Lives up to the Name of Wembley (Wembley Arena (London))

Member Name: GeordieNick

Product:	Wembley Arena (London)
Date:	30/07/09 (87 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good Capacity, Variety of Events

Disadvantages: If an event is going on at the stadium the tubes are a nightmare

I should stress before I start that I did not visit Wembley Arena for a musical event, so I can not comment on how good the sound was and what the noise was like. Earlier in the year I did go to Wembley Arena for another event with a fantastic atmosphere, The White & Mackay Premier League Darts semi finals and final where James Wade paid back my ticket as I backed him at at 9/2.

Wembley Arena is situated right next to the magnificient Wembley Stadium and that day was truly a cracking atmosphere as the Championship play off final happened that afternoon. When we pulled up at Wembley Park station the imposing sight was a lot of glum looking Sheffield United fans and as we walked up to the Arena the banter was immense. I really needed a good night after Newcastle were relegated the day before and I found myself ending the night singing Alan Shearer's name to defend the army of abuse!

Wembley Arena was built for the 1934 Empire Games and the pool was used for the 1948 Olympics. It is the second largest indoor arena in London, behind the O2 Arena with a capacity of 12,500. Wembley Arena hosts a wide variery of events. Other sports to darts include Ice Hockey, Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts. The Arena has played hosts to artists such as AC/DC, Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen and Madonna. It is also used for stand up comedy and WWE tour events.

There were a few entrances for Wembley Arena and me and my friend thought it was organised quite well as we did not have to queue for longer than ten minutes which is good considering your bags are searched on entry. Once inside you can buy food and refreshments at ridiculous prices should you wish but we decided to just take our seats right at the top of the stand. Being enclosed, the arena in naturally quite dark which would make for a great musical event and I felt with the shape of the arena the sound was kept in and circulated fairly well. Everywhere in the Arena, there is a good view of the stage at the front whether you are in the side seats, the seats at the far end or if you are lucky enough to be in the middle and therefore lower than the stage.

Wembley Arena ran the event really well in my opinion with the fans kept under control well which is important as most are males who are drinking. But no-one goes to darts looking for a fight, people just want to have a good time, watch the darts and sing a few songs.

As far as getting out was concerned it was OK compared to the stadium beside it. Due to the small capacity there is space to move on Wembley Way and you are not queueing for a tube for too long. Wembley Arena is a fantastic indoor Arena and is well worth a visit if there is an event you want to see.

Summary: A great indoor arena.