New £333m Aberdeen event complex to be named P&J Live

DC Thomson Media agrees deal to secure inaugural naming rights for world-class entertainment venue

DC Thomson Media has become the inaugural naming rights sponsor of Scotland’s new £333 million event complex.

The world-class venue’s operator, SMG Europe, and DC Thomson Media – which owns The Courier, Evening Telegraph and Wave FM – have agreed a deal securing the inaugural naming rights for the north-east venue, which will be known as P&J Live – after DC Thomson Media’s Aberdeen title, The Press and Journal.

The state-of-the-art concert, exhibition, conference and banqueting venue in Aberdeen is to attract the world’s biggest stars to the north-east.

Managing director of AECC and P&J Live Nick Waight said: “We look forward to a strong partnership and bringing P&J Live to life, delivering on a fantastic new venue for entertainment, conferencing and exhibitions.”

Events already lined up for the impressive venue include Lewis Capaldi, Elton John, Russell Howard and Game Con, with more to be announced.

SPE Offshore Europe – which generates more than £53 million for the north-east across four days – will also be held at P&J Live in September, the complex’s first exhibition.

The 48,000 square metre venue will offer a flexible and technologically advanced space, enabling P&J Live to compete nationally and internationally for exciting events and attract an estimated 4.5 million visitors.

As well as seating more than 10,000 people (with a maximum capacity exceeding 16,000), the main arena also includes an exclusive show deck and 16 luxurious private hospitality suites.

The venue also houses a VIP lounge, The View, and seven conference spaces, three 2,000 square metre exhibition halls – each with a seated capacity of 1,700 – and 11 meeting rooms.

Alan McCabe, editor-in-chief of The Press and Journal, said: “P&J Live will provide a visitor experience far beyond anything seen in the city and will attract visitors from far and wide and give us all an opportunity to shout about what a great place this is to live, work and play.”

P&J Live will host an official opening day on Saturday August 10. With entertainment from local talent, food and drink, as well as a host of activities, the open day will allow the innovative new venue to be viewed by the public.

Attendees will also be able to help to “test” the building as it opens its doors for the first time.