Live Nation Expands Global Footprint with New Arena Investments in Portugal and South Africa
Live Nation will make significant venue investments in Portugal and South Africa in 2025, expanding its global entertainment footprint through two major projects.
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In Portugal, Live Nation will acquire a majority stake in Lisbon's MEO Arena, a 20,000-capacity venue that has hosted international stars like Harry Styles, Adele, and Dua Lipa since its 1998 opening. Planned improvements include upgraded premium seating, skyboxes, dressing rooms, and concessions, along with enhanced sustainability initiatives.
In Johannesburg, South Africa, Live Nation is partnering with Stadium Management South Africa and Gearhouse South Africa to build The Dome, a 10,500-capacity arena. This venue will be South Africa's largest dedicated live entertainment space and Live Nation's first permanent venue in Africa. Located near FNB Stadium, The Dome will offer over 6,000 square meters of multi-purpose space for concerts, conferences, and events.
Jorge Vinha da Silva, CEO of MEO Arena, emphasizes the venue's cultural significance: "With this deal, we want to build on the arena's reputation as a cultural destination, and we feel that Live Nation is the right strategic partner to achieve this."
Justin Van Wyk, chief executive of Live Nation South Africa, notes The Dome's importance: "The venue will provide new opportunities to connect emerging and established artists with a new demographic of South African fans."
These expansions come as Live Nation faces an antitrust lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice regarding alleged monopolistic practices in the entertainment industry.
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