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Copper Box Arena
Copper Box Arena
from Wikipedia

The Copper Box Arena is a multi-sport venue built for the 2012 Summer Olympics, located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, England.

Key Information

Previously known as the Handball Arena, it was renamed because, aside from handball, it hosted modern pentathlon (fencing, shooting, swimming, horse jumping and running) during the Olympics and was the goalball venue for the 2012 Summer Paralympics.[4]

History

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London's Olympic bid proposed that there would be four indoor arenas in the Olympic Park, in addition to other main venues, but the revised masterplan published in 2006 reduced this to three, with the volleyball being moved to Earls Court Exhibition Centre.[5] The fencing arena was also cancelled, and the fencing took place at ExCeL. Construction of the building was completed on time in early 2011 and came in under budget.[6] The design incorporates light pipes and rainwater collectors to reduce both energy and water use by 40%.[7] Test events were successfully hosted at the venue ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2012.

In January 2012, the venue was renamed the Copper Box from the Handball Arena, thus reflecting the look of the building and the fact that it would not just be used for Handball.[8] British Handball campaigned for the rebrand to be reversed.[4]

Olympics

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The Copper Box interior before a handball game

The Copper Box has 7,000 seats. It was used for handball preliminaries and modern pentathlon fencing during the Olympic Games, and for goalball during the Paralympic Games. The handball men's quarter-finals, all semi-finals and both finals were held at the larger Basketball Arena.

The Copper Box was praised for its loud, exciting atmosphere during handball games.[9] For the Paralympics goalball events the crowd in the Box were required to be quiet.[10]

Post-Olympics

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Aerial view of the building in 2012

The venue has been adapted into a multi-sport arena for community use, athlete training and major events.

British Basketball League side London Lions relocated to the Copper Box for the 2013–14 season.[11] They played their first game there on 14 August 2013 in front of a sell-out crowd, losing 72–107 to the Iowa Hawkeyes American college basketball team in an exhibition match.[12] The Lions' women's team, playing in the WBBL, moved to the venue in 2017.

The venue played host to the 2015 Netball Superleague Grand Final,[13] which saw the Surrey Storm win their first Netball Superleague title, defeating the Hertfordshire Mavericks, 56–39. The venue is the home arena for the London Pulse, who since 2018 have played in the Superleague. It has also hosted several home test matches for the England national team.[citation needed]

The Copper Box hosted the London Grand Prix badminton tournament on 1–6 October 2013. The London Grand Prix forms part of the Badminton World Federation's Grand Prix Gold series.

The Wheelchair Rugby event at the 2014 Invictus Games was held at the venue in September 2014, as was the BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge in October 2015.[citation needed]

London GD Handball Club, one of the oldest handball clubs in the country, used the venue for its home matches.[14]

The floor was badly damaged during a mass fitness event in January 2014, resulting in several netball internationals having to be played elsewhere at the last minute.[15]

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Super Smash Bros. Melee DreamHack London 2015 took place at the Copper Box on 19–20 September.[16]

On 3 February 2018, the Copper Box hosted the amateur boxing fight between YouTubers KSI and Joe Weller.[17] It has also hosted IBF boxing.[18]

From 22 to 25 February 2018, the venue played host to the ITTF Team World Cup table tennis competition.[19]

The Rocket League Championship Series Season 5 World Championship, an Esports event sponsored by Psyonix, the video game company who created Rocket League, was hosted there on 8–10 June 2018.[20] The event was notable for "The Shot", in which Justin "jstn." Morales, a player on NRG, scored a last-second goal that forced overtime in game 7 of the World Championship Grand Final Bracket Reset. The RLCS would return to the Copper Box for the 2021–2022 season Spring Major on 29 June–3 July 2022, with crowds only being present on the final two days. Moist Esports won that Major's Grand Final 4–3 in series 1 and 4–0 in the Bracket Reset.[21]

Great Britain played Kazakhstan at the arena in April 2019, in the tennis Fed Cup World Group II play-offs.[22]

