Gig-goers get first glimpse inside Swansea's landmark new venue
Video of the Swansea Arena interior showcases striking design
Last updated 26th Feb 2022
The first visitors to Swansea's brand new stadium had their first glimpse inside the seafront venue in a warm up opening last night.
It was one of a series of test events featuring local bands at the arena, ahead of its opening in March.
Video of the striking interior can be seen here:
Swansea Arena is one feature of the ÂŁ135m Copr Bay phase one district being developed by Swansea Council and development managed by RivingtonHark.
The test events featuring local bands at the arena will allow management to check all aspects of the venue ahead of its opening in March, such as safety and crowd evacuations.
Cllr Rob Stewart, Swansea Council Leader, said:
“The new images and video footage from inside the arena show the exciting progress being made as we head towards next month’s opening of the world class Copr Bay leisure and entertainment destination.
“Copr Bay is a catalyst for further transforming the city centre. Its key features - including the arena, coastal park, new bridge and car park beneath the coastal park - have been delivered for the people of Swansea during the pandemic. This is a significant achievement."
Last night's gig featured local band Trampoline and others:
Councillor Stewart said the whole development was about more than just the arena itself:
“The opening of all other features will follow in the coming months, including local businesses taking up units on Cupid Way.
“Copr Bay has already created hundreds of jobs and opportunities for local people, with many more to come in the months and years ahead.
“The destination is a key part of an on-going £1bn regeneration programme in Swansea that’s transforming our city into the one of the UK’s very best to live, work, study and visit.”
The arena, leased by the council to venue operators Ambassador Theatre Group, is being part-funded by the ÂŁ1.3bn Swansea Bay City Deal. The new bridge over Oystermouth Road is part-funded by the Active Travel initiative through the Welsh Government.