The retractable walkway at The NinetyThird by Qatar Airways, in The O2.
Luke Dyson
Qatar Airways launched a new premium members club at the world's busiest arena, London's O2.
12 normal suites were knocked through to create the huge space, The NinetyThird by Qatar Airways.
It includes several bars, fine dining, and a retractable walkway which extends out over the crowd.
Qatar Airways announced Wednesday that it has secured naming rights for a premium members club at The O2 in London.
"The NinetyThird by Qatar Airways" is the size of 12 regular suites, includes three bars plus a dining room, and oozes musical heritage through the decor.
It doesn't come cheap — a membership costs around $20,000 a year. But members of Qatar Airways' loyalty program, Privilege Club, can bid airline points for tickets instead.
Business Insider was invited to the launch event during a Depeche Mode concert on Monday, to see the luxurious space and step onto the world's first retractable walkway in an arena.
The O2, in southeast London, is the world's busiest music arena, having sold 2.5 million tickets last year.
Some Qatar Airways flight attendants had flown in from Doha for the launch of its premium members club, The NinetyThird.
Luke Dyson
"Up to this point, we've had an impressive 92 residencies at The O2, and it felt fitting to honour this new premium space as our 93rd, given that the design of the space has been so heavily influenced by our musical heritage," said Matt Botten, The O2's senior director of premium seating.
It costs £15,000 (around $20,000) for a year's membership – but Qatar Airways customers can also bid for tickets using its airline points, Avios.A Qatar Airways Boeing 787.
Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The O2 has over 200 events each year, so the eye-watering price could work out to around $100 per event if you attended every one.
With 39 days of bidding left, two tickets to see John Mayer were going for 70,000 Avios. A business-class flight from London to Doha costs 45,000.
A ticket to The NinetyThird gives you access to a priority entrance lane so you don't have to wait in a long line, then it's up the escalators to check in.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
Once inside, it's strikingly spacious with room for 300 people. The O2 knocked through 12 normal suites to create the space.
Luke Dyson
There's a number of drinks on tap, from Corona, to Stella Artois, and hard cider.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
As well as the main bar area, there are several smaller rooms like this one, recognizing performers who've done at least 21 events at the arena.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
Plus two more bars, one of which serves cocktails commemorating the first O2 concert and the Spice Girls reunion tour, among others.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
Then the Champagne and wine bar, which extends out above a concourse.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
The O2 also added a large kitchen for fine dining, with full sit-down meal options.
Luke Dyson
Its music-themed decor included the lyrics to Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love."
Pete Syme/Business Insider
If you hadn't noticed yet, there's all sorts of pictures and displays around The NinetyThird celebrating musicians.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
But the main attraction is a walkway that extends out over the crowd.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
The 70-foot drop to the crowd below can feel a bit daunting.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
I had to put my phone in a case around my neck to take pictures, but selfies were encouraged to make use of the unique viewpoint.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
The O2 says the walkway is a "first of its kind" because it's retractable. Once the concert starts, it disappears so it doesn't interrupt the performer's line of sight.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
And once you've taken in all the amenities, there's still a supreme view of the arena to enjoy.
Pete Syme/Business Insider
Olivia Rodrigo, Liam Gallagher, and The 1975 are among those who will also be performing at The O2 this year.
Kara Birnbaum/NBC via Getty Images; Elena Di Vincenzo/Archivio Elena di Vincenzo/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images
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