New 20,000-capacity arena to open in Bristol in 2028
Aviva Arena will be one of the biggest venues of its kind in the country.
Date published: 23rd Feb 2026
A new arena, Aviva Arena, is scheduled to open in Bristol in 2028.
First announced in 2020, plans were confirmed to develop an arena at Bristol’s Filton Airfield, formerly a private airport. Its working name was YTL Arena Bristol, and developers planned for the venue to open in 2023.
Now scheduled to open in 2028, the arena will be one of the largest venues in the country and a first of its kind for the West of England.
YTL Live, the operating company for the new “live entertainment complex”, announced Aviva as the venue’s new partner at its launch event on 19th February, pledging to contribute £1 billion to the local economy over the first decade of operation, with an estimated 1.4 million people attending live music, sports, and entertainment events there each year.
It also said the project will create more than 2,000 jobs during construction, with up to a further 500 permanent roles once the arena is operational. The venue will host over 120 "major events" every year.
Work has also commenced to transform Brabazon Hangars into a live entertainment destination. The entire complex, called YTL Live, will house Aviva Arena in the central and largest of the three Brabazon Hangars, as well as a conference and exhibition space.
Andrew Billingham, CEO of YTL Live, said: “Aviva Arena will be one of the most exciting and sustainable live entertainment venues anywhere in the world, and we are incredibly proud to welcome Aviva as our naming partner.
“Aviva Arena will put Bristol firmly on the global touring map, delivering unforgettable experiences for fans and artists alike while creating lasting benefits for the city and the wider region.
“And just as importantly, the Arena will become a platform for local talent to grow, thrive, and shine. We are already exploring ways to support emerging artists who are building their audience and fanbases. Our aim is clear: to ensure that Aviva Arena contributes positively and sustainably to the entire live‑music landscape, from emerging talent to headline artists.”
Aviva Arena will be the newest addition to Aviva's portfolio of venues, joining Aviva Stadium in Dublin and Aviva Studios in Manchester.
Keep up with music and events news on Skiddle.
Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, Facebook, and YouTube for the latest music and events content.
