Security at The O2 - Keeping you safe

• Arriving to an event
• Security checks
• Evolv Express
• Bags, food & personal items
• What not to bring
• Extra measures to keep you safe

Arriving to an event

Here at The O₂, your safety is our top priority. When you visit, arrive early to get through our security checks smoothly, and to give yourself plenty of times to find your seats and get comfortable. Our team is here to keep everyone safe, so please work with them during checks. Search is a condition of entry for all guests, and you’ll only be allowed in after you’ve been searched.

*Your safety is important to us! If you notice anything unusual, please let a member of our security or police teams know. If you see something, say something.

For any event at The O₂, you need:

• A valid ticket
• If you’re the lead booker for a group, a valid photo ID that matches the name on the tickets. Your whole group must enter together.

You might be asked to show your ticket or ID at any time during the event. If you don’t, you could be asked to leave.

Security checks

The Main Arena: When you get to The O₂ arena, if you have a bag, you’ll just need to pop it through the scanner by the main entrance.

The O₂ Arena: When entering a show in the arena, follow these simply steps to make the process smooth.

1. Finish up any food and drink before you enter the arena itself.
2. Head to the entrance stated on your ticket and join one of the queues.
3. Have your tickets ready for scanning.
4. Keep your bags and coats on you, you don’t need to take items out of your pockets, unless the security team asks you to.
5. Simply pass through the screening system when asked by one of the team.
6. You may be asked to go through a further search – if so, you’ll be directed to the nearest search table.

Indigo at The O_2: If you’re heading to Indigo, you just need to do the following:

1. Finish up any food and drink before you enter Indigo.
2. To find Indigo, enter The O₂, and follow the path round to the right (Gaucho’s restaurant is on the corner of the path). Indigo is located on the right-hand side.
3. Head to the entrance and join one of the queues.
4. Have your tickets ready for scanning.
5. Please have bags open ready to be searched, and empty all pockets.
6. You may be asked to go through a further search – if so, you’ll be directed to the nearest search table.

Evolv Express

Evolv Express® is a contactless security system powered by AI that helps identify potential threats, while ignoring everyday personal items. This means you can pass through security quickly and easily.

Is Evolv Express® safe?
Evolv Express® uses low-frequency radio waves, similar to those in retail anti-theft systems. The US FDA considers interference with medical implants unlikely, but visitors can opt for a manual search if preferred. These radio waves are generally safe, including for pregnant individuals, but manual screening is available for anyone who is worried.

How efficient is Evolv Express®?
The O₂ and Evolv have worked together for years, testing Evolv's advanced security technology before making it their main system. Evolv uses sensors, AI, and analytics for quick and accurate threat detection, ensuring a safer environment. Learn more at evolvtechnology.com.

Bags, food and personal items

We know that sometimes, pockets just aren't big enough. That's why everyone can bring one small bag (no bigger than A4 size, or a standard handbag to an event.

Unfortunately, we can’t allow in:

• Backpacks
• Travel cases
• Laptops and cases, larger than A4 size
• Large tote bags
• iPads
• GoPros (and similar devices)

Bag Storage

If you can’t avoid bringing a large bag with you, our bag storage facility has you covered.

O₂ Bag Storage: This is just outside the main entrance to The O₂ and costs £10 per bag. For security reasons, we’ll have to search and screen any bag before we accept it.

American Express Bag drop: American Express Cardholders get complimentary bag drop. Simply join the Amex® Cardmember Lane at bag storage and show your American Express® Card to store your bag for free. All bags will be searched and screened before being accepted, and bag storage closes one hour after the show finishes. The Bag Drop is managed by the venue (not American Express) and the venue’s T&Cs apply. All items left with stewards before entry into the venue are left at your own risk. You can find out more about The O2 bag policy here.

Outlet shopping Bag Drop: If you’ve been indulging in some retail therapy at the Outlet shops, and your shopping bags are too big to take into the arena, or contain prohibited items (food, drink etc.), you can use the Outlet bag drop, free of charge. (Only items bought at the Outlet shops can be left at the Outlet bag drop).

