Copper Box Arena

🏟️ Brief Description

Copper Box Arena is one of London’s most flexible indoor sports and events venues, located in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford. Built for the London 2012 Olympic Games, the arena has a capacity of up to 7,500 and is designed to switch seamlessly between elite sport, concerts, esports, and large-scale community events.
Nicknamed the “Box That Rocks”, it’s best known for hosting basketball, netball, handball, MMA, boxing, and international indoor competitions, while also serving as a high-performance training base for professional teams.


📝 History of Copper Box Arena

The Copper Box Arena opened in 2011 as part of the Olympic Park development, hosting handball, goalball, and modern pentathlon fencing during the 2012 Games. Its distinctive copper-clad exterior was designed to reflect the area’s industrial heritage while delivering a modern, sustainable venue.

Following the Olympics, the arena transitioned into a permanent multi-use facility as part of the Games’ long-term legacy. Unlike many Olympic venues worldwide, the Copper Box quickly became commercially and operationally successful, attracting regular professional sport and grassroots participation.

In the years since, it has become a central hub for British basketball, netball, and combat sports, while also hosting concerts, exhibitions, and major esports tournaments. Its adaptability and location within Stratford’s rapidly developing sports district have cemented its role as one of London’s most reliable indoor venues.


🚇 How to Get to Copper Box Arena

Address: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London E20 3HB

Train & Tube:

Bus:
Multiple routes serve Stratford City and the Olympic Park

Car:
No general public parking on event days; park-and-ride strongly advised

🚇 Travel Tip: After sold-out events, walking to Hackney Wick station can be faster than Stratford for Overground services.


📌 Insider Tips / FAQs

Bag Policy:
Small bags only. Large backpacks and suitcases are not permitted. All bags are subject to search.

Best Seats:

Food & Drink:
Inside: Modern concourses with bars and food outlets
Outside: Westfield Stratford City offers extensive dining options pre- and post-event

Atmosphere:
Fast-paced and intense for indoor sports; energetic but compact, keeping noise close to the action.

Accessibility:
Fully accessible venue with step-free access, lifts, accessible seating, and assistance services throughout.


📊 Arena Records & Facts

📍 Location Map