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Plymouth Arena

Catch live music, comedy and unforgettable performances throughout the year

 

Plymouth Arena (previously known as Plymouth Pavilions) is one of the South West’s leading entertainment and events venues. With wide range of events throughout the year, including live music, comedy, theatre shows, sporting events, exhibitions and family entertainment. 

Stay close to the action at Plymouth Arena by booking your stay at Future Inns. Ideal for those enjoying a night of entertainment, the hotel offers spacious bedrooms with large Canadian-style beds, free WiFi, and tea and coffee facilities for a comfortable stay. Guests can also enjoy free parking, making it easy to explore the city. Dine at Fishbone Restaurant & Bar before or after an event, with generous breakfasts and delicious evening meals available. Book direct for our best available rates, and join Future Club Rewards for free to save up to 12% on your stay.

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Plymouth Theatre Shows

From theatre shows to stand-up comedy or live performances, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

From spectacular theatre productions and live music to stand-up comedy and family entertainment, Plymouth is one of the South West's leading destinations for live events. Whether you're planning a weekend break or looking for an evening out during your stay, Plymouth Arena hosts a varied programme of performances throughout the year, while the nearby Theatre Royal Plymouth brings acclaimed West End productions, drama, dance and musicals to the city.

Plymouth Pavilions Events

Plymouth Arena is one of the best-known entertainment venues, hosting an exciting calendar of live events throughout the year. Located just a short distance from Plymouth's city centre and waterfront, the venue welcomes thousands of visitors for concerts, comedy shows, family entertainment, exhibitions, sporting events and touring productions.

Originally opened in 1991 as Plymouth Pavilions, Plymouth Arena has become a landmark venue, attracting internationally recognised performers alongside popular tribute acts, family favourites and seasonal events. With flexible seating and standing layouts, it offers an intimate atmosphere while accommodating audiences of up to around 4,000, making it one of Devon's largest indoor entertainment venues.

Plymouth Arena What's On

The events calendar at Plymouth Arena changes throughout the year, with something to suit almost every taste. Visitors can book tickets through the venue's official box office.

What’s On in Plymouth

Plymouth Concerts

Plymouth Pavilions has welcomed many of the biggest names in music over the years. Legendary artists including Elton John, Oasis, David Bowie, Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams, Status Quo, The Beach Boys and Simply Red have all performed at the venue, alongside more recent acts such as Tom Grennan, Kaiser Chiefs, Paloma Faith, Texas, and Madness. Its impressive musical legacy has cemented Plymouth Pavilions as one of the South West's premier live entertainment venues.

Since rebranding as Plymouth Arena in 2026, the venue has continued to attract major touring artists from across the UK and beyond. Music lovers have been able to see UB40, Paul Heaton, Jack Savoretti, Squeeze, The Proclaimers, Jools Holland, Tony Hadley, Ocean Colour Scene, Yard Act, The Dead South, and 10cc.

The venue also hosts popular touring spectaculars such as Queen Extravaganza, The Bootleg Beatles, What's Love Got To Do With It?, The Magic of Motown and a variety of tribute concerts that regularly sell out.

Comedy Theatre Shows Plymouth

Comedy is another major part of the Plymouth Pavilions programme, with some of Britain's best-loved comedians taking to the stage. Previous performers have included Jimmy Carr, Jason Manford, Jon Richardson, Alan Carr, Dawn French, Kevin Bridges, Russell Howard and Sarah Millican.

Alongside stand-up comedy, visitors can enjoy live recordings and touring podcasts.

Sports Arena

While Plymouth Pavilions is no longer home to a permanent professional sports team, the arena continues to host a variety of sporting events throughout the year. These include boxing events, wrestling, dance competitions, martial arts tournaments, fitness expos and other large-scale sporting entertainment taking place at the venue.

The arena was home to the Plymouth Raiders professional basketball team, who competed in the elite British Basketball League. The Raiders have one of the biggest fan bases in British basketball, and games were often played in front of sell-out crowds of up to 1,480 people. The arena was home to the Raiders from 1996 to 2021. The team now play at the Plymouth Life Centre.

The venue is one of the most unusual-looking basketball arenas in the country, with one large two-tiered stand and a smaller temporary stand situated on the event's stage. It is was known for its off-court entertainment, including spectacular in-house sound and light shows with pyrotechnics.

Hockey Arena & Ice Arena

Plymouth Pavilions was one of the only indoor centres with an Ice rink in Devon. It was home to the Plymouth Phoenix Ice Hockey Club, who now have to travel 120 miles to Bristol to practice and play fixtures.

The ice rink was an important training space for local teams, figure skaters and ice skaters living nearby. It was also a great activity for all the family, all ages and abilities, as there were regular sessions for tots, group lessons, ice discos, and general public skate times.

Swimming in Plymouth

Unfortunately, there is no longer a swimming pool at Plymouth Pavilions. They closed in 2012 following the opening of the Plymouth Life Centre.

Plymouth Pavilions Today

Although Plymouth Pavilions has changed considerably since opening, it remains one of the city's leading entertainment venues. Facilities such as the former ice rink and swimming pool are no longer part of the venue, with the focus now firmly on delivering an exciting programme of live entertainment, concerts, comedy, exhibitions and special events throughout the year.

