Dublin Gets An O2

When Dublin’s the Point Theatre reopens in December it will be called The O2.

Possibly inspired by the success of the AEG-owned venue in London of the same name, Irish phone giant Telefonica O2 has paid "a significant cash infusion" for the naming rights to the 13,000-capacity building, which is co-owned by Live Nation and Irish property developer Harry Crosbie.

Live Nation Ireland chief exec Mike Adamson says the O2 money will ensure the venue, which is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment, will continue to attract the biggest acts.

"This partnership harnesses the power of O2’s 1.6 million customer database in Ireland, which we expect to drive incremental ticket sales and create a larger customer base for Live Nation concerts," he explained.

The newly renovated O2, which will have an amphitheatre design, world-class acoustics, and tiered seating to create an intimate atmosphere, is expected to host about 150 events per year.