bp pulse LIVE

bp pulse LIVE is a large indoor arena at the National Exhibition Centre in Solihull, just outside Birmingham. It is the seventh hall in the NEC complex and opened in December 1980 as the Birmingham International Arena. Queen played the first concert there during their Flash Gordon Tour. The venue has had several name changes over the years, including NEC Arena, LG Arena, Genting Arena, and Resorts World Arena. In 2024, it became bp pulse LIVE following a sponsorship deal. The arena has a capacity of 15,685 seats and has hosted major events like the Horse of the Year show. The arena is one of the busiest in the world, ranking tenth in 2011 and thirteenth in 2014. It has also had the fifth highest ticket sales of any UK arena venue in 2019. The NEC Group, which owns the arena, also operates other venues in Birmingham, including Utilita Arena Birmingham and ICC Birmingham. The arena has undergone several renovations, including a £29 million overhaul in 2009 that added new seats, hospitality areas, and customer facilities. The planned expansion to increase capacity to 21,600 was approved but put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitors to bp pulse LIVE find a modern indoor space designed for large concerts and events. The arena includes hospitality areas, bars, restaurants, and customer facilities. It is located within the NEC complex, which also hosts exhibitions and other events. The arena’s recent rebranding and renovations ensure it remains a key venue for major performances. The surrounding area includes Resorts World Birmingham, which opened in 2015 and is linked to the arena’s name changes. The venue continues to attract top artists and events, making it a significant part of the UK’s entertainment landscape.