Arena Seating for Olympic Torch’s VIP guests

VIP guests had a grandstand view of the Olympic Torch welcoming ceremony when it arrived at London’s 02 Arena this April.

As the torch made its global journey often surrounded by controversy and increased media attention, UK production company Innovision was very aware of the need to showcase the best of UK event skills when the flame was carried through London.

The Torch Relay in London started in Wembley and spanned 10 London Boroughs before ending at a grand finale at North Greenwich with of the arrival of the final torchbearer and the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron.

The grand finale at Peninsula Square rounded off a truly unique day. The free, ticketed event was a fusion of East meets West, the contemporary and traditional, in a dynamic and theatrical display of Chinese ribbon dancers, an exciting electro-acoustic music act, gymnasts and pyro displays.

Innovision installed a temporary performance space in the shadow of “The O2” and specified a 530 seat tiered stand from temporary seating specialists Arena Seating, incorporating a wheelchair platform with ramp access for 20 people.

Arena’s Project Manager Tony Sainsbury oversaw the installation of the VIP structure overlooking the impressive, branded stage and offered guests an unrivalled experience as they saw the torch reach the end of its relay to light an Olympic flame in London. The grandstand was constructed amidst the tightest security in a two day window, with particular care required on the busy event site that was the main public thoroughfare between the nearby station and arena.