Plymouth Pavilions rebrands as Plymouth Arena, marking a new era for the South West’s largest indoor arena

20th January 2026

Plymouth Pavilions has announced it will officially rebrand to Plymouth Arena from Tuesday 20 January 2026, marking the next chapter in the venue’s long-standing role at the heart of the city’s entertainment and events scene.

The rebrand to Plymouth Arena represents a significant milestone in the venue’s evolution, aligning its identity with a commitment to delivering world-class experiences for audiences, performers, and partners alike. The new name better reflects the scale, ambition and profile of the events hosted at the venue.

Plymouth Arena is now driven by one clear mission:

To be the independent heart and soul of live entertainment in the Southwest. Creating unforgettable shared moments where everyone truly belongs.

“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.

We’ve taken the opportunity to redefine what we stand for, putting creativity, community and character at the heart of everything we do, and championing the independent spirit that makes Plymouth unique.

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.” Sarah Phillips, CEO

Plymouth Waterfront Partnership said: "In the same week the city declares its bid for UK City of Culture status in 2029, we are delighted with the exciting announcements for the Plymouth Pavilions.

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.

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."

As Plymouth Arena move forward under their bold new identity they are shaping the future of live entertainment. The next five years will see them strengthen their foundations, invest in innovation and talent and evolve our operations to be sharper, more sustainable and ready for what’s next.

But for now the transition to Plymouth Arena will be rolled out across signage, digital platforms, marketing materials and on-site branding. Events already scheduled will go ahead as planned, with no disruption to ticket holders, partners or promoters.

As Plymouth Arena, the venue will continue to host a diverse range of events, including live music, comedy, family shows, exhibitions and conferences, reinforcing Plymouth’s position as a vibrant cultural and entertainment hub.

About Plymouth Arena

Plymouth Pavilions opened its doors in 1991 on the historic site of the former Millbay railway station. Over the past three decades, the venue has welcomed millions of visitors and established itself as one of the South West’s most important entertainment destinations.

Throughout its history, Plymouth Pavilions has had the privilege of hosting some of the biggest names in music and comedy, including Sam Fender, Michael McIntyre, Kylie Minogue, Joe Bonamassa, Pixies, Ed Sheeran, Chase & Status, Paul Weller, Paloma Faith, Oasis, Florence + the Machine, Sarah Millican, Ricky Gervais, Lee Evans, Tom Grennan, and many more.

In addition to its main arena, the Plymouth Pavilions complex previously housed a popular Fun Pool and Ice Rink, both of which closed in recent years. The land formerly occupied by these facilities has now been released for sale, presenting a significant opportunity for future redevelopment of the site.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the independent venue faced unprecedented challenges. Despite this, Plymouth Pavilions stood strong and opened its doors in support of the national effort, working closely with the NHS and local partners to serve the community during a critical time.

Looking ahead, Plymouth Arena continues to build on this legacy and will welcome a diverse programme of events in 2026. Confirmed acts include Russell Howard, 10CC, Darren Styles, Strictly Come Dancing, UB40, Professor Brian Cox, Squeeze, Romesh Ranganathan, Alan Carr, and many more.

Plymouth Pavilions remains a cornerstone of the city’s cultural life, celebrating its proud history while looking confidently towards the future.