Australian stadium and venue operator ASM Global has landed a Sheffield double with the new contract to operate the city’s Sheffield City Hall.
ASM landed the contract to run Sheffield’s Utilita Arena in February of this year, and is already well-konwn in the North for managing venues including Manchester’s AO Arena and the First Direct Arena in Leeds. It also operates venues in Dubai and Los Angeles among a networ of around 350 venues globally.
ASM will take over management of the latest Sheffield venue in January 2025. Both Sheffield venues were previously run by Sheffield City Trust, formerly known as Sheffield International Venues, but the City Council decided to seek a new operator in 2023 following years of financial struggles.
Chris Bray, president of ASM Global Europe, said: “We are happy to have been selected to operate the wonderful Sheffield City Hall – a truly beautiful and unique venue steeped in heritage.
“Sheffield’s rich culture and phenomenal music talent are recognised far and wide, and working with Sheffield City Council we have exciting plans to evolve and transform the city’s live entertainment experience for both residents and visitors, delivering content that is nothing short of world leading.
“Having announced just a few months ago that ASM Global has also been appointed to manage the city’s Utilita Arena, we are thrilled to be able to support the local community and the city’s economy, ensuring these venues are must-plays across a broad spectrum of acts and artists, from grassroots to world-renowned.”
Councillor Kurtis Crossland of Sheffield City Council added: “I am confident that both Sheffield City Hall and the Utilita Arena Sheffield are in great hands with ASM Global and that this new investment will help our fantastic Sheffield venues compete on the global stage.”
City Hall has hosted some of the biggest names in music, such as Elton John, the Beatles and Kylie Minogue, as well as comedians and entertainment stars. First opened in 1932, it has become a “pillar of civic life” in the city with more than 750 events taking place a year, the council added.
Photo: Tim Green/Creative Commons
