The O2 arena in London is one of the top entertainment venues in the UK, hosting concerts and events attended by thousands of people each year. For popular shows, getting good seats can make all the difference to your experience. If you want the best views and a more comfortable, exclusive setting, The O2’s premium seating options are worth considering.
An Overview of Premium Seating at The O2
There are several tiers of premium or VIP seating available at The O2 arena. These include:
- VIP Boxes
- VIP Lodge Hospitality
- Indigo and O2 Blu Premium Seating
- The O2 Bubble Premium Seating
- Up Close Experiences
The premium options differ in terms of their location in the arena, the amenities and services included, and of course, the ticket prices. But they all offer some key advantages over standard seating, like:
- Prime views of the stage
- More spacious, comfortable seats
- Exclusive lounge or hospitality spaces
- Complimentary drinks and/or food services
- Private bars and restrooms
Premium tickets are naturally more expensive, but can greatly enhance the live event experience if it’s a special occasion or a “bucket list” show. So which premium area is considered the “best” at The O2?
VIP Boxes
One of the top premium choices are the VIP Boxes. These private boxes seat between 8 to 12 guests and are located on Level 1, the highest tier of the arena. This positions them centrally above the stage with unobstructed views of the performances.
VIP Box amenities include:
- Spacious box suite with comfortable, reserved seating
- Private pay bar
- TV screens showing live concert footage
- Complimentary programs
- VIP guest services staff
The privacy, amenities and prime views make the VIP Boxes a luxurious way to experience big concerts and events. However, they are also the priciest premium option, with costs ranging from £3,000 up to £10,000 or more per box.
Sample VIP Box Pricing
Event | VIP Box Price |
---|---|
Ed Sheeran Concert | £3,600 |
ACDC Concert | £10,000 |
NBA London Game | £5,500 |
VIP Lodge Hospitality
Similar to the VIP Boxes are the VIP Lodge Hospitality packages. These offer an exclusive space located right next to the stage on Level 1. The amenities are comparable to the boxes:
- Premium stage-side seats
- Complimentary bar
- Hot gourmet buffet
- Live concert footage on flat-screen TVs
- Event programs and merchandise
- VIP guest hosts
The Lodge also includes a private VIP entrance and access to the arena bowl before general doors open. It provides an upscale hospitality experience in The O2’s most coveted location. Lodge suites accommodate groups of various sizes.
Pricing is similar to the VIP Boxes, starting around £2,500 per person depending on the event.
Indigo Premium Seating
For premium views without the high costs, one option is the Indigo Premium Seating section. Located directly opposite the stage on Level 1, this section offers:
- Prime stage-facing seats in Rows 1-3
- Exclusive lounge access before the show and during intermission
- Complimentary drinks and snacks
- Commemorative laminate and gift
Indigo Premium tickets cost approximately £200-£300 each depending on the concert or show. So while not cheap, they are much less than VIP boxes or lodges.
Sample Indigo Premium Pricing
Event | Price per Ticket |
---|---|
Harry Styles | £275 |
Justin Bieber | £225 |
Andrea Bocelli | £200 |
O2 Blu Premium Seating
Similar premium seats are available one level up in the O2 Blu section on Level 2. With a slightly higher vantage point, O2 Blu still provides stellar views of the stage from Rows 1-5.
O2 Blu amenities include:
- Premium seats on Level 2
- Exclusive lounge and private bar
- Complimentary drinks and canapes
- VIP guest services
Pricing for O2 Blu is comparable to Indigo Premium at around £175-£250 per ticket.
Sample O2 Blu Premium Pricing
Event | Price per Ticket |
---|---|
Dua Lipa | £250 |
Elton John | £225 |
Billie Eilish | £200 |
The O2 Bubble Premium Seating
A unique premium experience is available with the O2 Bubble. These see-through private bubbles seat up to 8 people and are scattered around Levels 2 and 3. Each bubble includes:
- Reserved table seating
- Panoramic views of the stage
- Dedicated wait staff
- Champagne and dining packages
The bubbles create an intimate VIP setting while still being part of the crowd energy. Prices are around £800-£2500 per bubble.
Up Close Experiences
For the ultimate exclusive experience, The O2 offers Up Close packages that include celebrity meet & greets, backstage tours, and more. These ultra-VIP packages provide once-in-a-lifetime access only available to a very few fans.
Sample experiences include:
- VIP meet & greet with photo opportunity
- Pre-show soundcheck access
- Post-show exclusive party
- Autographed limited edition merchandise
- Private artist Q&A
Up Close packages start around £500 per person but can run into the thousands for the most exclusive experiences.
Best Premium Seating – Conclusion
When evaluating the “best” premium option at The O2 arena, it depends on your priorities and budget. For sheer luxury and exclusivity, the VIP Boxes and Lodge come out on top. Both offer an unforgettable experience with stellar views and first-class hospitality.
However, the high prices put these well out of reach for many fans. For more reasonable premium seating, the Indigo and O2 Blu sections provide the essential upgrades like lounge access, drinks, and prime viewing without the sky-high costs.
The unique O2 Bubbles also deliver a special VIP occasion. And the Up Close packages are the dream option for die-hard fans able to splurge. Overall, while premium tickets require a much larger investment, the benefits can make it worthwhile for certain extraordinary events.
Key Factors in Choosing O2 Premium Seating
- Location – Areas like Indigo and O2 Blu put you closest to the action
- Exclusivity – VIP Boxes, Lodge, and Bubbles give a more private VIP experience
- Perks – Complimentary food, drinks, lounges add value beyond the seats
- Price – Packages range from £200 to £10,000+ per person
- Experience – Certain artists or bucket list shows may warrant the splurge on premium
Ultimately, the more you are willing to spend, the more exclusive and lavish the accommodations. This makes the VIP Boxes and Lodge arguably the “best” premium choices. But the right option comes down to aligning your budget with the experience you want to create.