Sheffield Arena barnstorming Utilita deal

Article posted by Coliseum, September 13^th, 2021

Image: Sheffield Arena

The Sheffield Arena (UK) has been renamed the Utilita Arena Sheffield in a new seven-figure partnership with energy brand Utilita.

‘The Star’ stated that the rising top-10 energy supplier -which recently opened a community hub next to the City’s cathedral – has put pen to paper on an initial five-year deal with the Sheffield City Trust, which operates the arena, near Meadowhall.

The 13,600-capacity Utilita Arena Sheffield, originally known as Sheffield Arena, is a multipurpose arena located in Sheffield, England (UK). It is situated near Meadowhall and lies between the Sheffield City Centre and the Rotherham town center.

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Utilita Energy is an electricity and gas supplier operating in the United Kingdom. Utilita began trading in 2003 – specializing in Smart Pay As You Go Energy. It is one of the United Kingdom’s largest energy suppliers by market share.

‘The Star’ further stated that the energy supplier, which has 830,000 customers across the UK, is a renowned supporter of live music in the United Kingdom.

It already has naming rights on two other arenas in Birmingham and Newcastle.

Utilita has also previously partnered with global music promoter, Live Nation, at major festivals including Camp Bestival, TRNSMT, Creamfields, and V and Parklife.

In addition, Utilita is a major supporter of British football.

In recent years, it has been the junior kit sponsor for the professional football club in England – Sheffield United F.C.

Shared Jem Maidment, Utilita’s Chief Marketing Officer, “The UK live events industry has been particularly hard hit during the pandemic, so we’re thrilled to become headline partner of this fantastic arena as it celebrates its 30^th birthday. We’re not just going to have our name above the door. We’ve an outstanding relationship with the Trust, who shares our vision around what we want to deliver in the wider community, from energy efficiency campaigns such as Energy High 5 and sustainability lessons in schools, to support for local charities and staff volunteering programs.”

Added Maidment, “The arena is not only a renowned venue for music, sport and family entertainment, but it has also played a crucial role during the pandemic with more than 400,000 people vaccinated there over the past year. We have exciting plans and a huge desire to play an active role as the arena enters is fourth decade. It’s been a horrendous past 18 months or so and I’m sure nobody will ever take live entertainment for granted again – now we are ready to party!”

Stated Dom Stokes, Head of Live Events and Venues for Sheffield City Trust, “To be able to agree a deal for this length of time and value is always fantastic news – to do so after the 18 months that the world has just gone through is simply phenomenal! It shows the strength of the relationship and partnership that we have already developed with Jem and his team at Utilita and the confidence they have in the Utilita Arena Sheffield as a local, regional, national, and international venue.”

Added Stokes, “Over the past year we’ve been proud to be at the heart of Sheffield’s response to COVID and supported the National Health Service (NHS) in saving lives. However, now we are ready to do what we have done for 30 years – put smiles on faces and put on some of the biggest shows and events. We are most definitely ready to open our doors and entertain our audience – and I couldn’t be more excited to do that alongside Utilita.”

Utilita Arena Sheffield’s first major music event since March 2020 will be the much-anticipated homecoming gig for City rockers – the British rock band ‘Bring Me The Horizon’, on September 24th – five days after the professional ice hockey team of England – Sheffield Steelers – face old rivals – the British professional ice hockey club – Nottingham Panthers – on the ice.

Utilita will also further the arena’s efforts to ensure that the entertainment it provides has a positive impact on the planet. Utilita will also be on hand to help everyone who attends the arena to cut their energy usage by up to £228 via it’s free-to-use Smart Score technology.

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