Used as a gigging venue for live music acts and comedy performers, the O2 Academy Sheffield lies just outside the city centre, at Arundel Gate. The venue opened with a performance by Reverend and the Makers in April 2008, following a rebrand. The music venue was previously known as the Carling Academy Sheffield and before that, the Roxy Nightclub. In the past, high-profile acts, such as punk rockers the Clash, Joy Division and David Bowie, have all taken to its stage. Following a thorough refurbishment, which cost a reported £3 million, the venue was upgraded to the arena-sized venue that it is today. It currently has a capacity in its main auditorium of 2,350 audience members. There is also a smaller venue on the site, which can handle up to 600 concertgoers. This is known as the O2 Academy Sheffield 2.

O2 Academy Sheffield events

There are no regular club nights held at O2 Academy Sheffield. However, the venue is used for one-off clubbing events. For example, Gatecrasher, Valve Soundsystem and Detonate have all been staged at the venue. This is because the management team at the Academy are focused on attracting many of the UK's larger live touring acts to the venue. The stage at the O2 Academy Sheffield has recently been taken to by bands such as the Cribs, Dead Kennedys and the Wailers, for example. Singer James Arthur performed there as a part of his Back From the Edge tour and the Mission played there during their 2017 tour, Another Fall From Grace. Popular singers such as Ellie Goulding and Rita Ora have both toured there.

The O2 Academy Sheffield mostly serves music fans, but it is also used by touring stand-up performers. Well-known comedians such as David O'Docherty have played there, for example. A Roxy Reunion night, in homage to the building's previous life, has also been organised in the past.

O2 Academy Sheffield info

There is no on-site parking at the O2 Academy Sheffield, but ticket holders for events on the day are able to park in a nearby 24-hour car park with a discount. This facility has a number of wide parking bays plus eight disabled access parking spots. The city's tram service runs to Castle Square, which is close by. Many bus services that cross the city centre will pass by Arundel Gate.

Wheelchair access is available in the stalls area, with three dedicated spots. Further wheelchair users can be accommodated on the venue's balcony. Access to the balcony area is granted by a lift.

Similar venues to the O2 Academy Sheffield

At StubHub, you can find events at venues such as the Sheffield Arena and Sheffield Memorial Hall, a favourite with touring comedians.