You might be thinking, "Is this the biggest in the world?" Nope. Sorry. Madison Square Garden in New York is smaller, around 18,000 seats. But the O2 feels bigger because it’s so wide.
Compare it to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Vegas: that holds about 17,000. The O2 smashes that. But the real giant is Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in North Korea, which holds 114,000. Yeah, the O2 is a toy compared to that.
Still, for a European indoor arena, the O2 is a beast. It’s the second-busiest in the world, after London’s own Wembley Stadium (which is outdoor and holds 90,000). Busy, busy place.
But what about the vibe?
Capacity is one thing. But have you ever been there? The acoustics are surprisingly good for a big box. You can hear the singer most of the time—unless you’re in the nosebleed section, then it’s just a loud hum.
The concourses are huge, so you won’t get crushed. Unless you’re trying to buy a £9 beer during the intermission. Then it’s survival of the fittest.
O2 Arena - Kotobuki Seating Intl.
And the seats? They’re a little narrow. If you’re over 6 feet tall, your knees will become best friends with the seat in front of you. But hey, you’re there for the show, not a nap.