The O2 arena has beaten off all competition to be voted both Best New Concert Venue and Best International Arena of the Year at the Pollstar Concert Industry Awards in LA.

Accepting the awards David Campbell, CEO of AEG Europe, owners and operators of The O2, quoted Linkin Park, who recently played the arena, "Leave it to London to build the biggest, baddest venue in the world." He went on to thank Mr Anschutz and team for `their vision and for all 2000 employees, agents promoters and managers who have made this work.'

Since opening just 7 months ago The O2 has hosted some of the biggest live music acts around such as Justin Timberlake, Rolling Stones, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, 8 nights of Take That, 17 nights of Spice Girls and the legendary Barbra Streisand plus gig of the decade - Led Zeppelin. Prince made The O2 his home during the summer to play 21 sold out nights in the arena which has already become the world's highest grossing music arena.*

Reflecting on the win Campbell added, "We are ecstatic to be recognised by industry peers for what we have achieved, we truly have had amazing world class acts play The O2 and help us prove we are indeed a world class venue."

Rob Hallet, Senior Vice President of AEG Live, won Best International Promoter of the Year.

* figures since opening

Source: The O2