Former Sheffield Arena general manager Rob O'Shea has died following a year-long battle with cancer.
O'Shea, who passed away last week aged 52, was originally from Bolton and spent 11 years at the Sheffield venue (now called the FlyDSA Arena) prior to stepping down in 2017 to focus on his event promotions firm Manifesto Events, which he founded with business partner Stuart Basford.
O'Shea (pictured) previously managed the legendary Manchester Apollo and worked for Apollo Leisure, Live Nation and Sheffield International Venues for more than 22 years overall.
Dominic Stokes, head of SIV Live, said: “Rob was a brilliant venue manager and colleague. He was also a true maverick and innovator. Above all he was my friend who I had the privilege to know and work with over the past 22 years. It goes without saying he touched so many lives in so many ways and will be missed by so many people."
Under O'Shea's leadership, Sheffield Arena became one of the world's Top 10 most visited arenas. He helped attract a diverse portfolio of events to the venue including the 2007 International Indian Film Academy Awards, the 2009 BBC Sport’s Personality of the Year, local heroes' Arctic Monkeys first arena show in 2009, the 2012 European Figure Skating Championships and Pulp’s final gig in 2012.
He also oversaw the creation of The Steel Hall, an intimate reduced-capacity venue within the arena.
O'Shea is survived by his wife Lisa, daughter Martha and son Milo. His funeral will be held at Hutcliffe Wood Crematorium, Sheffield, at 2pm on Friday, February 8. His family have requested no flowers, but have asked for any donations to go to St Luke’s Hospice.
