The 3Arena, in its current form since its significant reopening, is 15 years, 5 months, and 25 days old as of June 10, 2024. The venue is actively approaching its 16th anniversary, a major milestone it will celebrate in December 2024.
This iconic Dublin landmark has a storied past, evolving from its original structure into the cutting-edge entertainment hub it is today.
Historical Evolution of the Venue
The site where the 3Arena now stands has long been a focal point for events in Dublin. Its journey to becoming one of Ireland's premier venues involved significant transformation:
- The Point Theatre Era (1988-2007): The original venue, known as The Point Theatre, first opened in 1988. It quickly established itself as a popular concert and event space.
- Extensive Redevelopment (2007-2008): Following years of successful operation, The Point Theatre closed in 2007 for a comprehensive redevelopment project aimed at transforming it into a modern, larger-capacity arena.
- Reopening as The O2 (December 16, 2008): The venue magnificently reopened its doors as The O2 on December 16, 2008, with a memorable performance by U2. This date marks the beginning of its contemporary identity and operational period as a state-of-the-art multi-purpose arena.
- Rebranding to 3Arena (2014): In 2014, The O2 underwent a naming rights change and was officially rebranded as the 3Arena, its current name.
Age Calculation and Milestones
To precisely answer how old the 3Arena is, we primarily refer to its reopening date as a modern arena.
| Milestone Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Original Opening | 1988 |
| Redevelopment Completion | December 16, 2008 |
| Rebranding to 3Arena | April 7, 2014 |
| Upcoming 16th Anniversary | December 16, 2024 |
As of early June 2024, the 3Arena has been fully operational in its current iteration for over 15 and a half years. The anticipation for its upcoming 16th year of operation highlights its consistent presence and importance in the Irish entertainment landscape.
Impact and Significance
Approaching its 16th year since reopening, the 3Arena has solidified its status as a vital cultural and economic contributor to Dublin and Ireland. Its operational longevity is a testament to its design and management.
- Major Event Hosting: The arena has hosted a vast array of international music superstars, stand-up comedians, family shows, and world-class sporting events, drawing significant audiences.
- Capacity: With a seating capacity of 13,000, it remains Ireland's largest indoor arena, capable of accommodating major touring productions.
- Economic Contribution: The events held at 3Arena consistently boost local tourism, hospitality, and employment, underscoring its role beyond just entertainment.
For more information on upcoming events and venue details, visit the 3Arena official website.
