The O2's owner AEG has responded to Madison Square Garden Company's (MSG) planning application for a rival London arena.
The 21,500-capacity MSG Sphere London venue in Stratford – next to Westfield Stratford City shopping centre – would provide competition to AEG's London arenas The O2 and SSE Arena, Wembley.
However, AEG has queried the proposed new arena's proximity to existing venues.
An AEG spokesperson said: “AEG understands competition in the live music industry and does not oppose the principle of a new music venue in London.
"However, there is a question mark over whether such a venue should be located so close to existing venues at the Olympic Park - such as the London Stadium and Copper Box – as well as AEG’s own nearby venue, The O2 arena, and we will be scrutinising the application very carefully given concerns as to the detrimental impact of their plans.
"It is imperative that Madison Square Garden’s proposals do not add to congestion in the area, especially on the Jubilee Line which is critical for the movement of guests to and from The O2 arena. AEG always strives to ensure that its guests have the best possible experience when they visit our venues and we will work with local stakeholders to scrutinise the application in detail and ensure MSG’s plans do not affect this."
MSG has said that it would primarily schedule events to run at different times to peak rush hours. It added that, when MSG Sphere events coincide with other events at surrounding venues, or with peak shopping periods at Westfield Stratford City, it would partner with those venues and Westfield on a combined events plan and crowd management strategy.