On 31 August 2019, the venue was used for New Japan Pro-Wrestling's show in the United Kingdom, Royal Quest.[23] NJPW returned to the Copper Box for Royal Quest III on 13 October 2023.[citation needed]

From 14 to 16 November 2019 the venue hosted X0, an annual event presented by Xbox.[24]

Between January and July 2020, the Copper Box Arena was used as the home venue for the London Royal Ravens, an eSports team taking part in the inaugural Call of Duty League.[citation needed]

The Apex Legends Global Series Year 3 Split 1 finals, was hosted there on 2-5 Feb 2023.[25]

The arena was one of the three venues selected to host matches in the 2021 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup.[26]

The arena hosted the League of Legends MSI 2023 tournament between 2-21 May 2023.[27]

Revolution Pro Wrestling (Otherwise known as RevPro) hosted their 11th and 12th anniversary shows at the venue on 26 August 2023 and 24 August 2024, each one day before All Elite Wrestling's All In 2023 and 2024 events at Wembley Stadium.

In November 2023, the arena was used for the 2023 Billie Jean King Cup play-offs between Great Britain and Sweden, which determine which team is relegated below the qualifying rounds in 2024.[28]

On 24th March 2025, the arena hosted the UK's inaugural Baller League fixture.

Beginning in August 2025 the arena hosted the London residency for the band Gorillaz.

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Copper Box Arena is a versatile multi-sport indoor venue located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, , , designed and constructed specifically for the and Paralympics. Completed in early 2011 at a cost of approximately £43 million, it originally served as the primary site for preliminaries and the event of the during the Olympics, as well as events during the Paralympics, earning the nickname "the Box that Rocks" for its energetic atmosphere. With a maximum of 7,500 across upper and lower tiers, it ranks as the third-largest indoor arena in and features elements, including light pipes for natural illumination and rainwater collection systems that reduce energy and water usage by 40%. Originally named the Handball Arena, it was renamed the Copper Box Arena in 2012 to reflect its copper-colored exterior and broader post-Games utility, transitioning from Olympic infrastructure to a community and commercial hub managed by the charitable Better (formerly GLL) since 2013. Following the Olympics, the venue underwent reconfiguration to support diverse activities, including leagues, international tournaments, music concerts, esports competitions, corporate conferences, and in September 2025, partnered with for catering services, while integrating state-of-the-art fitness and gym facilities for public access. It currently serves as the home court for the British Basketball League's London Lions and the Netball Superleague's London Pulse, hosting their seasons and major matches, and has welcomed events like the London Grand Prix tournament and the Baller League football series. The arena's adaptability—allowing configurations for audiences from 1,000 to 7,500 depending on the event—has solidified its role as one of the most flexible venues in the UK, contributing to the legacy of the Olympic Park by promoting grassroots sports participation alongside elite-level competitions and earning recognition, such as a at the 2024 Conference & Events Awards for versatility.

Overview

Location and access

The Copper Box Arena is located in the in Stratford, , at coordinates 51.5443°N 0.0199°W. It forms part of the park's legacy from the , situated adjacent to landmarks such as shopping centre and the Lee Navigation waterway. The arena's address is , E20 3HB. Visitors can access the arena primarily via , with being the main hub approximately 15 minutes' walk away. This station serves the Central, , and Elizabeth lines of the London Underground, as well as services and (DLR) connections. Additional nearby stations include Hackney Wick Overground (5-minute walk) and Stratford International (10-minute walk). Bus routes, notably the 388 service, run frequently from and stop directly outside the arena at stops M and N. facilities include over 140 bike racks and a docking station nearby, while pedestrian paths through the park provide scenic walking routes from stations. Driving is discouraged due to limited on-site parking (£2.20 per hour for non-members, maximum £35.20 daily), with visitors encouraged to use sustainable options; Blue Badge holders can access free parking upon registration, and larger facilities are available at . The arena and surrounding emphasize , offering step-free access via lifts and hard-standing surfaces throughout the venue and pathways. spaces are available in accessible seating areas, with dedicated changing rooms and restrooms provided; event organizers should be contacted for specific arrangements. Proximity to amenities, including Blue Badge parking and shuttle services from , further supports inclusive access for all visitors.

