Newcastle’s O2 City Hall has increased its capacity after a refurbishment that gives the venue removable ground floor seats.
Venue operators Academy Music Group has created retractable seating for gigs, as well as improvements to its sound and lighting systems.
The venue now has a capacity of 2,600 when the ground floor is turned into a standing area, with the moves also bringing crowds closer to the acts on stage and improving the atmosphere. For all-seater events, the venue can hold 2,000 people.
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Other changes to the venue - which dates back to 1927 and has hosted concerts from some of the world’s biggest groups - include new toilet and bar areas.
Graham Walters, chief operating officer of the Academy Music Group, said: “When we acquired O2 City Hall Newcastle back in May 2019, we knew that it needed significant adjustments to reinstate it to its former glory and get it firmly back on the schedule for major touring acts.
“It’s a stunning room, one that has seen the biggest names in rock and pop over the last four decades. Investment in modern facilities - including the option to have an all-standing auditorium - had to be on the agenda to offer a flexible space, as well as keeping a seated configuration.
"This way, we can hugely extend the variety of live music and events to tour in Newcastle and make sure we preserve its future for people and the community to enjoy for generations to come.”
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The Grade II-listed venue, which houses an original Harrison & Harrison organ, has seen concerts over the years from the likes of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and David Bowie.
As well as the upgrades to the main auditorium, the refurbishment programme included the creation of additional toilets, refurbishment of the basement bar and a new bar area at balcony level.
After being closed for long periods over the pandemic, the venue has a packed programme of concerts this year including Florence + The Machine, Paul Weller, Dionne Warwick and The Prodigy.