Change is coming to Bristol whether you like it or not – and one of the biggest we’re likely to see in the next couple of years is the addition of a brand new arena. As much as we love the Beacon and Ashton Gate, for a city of Bristol’s size, we’ve sorely been missing out on a proper, purpose-built arena.
It’s why we keep missing out on huge stadium tours of our favourite artists. Travelling home late at night from Cardiff or Birmingham isn’t our idea of a good time, but we won’t have to be doing it for much longer. When the YTL Arena Bristol opens at the former Filton Airfield’s Brabazon hangar in mid-2026 (*fingers crossed*).
Final plans for the 17,000-capacity venue have now been submitted to Bristol City Council. And they include some surprising additions too. There will also be room for an outdoor cinema, ice rink and sports courts – including badminton courts, a tennis court, and a multi-use games area for basketball, five-a-side football, a BMX pump track and more.
The plan is to make it an attractive destination for all even when there’s no big concerts on. Its design is flexible to host various activities throughout the year, like Christmas markets and other community events. An estimated 300,000 people will attend events at the arena, with an expected boost to the local economy of £60m annually.
“The space [will] come alive with visitors relishing the outdoor cinema experience throughout the summer season,” YTL said. “Nestled strategically with the vibrant city of Bristol to the south and surrounded by the newly envisioned Brabazon Park, the wider proposed masterplan and existing developments, the Arena finds itself in an ideal position to evolve into a cultural hub.”
Meanwhile, the arena itself will offer the region’s largest column-less exhibition and convention halls, plus numerous bars, restaurants and lounges. There’s also the potential to increase the arena’s capacity from 17,000 to 19,000 seats. Thousands of homes, a park and other leisure/community/employment opportunities are also being built in the new Brabazon neighbourhood.
Originally planned for 2025, the opening date for the YTL Arena in Bristol has been pushed back to the middle of 2026. This will coincide with the opening of a new train station in the area too. To delve into the planning application, check it out here.