Architecture and design

The Copper Box Arena was designed by a of firms led by Populous, with contributions from MAKE Architects, PTW Architects, and Arup as structural engineers. Its exterior features a distinctive copper-clad facade covering 3,000 square meters, primarily sourced from recycled materials, which provides natural weather resistance through patination while creating a visually striking "box" form that stands out in the surrounding landscape. Internally, the arena employs a highly flexible layout to accommodate diverse sports and events, including retractable seating that can be adjusted to seat up to 7,500 spectators and a modular, pillar-free floor area of 2,712 square meters for versatile configurations such as courts or setups. Sustainability is integral to the design, earning a Excellent rating through features like 88 roof-mounted light pipes for natural daylighting, rainwater systems, and overall reductions in energy and water use by 40 percent compared to conventional venues. The structure's simple, box-like profile with colorful interior accents and open concourses enhances user flow and aesthetic appeal, integrating seamlessly with the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park's green spaces.

Construction and development

Planning and funding

The planning for the Copper Box Arena originated as part of London's successful bid to host the , where it was designated as the Arena within the broader Olympic Park masterplan for Stratford in . This masterplan, outlined in the Olympic Delivery Authority's (ODA) comprehensive 2007 document, positioned the arena as one of three indoor venues to support preliminaries, quarter-finals, and elements of , while integrating it into a parkland setting for long-term urban regeneration. The ODA served as the primary authority under the London and Act 2006, ensuring alignment with the bid's vision for sustainable, multi-use facilities. Funding for the arena was allocated from the overall Public Sector Funding Package (PSFP) for the London 2012 Games, with a total construction cost of £41 million. This budget formed part of the ODA's £6.714 billion anticipated final cost for venue development, drawn primarily from central government contributions (£6.25 billion total PSFP), the National Lottery (£2.18 billion), and the /London Development Agency (£0.88 billion). From the outset, financial planning emphasized legacy viability, incorporating flexible design elements like retractable seating to enable post-Games adaptation for community sports, cultural events, and business use, thereby minimizing long-term public expenditure. Key stakeholders in the planning phase included the ODA, which oversaw design, procurement, and delivery in collaboration with its delivery partner CLM (comprising CH2M Hill, Laing O'Rourke, and Mace), and early involvement from the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) for event integration. Sustainability targets were embedded from the bid stage, with the ODA mandating features such as 88 rooftop light pipes for natural illumination (achieving up to 40% energy savings) and cladding using high-recycled-content copper, aligning with broader environmental goals for the Olympic Park to reduce carbon emissions and promote resource efficiency. These measures were approved under the ODA's Sustainable Development Strategy, ensuring the arena's design supported both Games-time operations and enduring legacy benefits.

Construction timeline

Construction of the Copper Box Arena, originally known as the Handball Arena, began in July 2009, two months ahead of the initial schedule set by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA). The project was undertaken by main contractor Contracting Ltd., with a total construction cost of £41 million funded through the ODA's Olympic Park budget. Over the subsequent 20 months, the build progressed rapidly to meet the stringent deadlines imposed by the , incorporating elements for the raker beams and fin walls to address the venue's challenging geometry and ensure structural efficiency. Key milestones during the construction phase included the installation of the distinctive cladding, comprising 3,000 square meters of mostly recycled sourced sustainably, which was completed as part of the overall structural finishing in spring 2011. The retractable seating system, designed to accommodate varying event configurations with a capacity of up to 7,000 for Olympic use, was also installed during this period, allowing for flexible floor space adjustments. A significant challenge was integrating the arena with the broader infrastructure, including utilities and transport links, while adhering to the tight timeline that demanded completion well in advance of the Games to allow for testing and commissioning. The venue reached substantial completion in May 2011, enabling a soft opening for initial testing events. This included a successful test match for in April 2011, which verified the arena's operational readiness for sports like , , and . Further refinements and systems integration continued through 2011, culminating in full operational readiness by July 2012, just prior to the start of the Olympic events. The modular precast approach and early start helped mitigate delays, ensuring the arena was handed over on time despite the complexities of coordinating with multiple Olympic Park developments.

