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☆ Meet the diehard music fan who runs one of the world's busiest arenas
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-20 | by ( Chris Johnston | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

London's O2 Arena is one of the world's busiest and sold a record 2.5 million tickets last year. The venue is managed by Steve Sayer, a music fan who previously worked for Manchester City. The O2 Arena presents comedy, boxing, UFC, esports and even monster trucks as well as music. AdvertisementIt may not be the world's most famous, but London's O2 Arena is now one of the busiest. Elton John on his "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" Tour at the O2 Arena in April 2023.

Persons: Steve Sayer, —, Tom Jones, James Bond, Jason Derulo, Luke Dyson Sayer, Ateez, Olivia Rodrigo, Noah Kahan, Prince, Sayer, Elton John, Monty Python, Adele, Simone Joyner, they're, Philip Anschutz, Dua Lipa, Karwai Tang, Joseph Okpako, there'd, that's, Madonna, Kevin Mazur AEG, It's, Liam Gallagher, Girls, Billy Joel's Organizations: London's O2, Manchester City, O2 Arena, UFC, Service, O2, AEG, London, AEG Europe, Billboard, The O2, WWE, Gorillaz, National Health Service, Qatar Airways, Madison Locations: Manchester, Paris, Berlin, Hamburg, Dua, London, New, COVID

☆ See inside Qatar Airways' $20,000-a-year VIP club at the world's busiest music arena — with a floating walkway above the crowd
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-28 | by ( Pete Syme | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Qatar Airways launched a new premium members club at the world's busiest arena, London's O2. 12 normal suites were knocked through to create the huge space, The NinetyThird by Qatar Airways. It includes several bars, fine dining, and a retractable walkway which extends out over the crowd. AdvertisementQatar Airways announced Wednesday that it has secured naming rights for a premium members club at The O2 in London. But members of Qatar Airways' loyalty program, Privilege Club, can bid airline points for tickets instead.

Persons: — Organizations: Qatar Airways, London's O2, Service, O2, Privilege Locations: London

After a brief technical hitch, the opening night of the tour was indeed a celebration. Madonna played songs from across her vast career, including studio recordings and footage drawing on four decades of hits. On the set list were iconic songs from “Like a Prayer” to “Holiday” to “Vogue” to “La Isla Bonita." She also included more niche tracks such as “Die Another Day” from the 2002 Bond movie of the same name. During an acoustic moment in the show, Madonna spoke out about the ongoing war in the Middle East.

Persons: — Madonna, “ I’m, I’ll, she'd, Lourdes Leon, Madonna, ”, ” Madonna, Mexico City’s Palacio Organizations: London's O2, Vogue, Barclays Center, Mexico City’s, Deportes Locations: Isla Bonita, Vancouver, Las Vegas, Brooklyn , New York, Mexico

☆ Madonna greatest hits tour to feature 40 songs and a 'time machine'
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-13 | by ( Marie-Louise Gumuchian | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Madonna performs at the 2019 Pride Island concert during New York City Pride in New York City, New York, U.S., June 30, 2019. "Madonna has very high expectations of how much hard work people will put into something. Tour organisers said Madonna would perform on "4,400 square ft. of stage, the largest for any Madonna tour", which nods to the grid of Manhattan. "The person that is going to take the stage looks incredible, sounds incredible, performs incredible," Price told the BBC, who quoted him as saying the concerts will feature more than 40 Madonna songs, with over half performed in full. On Thursday she posted a blurred photo of herself with the caption "2 more days…………… #madonnacelebrationtour" alongside a party-popper emoji.

Persons: Britain's, Stuart Price, Madonna, Price, popper, Marie, Louise Gumuchian, Alison Williams Organizations: New York City Pride, REUTERS, London's O2, Britain's BBC, O2, BBC, Thomson Locations: New York City , New York, U.S, Manhattan, Vancouver, New York

☆ Helenius steps in to fight Joshua as late replacement for Whyte
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Finland's Robert "The Nordic Nightmare" Helenius is declared the winner after defeating Poland's Adam Kownacki in a heavyweight bout at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. October 9, 2021. REUTERS/Steve Marcus/File PhotoLONDON, Aug 8 (Reuters) - Finnish heavyweight Robert Helenius has stepped in at short notice to fight former world champion Anthony Joshua in London on Saturday after Dillian Whyte was ruled out by a dope test. Promoters Matchroom said on Tuesday the 39-year-old 'Nordic Nightmare', who fought in Finland at the weekend, will face the Briton at London's O2 with the undercard remaining as previously scheduled. "This wasn't in the script," said Joshua, who lost his WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO belts to Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk in September 2021. "Ultimately there is criticism in whatever you do, but I actually think this is a tricky and dangerous fight."

