Wembley Arena

Wembley Arena stands beside Wembley Stadium in the London Borough of Brent. The 12,500-seat indoor arena was built in 1934 as the Empire Pool for the British Empire Games. Sir Owen Williams designed the building without an architect, using a reinforced concrete frame with three hinged arches spanning 73 metres. The pool itself was 61 metres long and 18 metres wide, with a removable deck for ice skating. The sides featured 15 massive concrete buttresses and glazed ends with 20 narrow window lights. Construction was supervised by R.J. Fowler, Wembley’s chief building inspector. The arena is worth the journey for its architectural significance and musical legacy. It was awarded Grade II listed status in 1976 for its innovative design and technological virtuosity. The Beatles, Cliff Richard, Led Zeppelin, and Queen have all performed here, with Cliff Richard holding the record for the most shows by a male artist. ABBA played six sold-out concerts in 1979, and Tina Turner holds the record for the most performances by a female artist. The Grateful Dead also released recordings of their 1972 and 1990 shows at the venue. Visitors find a modernised arena with a sleek interior that retains its original character. The building now hosts music, comedy, family entertainment, and sport, with a capacity of 12,500. The surrounding Wembley Park area has been regenerated, offering easy access to Wembley Stadium. The arena’s history is visible in its concrete structure and buttresses, while its current use ensures a lively atmosphere. Concerts and events continue to draw large crowds, making it a key cultural venue in London.