o2 World

The o2 World was opened in September 2008, a modern multi-function arena setting new standards for Berlin. Up to 17,000 people can attend the concerts – then the stands can be converted to a sporting arena within a few hours after they leave.

The o2 World is particularly suited to large and spectacular shows, such as “Walking with Dinosaurs”, which features life-size dinosaur replicas. Concerts are also provided for by the ultramodern technology and video projections. The arena is also the home of the national league basketball club ALBA Berlin and the ice hockey team Eisbären Berlin. 59 conference and party suites with catering facilities add additional options to the events held at o2 World.

The arena is on the site of the old Ostgüterbahnhof railway yard on the Mühlenstrasse. A gap in the “East Side Gallery” section of the former Berlin Wall provides access for the o2 World to its own landing stage on the Spree, so it is possible to visit it by boat. There are 2,000 parking spaces on the site and the open spaces around the building are often used for travelling exhibitions and open-air events, such as the sand sculpture festival “Sandsation” and the European championships in beach volleyball.

o2 World is run by the Anschutz Entertainment Group as part of the Mediaspree investment programme, which is developing media activities along the Spree bank on the Mühlenstrasse. In the long term, further leisure centres are planned on the site, including cinemas, restaurants, a hotel and a casino.