AOL partners with The O2 dome
AOL has struck a deal with Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) to become the online and broadband partner of The O2 dome, formerly the Millennium Dome.
The five year multi-million pound agreement, secures AOL prominent branding inside and outside The O2 and on promotional material, as well as exclusive online rights to stream performances from events in The O2′s 20,000 capacity arena and its 2,000 capacity Music Club to AOL websites. These venues are scheduled to open in July 2007.
Additionally, the relationship lets AOL stage its AOL Sessions at the arena and the Music Club, which will enhance the portal’s music content and services.
AOL will also take lead sponsor status for the planned British Music Experience at the venue, which will provide further opportunities to obtain live and archive content.
Philip Rowley, chairman of AOL Europe, said: This relationship has great benefits for AOL, The O2 and for our respective customers. We provide complementary showcases for each other by providing the best and most innovative customer experiences offline and online. It is also a landmark for AOL as we turn our focus in Europe to becoming a leading portal business.???
AOL branding will feature on The O2 website, plus ‘click-throughs’ to AOL’s music portal, where users will find additional information about performers at The O2.
Reciprocally, The O2 will be represented on AOL, with click-throughs to drive customers to The O2 website and AOL will also be a key online channel for ticket sales and competitions for events.
The O2 has announced one of its first acts will be Justin Timberlake in July 2007.
Other partners confirmed as part of the AEG programme include ADT, Credit Suisse and most recently InBev UK, which secured the official pouring rights at The O2 for its family of beer brands at the end of September 2006.