Persons: Finland's Robert, Poland's Adam Kownacki, Steve Marcus, Robert Helenius, Anthony Joshua, Dillian Whyte, Matchroom, Mika Mielonen, Deontay Wilder, Joshua, Oleksandr Usyk, Whyte, Eddie Hearn, Helenius, Alan Baldwin, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Mobile, REUTERS, London's O2, WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF, IBO, Marchroom, Thomson Locations: Las Vegas , Nevada, U.S, London, Finland, American, New York

☆ Whyte 'devastated' after Joshua fight cancelled
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Boxing - Anthony Joshua & Dillian Whyte Press Conference - Hilton London Syon Park, London, Britain - July 10, 2023 Anthony Joshua and Dillian Whyte go head to head as promoter Eddie Hearn looks on Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs/File PhotoLONDON, Aug 5 (Reuters) - Britain's Dillian Whyte said he was devastated after an "adverse finding" from his random dope test led to the cancellation of next week's heavyweight fight with former world champion Anthony Joshua. "In light of this news, the fight will be cancelled, and a full investigation will be conducted." Whyte, who lost a title challenge to WBC world champion Tyson Fury in April 2022, reacted to the news on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The outcome of the Joshua v Whyte fight could have put either fighter in the frame for a lucrative clash with former WBC champion Deontay Wilder. UKAD said last month that Benn, who had been due to fight Chris Eubank Jr in London last October, was no longer under suspension.

Persons: Anthony Joshua, Dillian, Dillian Whyte, Eddie Hearn, Matthew Childs, Joshua, Matchroom, Whyte, Tyson Fury, Oleksandr Usyk, Deontay Wilder, Conor Benn, UKAD, Benn, Chris Eubank, Alan Baldwin, Christian Radnedge, Pritha Organizations: Dillian Whyte Press Conference, Hilton, London's O2, Doping, WBC, Doping Agency, WBA, WBO, IBF, IBO, British, Thomson Locations: London, Britain

☆ WWE legend pitches to hold Wrestlemania in UK as rival AEW gears up for major London show
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-03 | by ( Arjun Kharpal | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Wrestling legend John Cena surprised fans with a pitch to hold WWE's largest live event Westlemania, the so-called "Super Bowl of wrestling" that has never taken place outside of North America, in London. WWE brought its premium live event called Money in the Bank to London's O2 arena on Saturday, in its second major event in the U.K. in the last year. The crowd erupted as his tell-tale entrance music hit, but Cena arrived not to fight — but to pitch to hold Wrestlemania in London. They don't necessarily know how to feel about London," Cena told the packed O2 arena which booed at the suggestion. "Take a moment right now, let them see, let them feel, let them hear what WrestleMania is going to sound like in London," Cena added.

Persons: Dwayne, Johnson, John Cena, Cena, It's Organizations: Life, Wrestling, WWE, Bank, London's, London Locations: Miami Gardens , Florida, North America, London

☆ Like Federer's farewell, Djokovic wants biggest rivals at his swansong
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Sept 28 (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic said he wants his biggest rivals to be by his side when he brings the curtain down on his career, much like Roger Federer's emotional goodbye to the game last week. Djokovic and Andy Murray - two of Federer's other main rivals - were also present for the 41-year-old's final bow. I also must say I was thinking about how it would look for me when I say goodbye to tennis. "There is definitely one thing that I will wish to have, other than, of course, my family and the close people in my life, I would love to have my biggest rivals and competitors there. "We played the most matches against each other of any other rivalry in the history of tennis," said Djokovic, who missed the Australian and U.S.

☆ Djokovic managing wrist issue, ATP Finals remains his goal
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterHowever, he lost to Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime on the final day of competition on Sunday. "I have been struggling with my right wrist for the last four, five days, to be honest. His Wimbledon victory guarantees him a spot in the Tour-ending Finals if he remains ranked in the world's top 20. Djokovic, who is currently ranked seventh, said the wrist issue could be due to a combination of factors. "You always have to generate a lot of wrist action and speed, which could be the case why I have been feeling soreness."

☆ Federer's grand finale ends in defeat
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-24 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

After a brief moment of almost silence around the packed arena, the crowd erupted to salute an emotional Federer. During the changeovers the video screens showed some iconic moments of Federer's 24-year professional career with tributes from Nadal and his mother Lynette. American duo Sock and Tiafoe, pantomime villains for the night, tested Federer's reactions with some lusty blows aimed at the Swiss maestro who would have demanded nothing less. The pair with a combined age of 77 and 42 Grand Slam titles between them edged the opening set by breaking Tiafoe's serve. Despite the party atmosphere in the stadium, there was no danger of Federer's farewell match turning into an exhibition.

☆ Tears flow as curtain comes down on Federer's glittering career
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-24 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

LONDON, Sept 23 (Reuters) - Roger Federer's trophy-laden career ended with defeat on Friday, but for once the result hardly mattered as the Swiss maestro headed into retirement with tears in his eyes and cheers ringing in his ears. Federer produced moments of his trademark magic during a fiercely contested duel and kept his emotions in check. But the tears flowed afterwards as Ellie Goulding sung while a montage of Federer's feats was projected on the black court. During changeovers video screens showed iconic moments of Federer's career with tributes from Nadal and his mother. American duo Sock and Tiafoe, pantomime villains for the night, tested Federer's reactions with some lusty blows aimed at the Swiss maestro.

