AEG, owner and operators of The O2 and O2, the UK’s leading communications company, today announced that London is to be home to a breathtaking and thrilling new attraction – Up at The O2 – which will combine an exhilarating outdoor challenge with a completely unique perspective on the Capital. Designed by the original architects of the iconic venue, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, Up at The O2 officially opens on 21 June 2012. Priority tickets are on sale to O2 customers from today and to the general public on 30 May 2012.

The unforgettable 90-minute experience will take visitors on an uplifting guided expedition across the roof of The O2 via a tensile fabric walkway suspended 53m above ground level. An observation platform at the summit will enable climbers to take in spectacular 360˚ views of the Capital and its many landmarks, including the Olympic Park, Thames Barrier, The Shard, Historic Royal Greenwich and Canary Wharf, before descending back to base.

Up at The O2 begins at Base Camp, a fully immersive briefing area inspired by the world’s best climbs and the rich history of The O2. There, visitors will be kitted up in bespoke climb suits, shoes and safety harnesses by highly trained guides before making their way, via a short set of stairs, or lift, to the base of the tent ready to start their climb. From here, climbers will be guided, in groups of 30, to a central observation platform via a 190m long fabric walkway suspended between The O2’s distinctive yellow masts. An exciting, but manageable, descent back to base will complete the adventure.

Although thrilling, Up at The O2 is a suitable challenge for anyone at least ten years old (and at least 1.2m tall) who is medically and physically fit with a sense of personal adventure. Accessible tours for people with disabilities, including wheelchair users, are planned.

Alistair Wood, AEG Europe, Senior Vice-President for Real Estate, commented: “Up at The O2 is not only an exciting, new landmark attraction for London but it also marks the fifth birthday of The O2 in style. Representing a significant investment for AEG, the realisation of Up at The O2 is a demonstration of our continued commitment to developing and diversifying The O2 – already the world’s most successful music and entertainment venue. We believe that Up at The O2 will increase daytime visitation to The O2 and appeal not only to the venue’s existing visitors but also bring new custom.”

Sally Cowdry, Marketing & Consumer Director for O2 in the UK, said: “The O2 is a world-class venue and our partnership with AEG is truly a benchmark for success. Up at The O2 is the result of our shared passion to give everyone who walks into the venue, whether they’re O2 customers or not, a fantastic experience. We’re proud to play a part in such an exciting year for London and launch something truly fresh, unique and exciting.”

Up at The O2 is open year round and tickets will cost just £22 for adults and children, while O2 customers will be able to get 15% off the ticket price with Priority Moments. Packages including travel on KPMG Thames Clippers and entry to The British Music Experience will also be available. Full pricing and opening times can be found at www.UpatTheO2.co.uk.

Up at The O2 joins the many great entertainment offerings at The O2 including the world-famous 20,000 seater arena, live music venue – indigO2, The British Music Experience, a high-tech, interactive music museum, 11 screen cinema complex and vibrant ‘Entertainment District’ boasting a variety of bars, restaurants and leisure facilities.

Notes to Editors:

  • Up at The O2 will be open year round (weather permitting), June-September between 10am-8pm (last climb 6.30pm), October-May between 10am-5pm.
  • Tickets cost £22; on sale date is 30 May 2012. A 15% discount for O2 customers is applicable with Priority Moments, and Priority tickets to O2 customers go on sale on 23 May 2012 via o2priority.co.uk/UpatTheO2
  • Tickets can be purchased at www.UpatTheO2.co.uk or on the day at The O2

For more information contact:
O2 Press Office
O2
t:01753565656
e: pressoffice@o2.com

About O2 in the UK
O2 is the commercial brand of Telefónica UK Limited and is a leading communications company with over 23 million customers – read more about O2 at www.o2.co.uk/news. O2 runs 2G and 3G networks and was the first to trial 4G/LTE, reaching speeds of over 100Mpbs, as well as owning half of Tesco Mobile. It also operates O2 Wifi, O2 Health, O2 Unify, O2 Media and has recently launched the O2 Wallet. O2 employs over 11,000 people in the UK, has 450 retail stores and sponsors The O2, O2 Academy venues and the England rugby team. Telefónica UK Limited is part of Telefónica Europe plc which uses O2 as its commercial brand in the UK, Ireland, Slovakia, Germany and the Czech Republic and is a business division of Telefónica SA.

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