2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Olympic events hosted

During the , the Copper Box Arena served as a primary venue for the competitions and specific phases of the , accommodating up to 7,000 spectators in its configured setup. The arena featured temporary adaptations, including a court with surrounding seating and pistes installed for the events, allowing for efficient reconfiguration between disciplines while maintaining an intimate atmosphere for viewers. The tournaments, encompassing both men's and women's events, utilized the Copper Box for preliminary rounds and the women's quarter-finals, with the men's quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals shifting to the larger Basketball Arena. Notable matches included Great Britain's men's team debut against defending champions on July 29, resulting in a 44-15 defeat before a packed house that amplified the electric energy of the venue. Another highlight was the tense men's group stage clash between and on July 31, where the arena's boisterous crowd contributed to an intense, uproarious environment. emerged as an unexpected crowd favorite, drawing widespread media attention for its fast-paced action and the passionate support from British fans unfamiliar with the sport, often described as creating one of the Games' most vibrant atmospheres. For the modern pentathlon, the Copper Box hosted the fencing discipline for both men's and women's competitions on August 11 and 12, respectively, where athletes engaged in one-touch épée bouts across multiple pistes to score points toward their overall totals. This phase set the foundation for subsequent events like and the combined laser-run, with the arena's setup enabling rapid bouts that showcased the sport's precision and under Olympic pressure.

Paralympic events hosted

During the 2012 Summer Paralympic Games, the Copper Box Arena served as the exclusive venue for competitions, a sport designed specifically for visually impaired athletes. The men's and women's tournaments took place from 29 to 9 September, featuring teams from 16 nations competing in preliminary rounds, quarterfinals, semifinals, and medal games. The arena was adapted to meet the unique needs of , emphasizing accessibility and sensory support for athletes and spectators. Key features included a low-noise environment to allow players to hear the bells embedded in the ball, with crowds required to remain silent during play; tactile flooring and court markings for navigation; and audio cues for announcements and game proceedings. These modifications built on the venue's Olympic configuration for , enabling a seamless transition between events with minimal structural changes, such as adjusting seating and flooring layouts. With a capacity of approximately 6,500 spectators, the arena accommodated enthusiastic but controlled audiences, fostering an inclusive atmosphere that highlighted the 's reliance on sound and touch. In the men's tournament, claimed gold with an 8-1 victory over in the final, while secured bronze by defeating . The men's team, in their Paralympic debut, showed resilience by earning their first-ever points in the competition through a 3-3 draw against but ultimately finished without a medal, suffering heavy defeats including 11-1 to and 7-1 to . The women's competition saw win gold after a 1-0 shutout of in the final, with taking bronze via a 5-1 win over ; 's women performed strongly in preliminaries, securing second place in their group with notable victories over (3-1) and , before exiting in the quarterfinals with a 2-1 loss to . These events underscored the arena's role in promoting inclusive sports, inspiring greater participation in and adaptive athletics worldwide.

