Up-to-the-minute Bristol digs now Aviva Arena

Article posted by Coliseum, February 20^th, 2026

Image: YTL Arena

YTL Live, the operating company for the new live entertainment complex in Bristol, announced on February 19^th Aviva, the United Kingdom’s leading diversified insurer, as the new partner of the under construction Bristol’s 20,000 capacity indoor arena marking a major milestone in the delivery of one of Europe’s most ambitious live entertainment venues.

‘AVIVA’ stated that the landmark and long-term multimillion pound sponsorship agreement secures the naming rights for the venue which will be known as the Aviva Arena when it opens in late 2028. It will be one of the largest venues in the United Kingdom and a first of its kind for the West of England. An estimated 1.4 million people are expected to attend live music, sports and entertainment at the Aviva Arena each year.

Aviva is a major British multinational insurance company headquartered in London (UK) providing life insurance, general insurance, health insurance, and asset management services to over 25 million customers. Aviva is the United Kingdom’s leading diversified insurer and they operate in the UK, Ireland and Canada. They also have international investments in India and China. Aviva helps its 25.2m customers make the most out of life, plan for the future and have the confidence that if things go wrong they will there to put it right.

Aviva has been taking care of people for more than 325 years in line with their purpose of being ‘with you today for a better tomorrow’.

The Aviva Arena Bristol is a 20,000-capacity indoor arena currently under construction and will be located at the former Filton Airfield’s Brabazon hangar.

‘AVIVA’ further stated that the chart‑topping British singer‑songwriter Tom Grennan lit up the naming‑rights launch at the Aerospace Bristol delivering a six‑song set beneath the iconic Concorde. The exclusive performance played out to a packed audience – including the Executive Chair of the YTL Corporation, Sir Francis Yeoh, and the West of England Mayor, Helen Godwin – all gathered beneath the wings of the aviation history.

Bristol-based the YTL Construction UK brings an entirely fresh perspective to the UK construction market. Its philosophy is anchored in the belief of building the right thing: ‘Build Better, Build Smarter, Build Right’.

Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)-based the YTL Corporation is an integrated infrastructure developer with extensive operations in countries including Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, Japan, Jordan, and China. The core businesses of the YTL Group comprise utilities, construction contracting, cement manufacturing, property development and investment, hotel development and management, e-commerce initiatives, and Internet-based education solutions and services.

Work has commenced to transform the iconic Brabazon Hangars, birthplace of all the UK’s Concorde supersonic jets, into a live entertainment destination. The entire complex, called YTL Live, will house the Aviva Arena in the central and largest of the three Brabazon Hangars as well as a conference and exhibition space and is expected to contribute an estimated £1 billion to the wider Bristol economy over the first decade of operation.

Located in Brabazon New Town, North Bristol (UK)with a new train station at its doorstep due to open later this year the Aviva Arena is set to become a global destination for live music, sport and entertainment.

The project will create more than 2,000 jobs during construction with up to a further 500 permanent roles once the arena is operational.

Averred Andrew Billingham, head honcho, YTL Live, “The 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. This long-term partnership brings together two organizations with shared values around innovation, sustainability and community impact. Tom Grennan is the perfect star to help launch the Aviva Arena. And just as importantly the Arena will become a platform for the local talent to grow, thrive and shine. We are already exploring the ways to support the emerging artistes who are building their audience and fan bases.”

Maintained Dame Amanda Blanc, Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aviva, “Bristol is an important City for Aviva and we are proud to back this new world-class arena which will have such a positive community impact. The Aviva Arena will further strengthen Bristol’s position as one of Europe’s great creative Cities and become a landmark destination for the South West of England.”

The Aviva Arena becomes the latest addition to Aviva’s portfolio of iconic venues joining the 51,700-capacity Aviva Stadium in Dublin (Ireland) and the 7,000-capacity Aviva Studios in Manchester (UK) further strengthening the brand’s presence at the heart of culture, sport and live experiences across UK and Ireland.

Commented Colin Skellett, CEO, YTL UK Group, “Securing Aviva as the naming partner for the arena marks a defining moment in our journey to create one of Europe’s most exciting live entertainment destinations. This partnership is a powerful vote of confidence in our vision for the YTL Live and for the future of Bristol as a world-class cultural hub. Our partnership with Aviva represents a major milestone in delivering a venue that will raise the bar for live entertainment in the UK and drive substantial long-term benefits for Bristol and the wider region. We are proud to be bringing the Brabazon Hangars back to life for a new generation.”

Remarked Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, “Aviva and YTL’s landmark sponsorship commitment is a powerful endorsement of UK as a world-class place to build, to do business and to grow – exactly the kind of long‑term investment this Government is backing right across the country. It’s good news for people across West of England creating thousands of jobs and putting the region firmly on the global map for live entertainment.”

Next generation of global touring

Purpose-built for the next generation of global touring the Aviva Arena will sit at the forefront of the live entertainment industry’s move towards Greener practices. The venue will feature 20 state-of-the-art dressing rooms, extensive production facilities, flexible end-stage or centre-stage configurations, and Europe’s largest services yard capable of accommodating up to 60 touring lorries simultaneously – setting a new benchmark for the artiste and the production experience.

Delivered by YTL Construction UK as the main contractor the Aviva Arena will be a fully electric venue and is targeting carbon- neutral operations, supporting Bristol’s environmental goals and reinforcing the City’s reputation as a leader in sustainable urban development.

The Aviva Arena will usher in a new era for live entertainment in the wider Bristol region and deliver a state-of-the-art venue for the artistes, audiences and the City alike.

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