☆ Nadal pulls out of Laver Cup after doubles with Federer
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterSep 23, 2022; London, United Kingdom; Rafael Nadal (ESP) of Team Europe arrives on court for the opening of the Laver Cup tennis event. Pictures and videos of Federer and Nadal - who shared one of tennis's most enthralling rivalries - sitting on a chair and crying after combining for Team Europe in a doubles defeat at London's O2 Arena on Friday went viral on social media. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register"Rafael Nadal withdrew for personal reasons. Federer was replaced by Italian Matteo Berrettini in Team Europe, who were tied at 2-2 with Team World after the opening day's matches. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Sudipto Ganguly in Mumbai; editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Part of me leaves with Federer, says emotional Nadal
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Sep 23, 2022; London, United Kingdom; A tearful Roger Federer (SUI) and Rafael Nadal (ESP) look on after his last Laver Cup Tennis match. Pictures and videos of Federer and Nadal - who shared one of tennis's most enthralling rivalries - crying together after combining for Team Europe in a doubles defeat at London's O2 Arena went viral on social media, leaving their legions of fans highly emotional. Federer, who won 20 major singles titles, played Nadal 40 times in one of the most compelling rivalries across any sport. Loud cheers accompanied Federer and Nadal, or "Fedal" as they are jointly nicknamed, on to court. We approach the life probably similar.

☆ Federer admits to last night nerves after emotional farewell
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

I (wanted) to be able to have an evening where I do not have to take the mic," he told reporters. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register"Maybe you think it's logical that I have to take the mic. In my mind I didn't because I know how impossible I am on the mic when I am emotional. "Weeks ago, for a fact, I was so scared of this moment that it really worried me." "The hard part about the Laver Cup was that tickets were already sold out.

☆ Laver Cup match briefly halted after protester sets arm on fire on court
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The man, protesting about the use of private jets in Britain, sat down and lit a substance on his arm during the match between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Diego Schwartzman. Security personnel acted quickly to drag the man off the court before play resumed following a quick check to make sure the court surface had not been damaged. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register"A man accessed the court this afternoon and was promptly removed by security," a Laver Cup official said. The man, who made his protest during the second set of the match, wore a T-shirt with the slogan "End UK Private Jets". read moreRegister now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Martyn Herman in London and Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru, editing by Pritha Sarkar and Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Federer's retirement leaves a void that can't be filled, says McEnroe
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Federer, who owns 20 Grand Slam singles titles including a record eight at Wimbledon, announced last week that he would be calling time on his career because of a persistent knee injury. "Obviously there is a void that will never be filled," McEnroe told reporters at a pre-event news conference. The American said Federer's four Grand Slam titles after turning 30 was an incredible achievement. Asked if he could offer Federer and retirement advice, McEnroe said: "He doesn't need my advice. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Pritha SarkarOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Fans flock to pay homage to Federer
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-23 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Federer has not played a competitive match since last year's Wimbledon and Carvallares said the news that he was ending his golden career was sad, but expected. GLOBAL APPEALWhile many fans came from Europe, Federer's unique appeal spans the globe. "I think his connection with the fans is something I don't think any other player will have for a while. Swiss student Aurille von Ruht said the finale, with Nadal, was the perfect way for Federer to go out. "Rafa and Roger are two beautiful players and two beautiful people, so I'm happy Roger gets to finish like this."

☆ Federer and Nadal team up for doubles on Friday at Laver Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-22 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON, Sept 22 (Reuters) - Swiss icon Roger Federer will bring the curtain down on his glittering career by teaming up with great rival Rafa Nadal at the Laver Cup on Friday. The 41-year-old announced last week that the team event being played at London's O2 Arena would be his last. Federer cut a relaxed figure as he sat with his European team mates including 21-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic and three-time major winner Andy Murray. "I'm not sure if I can handle (all the emotions) but I will try," Federer, whose presence had fans flocking to watch practice sessions on Thursday, said. "To be able to do it one more time, I'm sure it will be wonderful and I'll try my very best."

☆ I won't become a tennis ghost, says Federer, ahead of final bow
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-21 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"I just wanted to let the fans know I won't be a ghost. It's funny, I spoke about Bjorn Borg, he didn't return to Wimbledon for 25 years and that hurts every fan," Federer said of the 11-time major winner who quit tennis aged 26. Having not played competitively since losing in the quarter-finals of Wimbledon last year, Federer will make his final bow with a doubles match, possibly alongside great rival Rafa Nadal. Having Bjorn Borg on the bench with me when I walk out is going to be something that is beyond cool and I felt that was something really nice. He claimed 103 career titles, second only to Jimmy Connors, and spent a record 237 consecutive weeks as world number one from 2004 to 2008.

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