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Live Nation’s Motorpoint Arena Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Live Nation – Motorpoint Arena
The famous Welsh venue turns 25 this month
Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff, Wales, turns 25 this month. The Live Nation-owned 5,000 capacity multi-purpose venue is celebrating with giveaways and surprises for fans.
More than 10 million revelers walked through the arena’s door since Shirley Bassey headlined the opening gala, Sept. 9-10, 1993.
Back then, it was still known as the Cardiff International Arena. The Queen of the UK herself officially opened the venue Oct. 14, 1993.
Since then, some of the biggest names in music and comedy have graced the stage at the arena, from Beyoncé, P!NK, Kylie Minogue and Elton John to Iron Maiden, Oasis and Panic! At The Disco.
One highlight was the June 1995 charity concert in the name of Princess Diana by Luciano Pavarotti.
The arena is also capable of hosting international events and conferences, such as the Welsh BAFTAs, the closing gala dinner for the Rugby World Cup 1999 and even the FA Cup Sponsor Village whilst Wembley Stadium in London was being demolished and reconstructed between 2002 and 2007.
A five-year naming rights agreement with car sales company Motorpoint was reached on March 1, 2011, and renewed in 2016.
Live Nation made some major investments into the arena over the past twelve months, including refurbishing its smaller Exit 7 event space, which serves as a stage for tomorrows superstar performers.
The Arena’s L2 Restaurant & Bar has been rebranded and refurbished, and a number of hospitality suites have been updated.
The hearing loop system has been upgraded to provide a state-of-the-art new service, as well as brand new lifts being fitted, facial recognition cameras and other security upgrades. Further energy efficiency and environmentally friendly measures have been introduced across the venue.
The Arena has also marked 25 year commemorations around the building with two distinct wall of fame designs featuring the names of artists that have played over the years.
The venue’s general manager Phil Sheeran, who has worked at the Arena for almost a decade, said: “Live Nation’s investment and commitment to the Arena these past 25 years has brought some of the biggest stars and the very best music, entertainment and sporting events to Wales and the South West.
“The Arena is a favourite for fans. Seeing international artists up-close and feeling part of the action is just one of the reasons why people return time and again.”
Sheeran added, that “over the next few months there will be giveaways and special surprises to say thank you to the fans, so watch this space!”
Huw Thomas, leader of Cardiff Council, said Motorpoint Arena has been an important entertainment partner in Cardiff for the past 25 years, and was a critical part of Cardiff becoming the UK’s first Music City.
“I see music as an important economic driver and vital component for the city’s offer when attracting new investment, and the Arena is at the heart of Cardiff’s offer. We will continue to work closely with Live Nation in the development of our strategy to offer the best in entertainment and business to Cardiff and South Wales,” said Thomas.