Post-Games legacy and operations

Renaming and public opening

Following the conclusion of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Copper Box Arena—previously known as the Arena during planning but renamed in January 2012 to highlight its distinctive copper-clad exterior and anticipated multi-purpose role—underwent a seamless transition to become a permanent public facility within the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The venue's design, which incorporated flexible elements like retractable seating from the outset, minimized the need for extensive post-Games modifications, allowing it to shift efficiently from a 6,000-seat Olympic configuration to a legacy mode supporting up to 7,500 spectators for diverse activities. The arena officially opened to the public on 27 2013, marking it as the first Olympic venue in the to resume operations in its repurposed form and fulfilling early legacy plans to convert it into a multi-sport hub for community and elite use. These plans emphasized broad accessibility, with the facility adapted to host , , , , , and other indoor sports, alongside non-sporting events to engage local residents and promote physical activity across . Initial programming focused on reintroducing professional sport, exemplified by the relocation of the British Basketball League's London Lions team, who played their first match at the venue on 14 August 2013 against the in front of a sell-out crowd of over 7,000. Community engagement was a core component of the post-opening strategy, with the arena launching drop-in sessions and affordable programs to encourage participation from diverse groups, including youth and families in the surrounding Hackney and Stratford areas. In its inaugural full year of operation, the venue hosted 224 events, including 106 community-oriented activities that drew 423,000 visitors and helped establish it as a vibrant local resource rather than an underutilized "white elephant." This rapid repurposing underscored the success of integrating legacy considerations into the original construction, avoiding significant demolition of temporary structures and enabling quick activation for sustained public benefit.

Management and facilities

The Copper Box Arena is owned by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), the body responsible for managing legacy assets from the 2012 London Olympics in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Since 2013, the venue has been operated by GLL, trading as Better, a charitable social enterprise structured as a worker-owned cooperative that prioritizes community benefits and reinvests surpluses into local services. In February 2024, LLDC awarded GLL a new 10-year operating contract to continue managing the arena, including upgrades to enhance community access and sustainability. In September 2025, GLL entered a partnership with Oak View Group (OVG) to oversee all food and beverage operations, including concessions, VIP lounges, and suites, aiming to elevate hospitality standards through premium offerings and improved guest experiences. The arena's facilities include a state-of-the-art gym with over 80 stations, a functional training suite for specialized workouts, and dedicated studios for group fitness classes such as cycling and high-intensity sessions. A multi-use sports hall supports various activities, from handball to basketball, accommodating both recreational and competitive use. Membership programs provide tiered access to these amenities, offering unlimited gym entry, class bookings, and discounts on events, with options for individuals, families, and corporate groups to promote inclusive fitness. Sustainability initiatives are integrated into operations, with the venue designed for up to 40% annual savings through efficient systems and monitoring tools that track consumption in real time. The exterior features 3,000 square meters of cladding with high recycled content, contributing to its environmental footprint reduction, while event menus emphasize sustainable sourcing.

Current uses and events

The Copper Box Arena primarily serves as the home venue for the London Lions, the professional team competing in the , where it hosts their domestic and international fixtures, including BKT EuroCup games. It is also a key location for internationals, accommodating matches for the Vitality Roses and serving as the base for the London Pulse team under a 10-year that includes community-focused events. The venue further supports a range of activities such as bouts, tournaments, and fitness classes offered through its on-site gym and multi-purpose spaces, enabling diverse programming from amateur training to professional competitions. In 2024 and 2025, the arena has showcased its event-hosting capabilities with high-profile concerts, including Gorillaz's residency in August and September 2025, where the band performed their debut album and in full to sold-out crowds. Sporting highlights include the return of Baller League UK for its second season, with multiple matchdays in November 2025 featuring influencer-led 5-a-side football; London Lions' EuroCup clashes, such as against Panionios on November 12, 2025; and GB Basketball's FIBA qualifier victory over on November 21, 2024. Netball programming featured the Vitality Netball Series with four matchdays hosted for the team in 2025, while other events encompassed the Major 2 in June 2024 and boxing cards like Adam Azim's knockout win over in October 2024. The arena's adaptability underscores its role in and regional vitality, attracting over 300,000 visitors annually on average since its public opening, based on more than 3 million total attendees by early 2024. It facilitates sports programs, such as camps, masterclasses with London Pulse, and the annual Better Club Games for participants over 60, promoting inclusivity and local participation. These initiatives, alongside major events, generate economic benefits for by creating jobs and stimulating tourism and business in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park area.

References

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