk -- From Wembley Park station, the walk along Olympic Way takes about 10 minutes and can be longer when it is crowded. Factor this into your timing.
For help deciding between standing and seated tickets, our standing vs seated guide covers the trade-offs. Visit Tickts for more event guides and planning tools.
