ABBA Arena Travel Guide

The ABBA Arena is a purpose-built concert venue in East London, designed specifically to host the ABBA Voyage show. Opened in 2022, this hexagonal arena was conceived by British entertainment architects Stufish, known for their work on major productions such as Stormzy’s tours. Situated near Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the arena occupies a former car park site close to Pudding Mill Lane station, blending modern design with a focus on immersive concert experiences.

ABBA Voyage is a groundbreaking concert that fuses digital avatars of the four ABBA members with a live 10-piece band, creating a hybrid performance that blurs the lines between reality and technology. The show features twenty of ABBA’s most iconic songs, including classics like “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” and “The Winner Takes It All,” alongside new tracks from their latest album. The concert runs approximately 100 minutes without an interval, with spectacular visual effects by Industrial Light & Magic and choreography by Wayne McGregor enhancing the experience.

The arena’s distinctive hexagonal shape ensures every seat offers a great view, with a layout designed for full immersion. The venue includes a general admission Dance Floor area where fans can stand and dance, as well as premium seating options with access to the Oceanbird Lounge. The arena is fully accessible, offering wheelchair spaces, ambulant seats, and transfer-friendly seating, all bookable in advance. The venue’s lighting and sound systems are state-of-the-art, contributing to the dynamic and engaging atmosphere.

Doors open approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes before each concert, allowing visitors to enjoy the arena’s bars and food outlets. Early Arrivals combos offer affordable meal and drink packages. The arena encourages arriving early for ticket and security checks, and latecomers are only admitted at suitable breaks. The venue is family-friendly with age restrictions: children under 3 are not admitted, and those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Earplugs are available for sensitive guests.

The ABBA Arena is located at 1 Pudding Mill Lane, London E15 2RU, opposite Pudding Mill Lane station on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). Stratford station is also nearby, offering Central and Jubilee line connections as well as National Rail and Stratford International services. The walk from Stratford station takes about 25 minutes, or visitors can take the DLR one stop to Pudding Mill Lane. Parking is extremely limited, with spaces only for blue badge holders by prior arrangement. Public transport is strongly recommended.

ABBA Voyage is scheduled to remain in London for the foreseeable future, making the ABBA Arena a permanent landmark for fans worldwide. The concert’s innovative use of digital avatars combined with live music sets a new standard for entertainment technology. It celebrates ABBA’s enduring legacy while offering a fresh and immersive way to experience their music, making the arena a cultural hub and a unique destination in London’s vibrant live music scene.