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U2 in the Frame for Arena Concerts
Rock superstars U2 are believed to be in the running to play the first concert at Coventry's new Arena.
Arena bosses want a massive name to kick-start concerts at the stadium. U2 are understood to be among a small number of names being considered for a possible concert to open the Arena.
Arena chief executive Paul Fletcher has a history of bringing world-class bands to stadiums.
In 1995, he was boss of Huddersfield's McAlpine Stadium. REM played the opening that year.
And in 1999, Oasis played Bolton's Reebok Stadium, which Mr Fletcher was behind.
It is hoped the 32,000-seat venue at Rowley's Green will be finished by the end of July.
He said: "There are only about 12 acts maximum that could fill an arena of this nature. The usual suspects are out there and U2 are obviously one of them.
"But we are looking at all sorts of things. It's not right to speculate. It may be something totally different.
"We are working on rock concerts, football games and civic ceremonies. We've not decided which."
The Arena's events committee is expected to discuss plans for the opening next month.
Rich Elms, promoter at Coventry's Colosseum nightclub in Primrose Hill Street, Hillfields, said: "I would imagine that something like that would sell out nationally."
According to their official web-site, U2, who have played more than 1,000 shows since 1978, are set to embark on a "major world tour" in 2005.
No dates have yet been announced.
--icCoventry
Rock superstars U2 are believed to be in the running to play the first concert at Coventry's new Arena.
Arena bosses want a massive name to kick-start concerts at the stadium. U2 are understood to be among a small number of names being considered for a possible concert to open the Arena.
Arena chief executive Paul Fletcher has a history of bringing world-class bands to stadiums.
In 1995, he was boss of Huddersfield's McAlpine Stadium. REM played the opening that year.
And in 1999, Oasis played Bolton's Reebok Stadium, which Mr Fletcher was behind.
It is hoped the 32,000-seat venue at Rowley's Green will be finished by the end of July.
He said: "There are only about 12 acts maximum that could fill an arena of this nature. The usual suspects are out there and U2 are obviously one of them.
"But we are looking at all sorts of things. It's not right to speculate. It may be something totally different.
"We are working on rock concerts, football games and civic ceremonies. We've not decided which."
The Arena's events committee is expected to discuss plans for the opening next month.
Rich Elms, promoter at Coventry's Colosseum nightclub in Primrose Hill Street, Hillfields, said: "I would imagine that something like that would sell out nationally."
According to their official web-site, U2, who have played more than 1,000 shows since 1978, are set to embark on a "major world tour" in 2005.
No dates have yet been announced.
--icCoventry
