No more Dome and gloom as 10 million visit the O2

The 10 millionth visitor will walk through the O2 Arena this week, comfortably eclipsing the figures achieved by the venue when it was the Millennium Dome.

Since opening in June last year, the 23,000-capacity O2 has featured almost 500 acts, including Prince, Kylie Minogue, Led Zeppelin and the Spice Girls.

As host for the Millennium exhibition, the Greenwich site attracted six million visitors. But following a £600 million refit it has established itself as one of the world's most popular music venues.

As well as the main arena, the O2 takes in the smaller IndigO2 venue and O2 Bubble, the recently opened Matter nightclub, 26 bars and restaurants and an 11-screen cinema. Attractions this month include Stevie Wonder, Lee Evans, an NBA basketball game and Gunther von Hagen's Body Worlds exhibition. The site, now run by Anschutz Entertainment Group, has become the highest-grossing music venue in the world. Some 20 million people are reported to have tried to buy tickets for the recent Led Zeppelin reunion concert.

Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones has said: "It is probably the best indoor gig there is. I've only played there for three shows. But it's such an easy room to play to the crowd - it has great sound and it's on my river."

David Campbell, chief executive of AEG Europe, said: "The O2 aims to be one of the world's most dynamic venues, bringing in the very best music, sport and entertainment."

He said Prince's 21-night residency last summer was a highlight. Forthcoming acts include Queen, Elton John, Coldplay, Kings of Leon, Barry Manilow, and five nights of Tina Turner.

Next year the Arena will see its first classical concert, Carmina Burana, as well as the launch of the British Music Experience, a permanent music exhibition.

The O2 is also a venue for the 2012 Olympics and will host the gymnastic and basketball events.