Plymouth’s most iconic venue is entering a new chapter. Plymouth Pavilions has announced it will officially become Plymouth Arena from Tuesday 20 January 2026, marking a major moment for the city’s cultural and night-time economy.
The announcement was made on Thursday 15 January 2026 and signals a renewed ambition for the South West’s largest indoor arena.
A new name, a clear mission
The rebrand to From Plymouth Pavilions to Plymouth Arena reflects the scale and profile of the events the venue hosts, while reinforcing its role at the heart of Plymouth’s live entertainment scene.
Plymouth Arena’s mission is to be the independent heart and soul of live entertainment in the South West by creating unforgettable shared moments where everyone truly belongs.
Sarah Phillips, CEO of Plymouth Arena, said the change represents far more than a new visual identity.
“For years, Plymouth Arena has been the place where memories were made, the gigs that defined generations and the moments that brought our city together.”
As we look to the future, it’s time for a name that reflects that energy and ambition. This is not simply a rebrand or a visual change; it’s a promise. A promise to be louder, braver and more connected than ever before.”
She added:
There’s something truly magical about this venue. If you’ve ever been there on a show night, you’ll know it. When the lights go down and the crowd erupts, every challenge, every late night and every ounce of effort is worth it. Our ambition is simple: to create an iconic stage for unforgettable experiences.”
A timely boost for Plymouth’s cultural ambitions
The rebrand comes during a pivotal week for the city, as Plymouth declares its intention to bid for UK City of Culture 2029.
Plymouth Waterfront Partnership welcomed the announcement, highlighting the venue’s importance to the city’s regeneration and evening economy.
Soon to become Plymouth Arena, this important city venue is key to attracting new artists and promoters, hosting new corporate events, and boosting the evening and night time economy with a wide program of music and comedy that results in overnight stays and eating out.
a spokesperson said.
Plymouth is an ambitious city in a unique setting and receiving significant investment in regeneration with the expectation of 25,000 new jobs and 10,000 new homes in coming years. Plymouth Arena will be brilliantly positioned to serve its expanding communities and its fantastic location will continue to bring visitors directly into the city centre and waterfront.”
What changes — and what stays the same
The transition to Plymouth Arena will be rolled out across signage, digital platforms, marketing materials and on-site branding over the coming weeks.
Importantly, All scheduled events will go ahead as planned and there will be no disruption for ticket holders, promoters or partners.
Under its new identity, Plymouth Arena will continue to host a wide-ranging programme of live music, comedy, family shows, exhibitions and conferences, reinforcing Plymouth’s position as a major cultural destination in the South West.
A legacy built over decades
Originally opened in 1991 on the historic site of Millbay railway station, Plymouth Pavilions has welcomed millions of visitors over more than three decades.
The venue has hosted some of the biggest names in music and comedy, including Ed Sheeran, Kylie Minogue, Sam Fender, Oasis, Florence + the Machine, Ricky Gervais, Michael McIntyre, Paul Weller, Paloma Faith, Chase & Status and many more.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the independent venue also played a vital role in supporting the national effort, working alongside the NHS and local partners to serve the community.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond
Plymouth Arena is shaping the future of live entertainment, with the next five years focused on:
- Investing in innovation and talent
- Building more sustainable operations
- Strengthening its independent foundations
Already confirmed for 2026 are Russell Howard, UB40, Alan Carr, Romesh Ranganathan, Squeeze, Strictly Come Dancing, Professor Brian Cox, 10CC and more.
for more information visit: plymoutharena.com
