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When the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) was opened by the Queen in 1976 it only contained 89,000 square metres of exhibition space. This size was almost doubled in 1980 with the addition of the Genting Arena (previously known as the LG Arena). And with room for 16,000 screaming fans, it’s no wonder the Arena has hosted a huge array of international touring artists, from Bowie to Beyoncé. Some of the major events that have taken place at the Arena include World Wrestling, Crufts Dog Show and the BBC Sportsperson of the Year.