Copenhagen’s Royal Arena up for sale
Denmark’s Royal Arena is being put up for sale by its current owners, the Municipality of Copenhagen and the private architectural association Realdania.
The €200 million arena opened in 2017 in the Ørestad South area of Copenhagen after substantial investment from both owners.
Since opening, the 17,000-capacity has been operated by Live Nation Entertainment subsidiary Danish Venue Enterprise, which has brought rafts of international artists to its stage.
Acts such as Metallica, Olivia Rodrigo and Rod Stewart have performed at the Royal Arena, while Billie Eilish, Jonas Brothers and Childish Gambino will grace its stage before the end of the year.
“Today, Royal Arena attracts world-class cultural events, sports, and music to Copenhagen with great success,” stated Copenhagen’s Mayor Lars Weiss in a press release.
“This should continue into the future, but since the arena’s success no longer depends on our ownership, we’ve decided to sell our shares. The proceeds can then benefit other important projects.”
“Since the arena’s success no longer depends on our ownership, we’ve decided to sell our shares”
Danish Venue Enterprise holds a lease for the venue until December 2046, and this agreement will remain intact following the sale.
In IQ‘s 2024 Global Arena Guide, Dan Hammer, CEO/MD at Royal Arena/Danish Venue Enterprise, said the next 12–18 months are “looking really sold for the arena, with an incredibly diverse range of artists on the books”.
“The health of the live entertainment market in Denmark is good,” he added. “Obviously, Copenhagen is an attractive city for both international artists and fans, and thankfully, we have some competent promoters doing everything in their power to present some of the world’s greatest artists in Denmark.”
Alongside high-profile concerts, the Royal Arena has also hosted major sporting competitions such as the European Swimming Championships in 2017, the Ice Hockey World Championships in 2018, and the Men’s Handball World Championships in 2019.
In other venue news, The Roig Arena, a new multi-purpose venue scheduled to open in Valencia in 2025, has joined the European Arenas Association (EAA).
The 18,600-capacity venue will be the home of Valencia Basket Club as well as hosting concerts and other entertainment. It is being funded by and named after Spanish entrepreneur Juan Roig, the billionaire owner of the Spanish Mercadona supermarket chain. Costing €280m, it will be the largest capacity arena in the country.
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Harry Styles’ Denmark gig cancelled after shooting
Harry Styles’ concert at Copenhagen’s Royal Arena was cancelled after three people were killed in a mass shooting at a nearby shopping centre.
The 16,000-cap venue was evacuated shortly before the singer was due to perform a sold-out show on Sunday (3 July).
The BBC reports that two 17-year-old Danish citizens and a 47-year-old Russian were killed in the apparently random attack. Police say 30 people were injured in total, with one person remaining in a critical condition.
A 22-year-old man was arrested at 5.48pm local time in relation to the incident and has been charged with murder.
“I’m heartbroken along with the people of Copenhagen”
Styles took to social media to share his thoughts with fans.
“I’m heartbroken along with the people of Copenhagen,” he tweeted. “I adore this city. The people are so warm and full of love.
“I’m devastated for the victims, their families, and everyone hurting. I’m sorry we couldn’t be together. Please look after each other.”
Pearl Jam’s performance at the arena tomorrow night is still currently scheduled to go ahead as planned.
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Live Nation to operate Copenhagen’s Royal Arena
Live Nation will operate the Royal Arena in Copenhagen when it opens in February 2017.
The new 16,000-capacity indoor arena, expected to host 80+ live entertainment and sporting events annually, will be managed by Live Nation Entertainment’s Danish Venue Enterprise subsidiary.
The 55,000-cap. Parken stadium, operated by football team FC Copenhagen, is currently the Danish capital’s largest entertainment venue, with no 10–20,000-capacity arena in the region.
“Finally, the Danish capital is ready to enter the major league of European cities that have large indoor arenas specifically designed for live entertainment”
Dan Hammer, CEO of Danish Venue Enterprise, says: “The completion of Royal Arena represents a significant development for Copenhagen. Finally, the Danish capital is ready to enter the major league of European cities that have large indoor arenas specifically designed for live entertainment. Artists, athletes and fans are in for a treat when Royal Arena opens in February 2017.”
“We now have a state-of-the-art venue in wonderful Copenhagen and we couldn’t be more pleased,” adds Live Nation’s chairman of international music, Thomas Johansson. “It’s an exciting time for Denmark’s capital.
“Metallica will be the first act to grace the Royal Arena stage with four sold-out shows early next year [3–5 and 9 February], and what a way that will be to kick off this venue’s bright future.”
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