New operator selected for Sheffield City Hall

Sheffield City Hall hosts about 750 events a year, according to the council

One of the world's biggest stadium companies has been selected as the new operator for Sheffield City Hall.

ASM Global, which runs venues in Dubai and Los Angeles as well as the First Direct Arena in Leeds and the AO Arena in Manchester, will take over management of the venue in January 2025.

President of ASM Global Europe Chris Bray said the company had plans "to evolve and transform" the city’s live entertainment experience in order to deliver "world leading" content.

Earlier this year it was revealed that ASM Global would also be the new operator of the 13,600-capacity Utilita Arena Sheffield.

Both venues had previously been run by Sheffield City Trust, formerly known as Sheffield International Venues.

Following years of financial difficulties, however, it was announced the trust would hand back the venues to Sheffield City Council and new operators found.

'Global stage'

ASM Global operates more than 350 venues across the world, including convention centres, race tracks, large stadiums and arenas, which collectively host 20,000 events and welcome 164 million guests every year.

Councillor Kurtis Crossland, of Sheffield City Council, said the company had a "world-class reputation" within the industry.

“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.

Mr Bray said: “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."

The venues would become "must-plays across a broad spectrum of acts and artists, from grassroots to world-renowned", he added.

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