Remember those deafening roars of the crowd? We are standing before the OVO Arena Wembley. This arena has a history as rich and varied as the acts it has hosted.
Originally known as the Empire Pool, OVO Arena Wembley opened in 1934. It was built for the British Empire Games. The Duke of Gloucester officially opened it. Imagine this space filled with swimmers competing in the 1934 games. The pool was 200 feet long and 60 feet wide. It even had a removable deck for ice skating.
Did you know that OVO Arena Wembley played a role in the 1948 Summer Olympics? It hosted boxing, diving, swimming, and water polo events. The Empire Pool was a hub of athletic activity.
Sir Owen Williams designed the building. He was an engineer and not an architect. He created a unique structure using cantilevers. This design eliminated the need for internal pillars. His innovative use of high-quality concrete ensured its longevity. At the time, its reinforced concrete frame was the largest concrete span of any similar structure in the world.
In 1940, the Empire Pool served a different purpose. It housed hundreds of evacuees from Gibraltar. They were moved due to the expected Axis attack.
In 1978, the Empire Pool was officially renamed Wembley Arena. Before that, in 1976, it gained Grade II Listed status. This recognised its architectural significance.
The OVO Arena Wembley has been a stage for many iconic musical performances. The NME Poll Winners Concerts in the mid-1960s saw acts like The Beatles perform here. Later, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie and Queen graced this stage. Dire Straits once played 13 consecutive nights here.
In the early 1970s, David Cassidy sold out six performances in one weekend. This was documented in a TV special. ABBA played six sold-out concerts in 1979, which were filmed for a documentary.
The OVO Arena Wembley underwent a major renovation in the mid-2000s. It closed for 14 months for a £35 million refurbishment. Depeche Mode reopened the arena in 2006.
Since early 2022, it has been known as OVO Arena Wembley. This is due to a sponsorship deal with OVO Energy. Before that, it was known as The SSE Arena.
Facing the OVO Arena Wembley is the Square of Fame. It is similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Notable performers have bronze plaques imprinted with their names and handprints. Madonna was the first to receive this honour. Cliff Richard, Status Quo, and Kylie Minogue followed.
The OVO Arena Wembley continues to host world-class events. From sports to music, it remains a vital part of London’s entertainment scene. Its walls echo with the sounds of legends. Its future promises even more unforgettable moments.