Major operator takes over management of two landmark city venues

Management of two of Sheffield’s most prominent venues has been handed over to one of the world’s biggest venue operators.
As of this month, ASM Global has taken over operation of Sheffield City Hall and Utilita Arena Sheffield.
These 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 operator will oversee a fresh chapter for the Sheffield venues with investment fuelling a series of improvement works, funded by Sheffield City Council and ASM Global.
At 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 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.”
Cllr Kurtis Crossland, chair of the Communities, Parks and Leisure Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “ASM Global has a world-class reputation within the venue and entertainment industry.
“I am confident 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.
“We would 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 the city’s leisure and entertainment venues were set to receive £117m worth of investment, including rebuilds of some of Sheffield’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 to attract the best in leisure and entertainment provision to run Sheffield’s venues.
Last year, ASM Global was confirmed as new operator for both Sheffield City Hall and the Utilita Arena Sheffield.
Chris Bray, president of ASM Global Europe, added: “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.”