ASM Global haute plans for AO Arena

Article posted by Coliseum, April 29^th, 2022

Image: ASM Global

ASM Global (US), the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences, venue management and event strategy, has announced a $63 million plan beginning this Summer to transform the AO Arena in Manchester, UK.

ASM Global stated that the above plan is set to dramatically enhance the venue’s premier position for live entertainment experiences through state-of-the-art infrastructure expansion and innovative guest features as the iconic arena looks to the future.

Los Angeles (US)-based ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues.

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The 21,000-capacity Manchester Arena, known as the AO Arena for sponsorship reasons, is an indoor arena in Manchester, England (UK), immediately North of the City Centre and partly above the Manchester Victoria station in air rights space.

The ‘ASM Global’ further stated that the AO Arena in Manchester, located in the heart of the City, is one of the busiest indoor arenas in the world. Through its near 30-year history, the venue has firmly established itself as a beloved and iconic Manchester landmark, a must-play for artistes and a fan-favorite destination for world-class live entertainment. Officials from the AO Arena will be releasing more detailed plans in coming months.

Commented Chris Bray, Executive Vice-President (EVP) Europe at ASM Global, “The AO Arena is one of the world’s iconic venues and a much-loved part of Manchester’s rich culture and history. It has been delivering world-class entertainment experiences for over two decades. As we approach our 30^th anniversary, this ambitious endeavor will not only reinforce its position as a leading destination for live entertainment but will extend its market leadership for ‘live’ and fan experiences for the next 30 years. We’re proud to be further investing into the heart of Manchester.”

Added Bray, “The first phase will enhance and increase our standing floor capacity to share this historic arena with even more of our guests, and we will also be adding new hospitality lounges and investing in delivering an upgraded concourse experience. Our performers will be immersed in an all-new, back-of-house artistes’ campus, unparalleled anywhere.”

The additional major developments include new arena entrances welcoming guests to the venue and new premium seating, which will transform the venue to an elevated experience.

The AO Arena’s back-of-house campus dramatic upgrade will include a complete overhaul of the backstage experience for artistes, production and crew. This includes new artiste dressing rooms and production areas, a world-class green room with meet-and-greet facilities, an overhaul of crew catering, and first-class connectivity and technology.

Plans have already been jump started by the venue’s rapid scheduling of major sell-out 2022 events, including American singer-songwriter Billie Eilish, English singer-songwriter Dua Lipa, American singer Diana Ross, and more.

Exulted Jen Mitchell, General Manager at the AO Arena, “This is a really exciting time for AO Arena. Not only are we able to welcome guests back after a challenging two years with a program packed full of world-class acts and entertainment, now we can reveal the first phase of ASM Global’s plans for the arena’s redevelopment. This will enhance the experience for everyone who sets foot in the venue, including artistes, production, crew, and our staff who work so hard to make the magic happen right here in Manchester.”

Unveiled in 1995, the arena was the first indoor venue in the United Kingdom to be built with a layout of 360-degree seating. The venue attracts over one million visitors yearly.

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