A new stop-motion film offers a detailed glimpse of Bristol's long-awaited Aviva Arena, a 20,000-capacity venue set to open in late 2028. Built by Malaysia-based YTL at Brabazon on the old Filton Airfield in South Gloucestershire, the arena will be the first of its kind in the West Country, hosting over 120 major events annually.
Economic Impact and Attendance
When operational, the Aviva Arena is expected to attract 1.4 million visitors per year for live music, sports, and entertainment. Over its first decade, it is projected to contribute an estimated £1 billion to the wider Bristol economy. The venue will be part of the YTL Live complex, which includes conference and exhibition space.
Scale Model and Film
The film features a hand-crafted scale model of the venue, built in Bristol. Andrew Billingham, chief executive of YTL Live, said the model brings YTL's "vision to life in a unique and engaging way." He added, "Aviva Arena represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a world-class destination for live entertainment in the South West of England. This film offers an exciting glimpse of what’s to come, helping people visualise the scale, ambition and energy of the venue years before the doors open."
Background and Delays
YTL first announced plans for the Bristol Arena in 2018 after Bristol City Council abandoned earlier proposals for a council-funded arena at Temple Island. The project faced years of delays, with YTL acknowledging "challenges" caused by the Covid pandemic in 2023. The arena is named after a major deal with insurance giant Aviva earlier this year.
Broader Development
Phoebe Barter, Aviva’s Group brand director, said the venue would become "a landmark destination" for the South West, transforming Bristol’s iconic Brabazon Hangars—birthplace of all the UK’s Concorde supersonic jets—into a state-of-the-art live entertainment destination. The Aviva Arena joins the Aviva Stadium in Dublin and Aviva Studios in Manchester. The arena is part of the Brabazon New Town development, which includes thousands of homes, office space, and a new train station, and sits within the West Innovation Arc. Last year, Brabazon received town status from the government.
