Management of two iconic Sheffield venues has now been handed over to one of the world’s biggest venue operators.
As of this month (January 2025), ASM Global have taken over operation of Sheffield City Hall and Utilita Arena Sheffield, who will join ASM Global’s network of more than 350 venues, which collectively host 20,000 events and welcome 164 million guests every year.
The new operators will oversee a new chapter for the Sheffield venues with investment powering a series of improvement works, funded by Sheffield City Council and ASM Global.
Taking place across all areas of Utilita Arena, the vision is to reimagine the venue as a world-class touring destination, while developing the venue experience at Sheffield City Hall in line with its prestigious heritage identity.
Councillor Tom Hunt, Leader of Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield has an excellent reputation for hosting major events, festivals, live music, culture and sport, and the city’s venues play a huge role in this.
“As our new venue operator, ASM Global will bring the benefits of global scale and expertise to operate and invest in the Utilita Arena and Sheffield City Hall.
“Last year, the Utilita Arena played host to MOBO Awards, Matchroom Boxing and countless global stars and is home to the Sheffield Steelers. Sheffield City Hall is one of the city’s most historic venues and has hosted some of the biggest names in music and entertainment, from Elton John to the Beatles and Kylie Minogue.
“We have big ambitions to develop Sheffield’s events offer even further and our new partnership with ASM Global will ensure our city continues to have fantastic venues for the best events.”
Councillor Kurtis Crossland, Chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee at Sheffield City Council, added: “ASM Global have a world-class reputation within the venue and entertainment industry, I am confident that both Sheffield City Hall and the Utilita Arena Sheffield are in great hands and that this new investment will help our fantastic Sheffield venues compete on the global stage.
“As we enter this new exciting chapter, we would also like to thank the amazing team at Sheffield City Trust, who have done so much for our entertainment venues and the people of Sheffield. The majority of these teams will transfer to ASM Global where they will continue their hard work to help Sheffield’s event and cultural offer thrive.”
In 2023, Sheffield City Council revealed that the city’s leisure and entertainment venues were set to receive £117 million of investment including rebuilds of some of the city’s most popular leisure centres and improvements to Sheffield’s Arena and City Hall.
As part of these plans, a competitive procurement process was launched in a bid to attract the best in leisure and entertainment provision to run Sheffield’s venues.
Last year, ASM Global were announced as the new operator for both Sheffield City Hall and the Utilita Arena Sheffield.
Chris Bray, President of ASM Global Europe, said: “We are excited to welcome Utilita Arena and Sheffield City Hall to the ASM Global family – two amazing venues with a rich history.
“We’re looking forward to working with the teams to elevate the guest experience and future proof both venues for years to come. Everyone who walks into an ASM venue is a guest – fans, production, artists and athletes; and with this in mind, our ambition is to reimagine the venues, delivering world-class live entertainment in Sheffield.”
Venue improvements to begin this month
The Utilita Arena fan experience is set to be transformed. The first phase will focus on enhancements to the venue concourses including more points of sale to improve speed of service, the introduction of Boxbar – the automated self-serve drinks solution, improvements to the entire food and beverage offering to ensure great quality and more choice, improved digital signage on the concourses, scan-and-collect options for drinks, and more.
There will be additional major developments such as new supersuite spaces, a newly refurbished arena club, and revamped lounges.
As part of the overall enhancements, the venue’s capacity will increase. The Arena’s back of house will be upgraded with a complete overhaul of the backstage areas for artists, production and crew, to ensure a best-in-class experience for all who set foot in the venue.
At Sheffield City Hall, ASM Global will undertake improvements to the concert-goer experience including the addition of more tills and the introduction of a new and improved food and beverage offering.
In Spring, the focus will be on enhancing the customer journey around the venue, with improved signage, screens and security.
ASM Global’s operation of the venue will retain a heavy focus on upholding the cultural heritage of what is one of Sheffield’s most historic buildings, futureproofing it for years to come while preserving its iconic features.
Enhancement works are set to get underway this month and will continue throughout the year, whilst the venues remain open for the duration.
Dom Stokes, General Manager of Utilita Arena Sheffield & Sheffield City Hall, said: “Joining ASM Global is an exciting new chapter, and an incredible opportunity, for both Utilita Arena and Sheffield City Hall.
“ASM’s network, vision and expertise are unmatched, and their ambition for both venues is truly inspiring. Utilita Arena and Sheffield City Hall are integral to the region, and we can’t wait to showcase new experiences while ensuring they remain at the heart of our wonderful community.”