Live Nation Expands Global Footprint with New Venues in Portugal and South Africa
Live Nation is expanding its global venue presence with significant investments in Portugal and South Africa planned for 2025. The entertainment giant will acquire a majority stake in Lisbon's MEO Arena and develop The Dome, a new arena in Johannesburg.
Waterfront arena venue at night
The MEO Arena acquisition includes:
- Current capacity: 20,000 (Portugal's largest indoor venue)
- Planned upgrades: Premium seating, skyboxes, dressing rooms, and concessions
- Focus on sustainability through Green Nation initiatives
- History of hosting major artists like Harry Styles, Adele, and Dua Lipa
The Johannesburg Dome project features:
- Capacity: 10,500 people
- Location: Adjacent to FNB Stadium in Nasrec suburb
- Purpose: Live entertainment, conferences, exhibitions, and events
- Size: Over 6,000 square meters of multi-purpose space
- Management: Stadium Management South Africa to operate the facility
- Significance: Live Nation's first permanent venue in Africa
These expansions come as Live Nation faces an antitrust lawsuit from the U.S. Department of Justice regarding its merger with Ticketmaster and alleged monopolistic practices in the entertainment industry.
Jorge Vinha da Silva, CEO of MEO Arena, affirms the partnership will enhance the venue's status as a cultural destination. Justin Van Wyk, Live Nation South Africa's chief executive, emphasizes The Dome's role in supporting pan-African talent and connecting artists with new audiences.
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