The O2 Arena

Just when the Millennium Dome seemed doomed to be torn down (it was said to be temporary, after all), the European telecommunications giant Telefonica O2 appeared with a big idea about what to do with one of the most popular experiments with contemporary architecture in London.

The O2 Arena is quickly becoming the leading venue in London for any big name act, from music superstars like Alicia Keys and Bryan Adams to hit comedians like Chris Rock and Lee Evans to spectacular live shows like Viva la Diva.

One of the most attractive venues in London, it's also one of the easiest to get to - just a hop and skip down the Jubilee Line to North Greenwich. The station opens right into the beautiful Thameside grounds, giving a breathtaking view of the newest developments in East London, such as Isle of Dogs and Canada Water.

Wembley Arena

Originally built in 1934, The Empire Pool was given a full-on makeover in 2006 and became Wembley Arena, putting it back as one of London's main venues. It has since hosted huge names like Diana Ross, Christina Aguilera, The Eagles, Cliff Richard and Bruce Springsteen among others.

The new arena is now focused primarily on live music and comedy entertainment after being home to the various ice rink events, such as the many lives of professional ice hockey in the UK and Disney on Ice. Wembley Arena has also seen the World Championship boxing bout between Alan Minter and Marvin Hagler.

With a smaller capacity than the O2 Arena, Wembley is sometimes thought to give performers a better feel for the crowd. Comedians, in particular, are attracted to the venue's feel and buzz. Lee Evans will have performed there nine times when he takes the stage in November 2008.

Ticketmaster

Ticketmaster is the leading primary ticket seller in both the UK and the US. Based in California, Ticketmaster works as the principal ticket agent for large scale arenas, stadiums and other venues hosting live entertainment.
Ticketmaster has had great success by winning contracts as sole ticket agent with different entertainment organisations, such as football clubs or theatre venues.

Contracts with Ticketmaster mean that they set the selling price of tickets. This has frustrated some of their associates in the past, such as when the seminal nineties band Pearl Jam took them to court over what they felt were unfairly high ticket prices. Ticketmaster won the suit.

Ticketmaster has recently moved to acquire small companies like Getmein.com, who found success as an online ticket exchange or marketplace. This is a model of trading tickets which differs from the traditional interface Ticketmaster employs by using the website to connect buyers and sellers on a marketplace where they can exchange tickets for sold out events. Ticketmaster hopes to establish itself in this market as it begins to move away from its concentration on primary ticket sale.