Outlet bag drop is open on event nights only from 4pm until 30 minutes after the show. It’s located at Guest services (under the grand staircase). Bags can’t be left overnight.

*We aren’t responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items. Anything you leave with us before coming in is at your own risk.

Cloakroom
There is a cloakroom for standing ticket holders at entrance E of the arena.

Coats costs £3 and bags costs £5, payable by card. The cloakroom closes 30 minutes after the show, and uncollected items will be held for up to 7 days. Space is limited, and once full, the cloakroom will close. Only general admission standing ticket holders can use this service.

*Items are left at your own risk*

Food and Drink
Food and drink needed for medical or religious reasons is allowed in the arena. Just email the customer service team (customerservices@theo2.co.uk) and we’ll make sure you (and your food/drink) get through security without any issues. If you don’t have a medical or religious need, we can’t allow food and drink bought outside into the arena. But all food and drink outlets offer free tap water if you’re feeling thirsty.

Animals
Animals aren’t allowed, except for assistance dogs. If you’d like to bring your assistance dog, please let us know, before booking tickets by calling the Access line: 020 8463 3359

Dress Code
No sports team branded clothing, including tops, shirts, or scarves. You may not be allowed in if you’re wearing one of these items.  

What not to bring to an event:

For us to keep everyone safe and comfortable, here’s a list of items that aren’t allowed into our venues:

• Anything illegal – if you have illegal items, you could face prosecution.
• Weapons, bladed/sharp articles, ammunition, explosives, horns, whistles, drums, fireworks, flags, flagpoles, inflatables, large umbrellas, glass bottles, flammable liquids in any container, laser pens, professional camera equipment, illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages, animals (except Service Dogs), confetti, glitter bombs, balloons, wheeled footwear, helmets, full face masks, food and drink or any other item which in our opinion, may cause danger or disruption to any event or to other visitors (regardless of whether or not the item is illegal or is carried for specific purposes).
• Ceremonial bladed articles, where conditions for entry haven’t been met.
• Items which artists performing at an event, or their management, have asked us to not allow in.
• Items not allowed based on the venue or ticket’s T&Cs rules.

We have the right to refuse entry if you:

• refuse a bag check.
• refuse to leave a prohibited item with us. pose a health and safety risk.
• are breaking these Venue terms or the Ticket Terms.
• cause damage or interfere with the property of AEG or the Organisers.
• break any licensing conditions at the Venue.
• are acting in a way that could be unsafe, disruptive or against our rules exhibited on notices at our Venue, such as (without limitation):
• enter backstage or and other prohibited areas.
• stand on seats or in walkways.
• climb on the building structure.
• throw any objects or substances onto the stage, crowd or at other visitors.
• smoke, including E-Cigarettes.

Extra measures to keep you safe

We’ve got security covered from every angle—some you’ll spot, and some you won’t! Our team is on the job day and night to keep things safe and sound, working closely with the Metropolitan Police and top security experts. And if you’re lucky, you might catch one of our sniffer dogs in action—just remember, they’re on the clock and working hard to keep everyone safe!

Bottle tops
Bottle tops are removed to reduce the risk of bottles being used as missiles. Without a lid, bottles lose liquid and have less impact. Lidless bottles also crush easily, reducing trip hazards during evacuations. All bottles in the arena are plastic, with beer bottles designed to look like glass but made of soft plastic. All plastic is recycled, and surfaces are treated to be non-slip, even when wet. These measures prioritise overall safety.

Ticket Security

It’s not just you that we keep secure, it’s your tickets too!

To stop people copying your tickets (counterfeiting), all tickets are assigned to individuals through AXS Mobile ID with a barcode system that changes every 59 seconds, meaning your tickets can’t be copied or shared. This helps fight ticket touting and makes entry easy—just scan your ticket on the app.

Posting photos on social media of tickets
Your ticket’s barcode is a unique security detail that identifies your ticket to you, to keep it safe, don’t share the barcode with anyone, especially online. If you want to post a pic of your ticket to show off your plans, just cover the barcode with your hand so no one can steal it!