THE MILLENNIUM DOME/O2 ARENA, LONDON, UK

The Millennium Dome based Greenwich, South London was originally built as an exhibition centre to celebrate the beginning of the 3rd millennium.

It was opened on the 1st January, 2000, and strangely enough closed it's doors to the public on the 31st December, due to finance problems with the lack of visitors it attracted.

The original exhibition and complex were demolished, just leaving the distinguishing canopy and shell (the dome shape) to work with. The 12 yellow support towers on top were made to represent each month of the year, or 12 hours on a clock face.

Arena by night

It officially re-opened a long awaited 7 years later On 24th June, 2007, and was named the O2 Arena. This time it was intended to be a centerpiece for UK celebrations and an entertainment venue.

There was much controversy over the build of this from the public and press for a long time, as it was seen that the money could have been spent on redeveloping the neighbourhood and used for hospitals and schools instead.

But since then millions of people have visited the dome, which has fast become one of the most popular music venues in the UK.

The concert hall area can also be transformed into an ice rink, basketball court or indoor sports area within 2 hours (See picture below)

Music concert taking place in the arena

Ice rink/basketball court transformation