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What's On

2026

  • David Essex - 17 September
  • Simon Brodkin - 10 October
  • Chris Ramsey - 14 October
  • Jack Savoretti - 21 October
  • Professor Brian Cox - 24 & 25 October
  • Van Morrison - 27 October
  • Miriam Margolyes - 28 October
  • The Proclaimers - 31 October

 

  • The Proclaimers - 31 October
  • Bill Bailey - 5 & 6 November
  • Tony Hadley - 7 Novmeber
  • Harry Enfield - 8 November
  • East 17 - 21 November
  • Squeeze - 1 December
  • Ocean Colour Scene - 7 December
  • Jools Holland - 19 December

2027

  • Jack Whitehall - 20 & 21 January 
  • Romesh Ranganathan - 5 & 6 March
  • Paul Smith - 12 & 13 March
  • Alan Carr - 8 & 9 October 

Hotel near Plymouth Pavilions

Future Inn Plymouth is a modern and comfortable hotel conveniently located near main access roads and public transportation. It offers easy access to the city centre and the surrounding Devon countryside. Alongside its excellent location, the hotel boasts spacious and airy bedrooms - all of which sleep up to four guests - that feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, a desk and workspace, a laptop safe, a complimentary robe, tea and coffee-making facilities and filtered water. Plus, home-away-from-home services like the guest laundry room, ice buckets, and wine glasses. There's also a small exercise room and free parking.

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Getting to Plymouth Arena

It's incredibly easy to get to Plymouth Pavilions from Future Inns:

  • The Plymouth Pavilions is a 15-minute drive or taxi ride from Future Inn Plymouth.
  • The Western Approach Car Park is less than 800 metres from the venue doors, and other pay-and-display parking is available in and around the city centre.
  • Alternatively, it would take around 25 minutes on public transport, with buses going from across the road on William Prance Road or behind the hotel at Derriford Retail Park.
  • It takes about 20 minutes by bike. Did you know we're a cycle-friendly hotel?
  • The route is walkable and would take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to walk from the hotel.  

Future Club Rewards

For additional benefits, you can join the Future Inns hotel loyalty program. Alongside a member's discount rate, for every £1 you spend on accommodation, you earn 1 reward point. You also get a complimentary drink voucher to redeem in the bar when you dine. Plus, you get double points when you eat in the restaurant. Points collected can then be used to upgrade your bedroom to a suite or a free night's stay. It's also completely free to join!

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Plymouth Restaurant

Fishbone Restaurant is a welcoming and contemporary dining venue. Known for serving locally sourced produce, the menu showcases a delightful range of British and seafood dishes, ensuring that diners can enjoy an authentic taste of the region. From hearty breakfasts to leisurely lunches and indulgent dinners, it is ideal for both hotel guests and locals alike.

Additionally, the restaurant features an inviting bar area, perfect for enjoying a drink. In the summer months, take advantage of the outdoor terrace. A large selection of drinks is also available, including popular local brands such as Atlantic IPA, Offshore, Tarquins Gin, and Plymouth Gin. Naturally, there's a good choice of soft drinks, including refreshing fruit juices, tea, coffee, and mocktails.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Plymouth Pavilions remains open, though it is now known as Plymouth Arena, and hosts a year-round programme of concerts, comedy shows, family entertainment, exhibitions and special events. Opening times vary depending on the event taking place.

No. Plymouth Pavilions is not closed. However, it is now known as Plymouth Arena. While some of its former leisure facilities have closed over the years, the venue continues to operate as one of Plymouth's leading live entertainment venues.

No. The permanent ice rink is no longer in operation at Plymouth Pavilions.

Plymouth Arena does not offer a cloakroom service. Large bags, suitcases and shopping bags are prohibited.

Plymouth Pavilions is located on Millbay Road, just a short walk from Plymouth city centre, the Hoe and the waterfront, making it easy to reach on foot, by car or by public transport.

Plymouth Pavilions is now called Plymouth Arena. The venue officially rebranded under its new name on 20 January 2026.

Yes. Plymouth Pavilions is now called Plymouth Arena.

Plymouth Pavilions officially opened in 1991 as a multi-purpose entertainment and leisure venue.

Oasis performed at Plymouth Pavilions on 12 December 2002 during their Heathen Chemistry Tour, before becoming one of the biggest bands in the world.

Over the years, Plymouth Pavilions has welcomed an impressive line-up of performers, including Oasis, Elton John, Status Quo, Tom Grennan, Kaiser Chiefs, Paloma Faith, Jimmy Carr, Sarah Millican, Jason Manford, Jools Holland and many more.

Plymouth Pavilions has evolved from a combined leisure and entertainment complex into a venue focused primarily on live events. Facilities including the swimming pool and ice rink have closed, allowing the venue to concentrate on concerts, comedy, exhibitions and touring productions.

There is no dedicated public car park at Plymouth Pavilions, but there are several nearby city centre car parks within a short walk of the venue.

Popular nearby options include Western Approach Car Park, the Theatre Royal Car Park and other city centre pay-and-display car parks, all within walking distance.

Depending on the event configuration, Plymouth Pavilions can accommodate up to 4,000 standing or 2,500 seated.

Seating capacity varies depending on the event, as the arena can be configured for fully seated, part-seated or standing performances. Depending on the event configuration, Plymouth Pavilions can accommodate up to 4,000 standing or 2,500 seated.

Plymouth Arena is owned by businessman James Brent through his company Five Directions Ltd (operating via Plymouth Pavilions Ltd), which is a subsidiary of his holding company Natatomisam Ltd. James Brent purchased the venue from Plymouth City Council in 2012 as part of a wider regional regeneration and development plan. 

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