Ricoh Gets A Refurb

Coventry’s Ricoh Arena stadium complex in the UK is set to undergo a £3 million refurbishment that will see the capacity of its exhibition hall increased to 10,000.

Work on the project started this month and should be completed by the end of May.

The scheme is designed to create a further 2,500 square metres of space in the complex’s Jaguar Exhibition Hall, thereby adding 2,000 to its current 8,000 capacity.

There will also be a new 650-capacity auditorium with retractable seating, a stage and soundproofed walls for smaller gigs.

The Enemy, The Specials, Bryan Adams and Beverley Knight are among the acts that have performed at the hall. Take That and Oasis have played the complex’s 40,000-capacity stadium bowl, which is also the home to Coventry City soccer club.

“It means the indoor arena will be able to hold larger indoor concerts and will give promoters the flexibility to use new space if they want to stage smaller concerts for singers or bands that are establishing themselves,” said arena chief exec Daniel Gidney.

“A separate entrance will be created so the crowds will be able to enter and leave at the southern side of the venue.”