The Londoner Arena Debuts World-Class Venue Design

On the debut opening of Macao’s new The Londoner Arena, a state-of-the-art, multi-modal performance space was unveiled with industry leading hospitality offerings and premium entertainment facilities.

Designed by global architecture and design firm Populous from the Asia Pacific Headquarters, The Londoner Arena boasts superior visual and acoustic qualities with an innovative seating bowl providing an enhanced atmosphere and a truly memorable experience for guests.

Located on the Cotai Strip in Macao, the stunning 6,000-seat venue is a hybrid amphitheatre-style space located within The Londoner Macao integrated resort and can host an array of events including live music concerts, sporting events, gala dinners, DJ performances, product launches and conferences.

Populous associate principal Ross Summergreene was the lead architect for The Londoner Arena and said maximising guest experience within an intimate and inviting arena was the main design driver.

“The Londoner Arena was designed with both the guest and artist in mind, ensuring to create memorable experiences for anyone entering the venue.”

“We did this by ensuring there is a variety of premium hospitality offerings, VIP lounges, meet and greet spaces, elevated pre-function areas and concessions, and of course, a state-of-the-art performance space that can house almost any event or show possible,” Summergreene said.

One of the key design elements that prioritised the guest’s viewing experience was to ensure all seats have premium sightlines regardless of the show-mode.

“Even the most peripheral of seats have excellent views to the stage. The seating bowl design also includes telescopic front tiers that can be truncated to various positions and allows for increased venue flexibility for shows and performance types,” Summergreene said.

The functional planning of the venue features extensive back of house facilities including a variety of artist dressing rooms, touring company offices, operational staff facilities, BOH support spaces and dedicated star performer facilities for VVIP artists and families.

“We’ve added a flexible and multi-functional event space to Macao that’s sure to attract top promoters and event organisers,” says Kris Kaminsky, Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations at Sands China Ltd.

Populous also led the interior design of the venue and were tasked with finding a cohesive design responding to the “Londoner” theme applied across the precinct.

Populous head of interior design APAC Paul Foskett, said his team drew inspiration from the Victorian Neo-Gothic expressions of exposed metalwork and intricate steel detailing akin to St Pancras station in London.

“The quality and detail in the lavish finishes and furniture and materiality selection align to the level of the Sands Design Excellence Principles and create an identity that maintains connection to the overall Londoner Macao design.

“The use of warm copper and bronze, then softened with rich timbers creates elegance and charm for guests.”

“Ornate ceiling coffer designs are repeated throughout the pre-function spaces and suites with entry portals signifying VIP spaces and expressed arches help break down the transition between The Londoner Arena and the existing Londoner Macao corridors,” Foskett said.

For the VIP and VVIP guests, there are four bunker suites with elegant interiors and plush furniture, big-screen LED TVs with live-feed support, full video and audio capabilities, refreshments and private entrances to the auditorium.

Located just five minutes from the Macao International Airport, the Londoner Arena allows easy access for its guests and performers alike.

The official opening of The Londoner Arena occurred on 25 May during The Londoner Macao’s Grand Celebration which was attended by Sands global ambassador, David Beckham.