Live Nation and venue operator SMG Europe have officially been awarded the contract to operate Bristol Arena.
The partnership was named preferred bidder back in 2014 and has now agreed a deal with Bristol City Council to manage and programme the venue for a 25-year lease period.
The proposed 12,000-capacity arena is due to open in 2018, close to Bristol Temple Meads station in the Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone. An artist's impression of the new venue is pictured above.
SMG executive vice-president of European operations John Sharkey said: “We’re delighted to be one step closer to bringing world class entertainment to the South West. The combined experience and expertise of SMG Europe and Live Nation is going to make Bristol Arena one of the most exciting arenas to open in the UK for a long time.”
SMG Europe already runs Manchester Arena, Leeds’ First Direct Arena and Metro Radio Arena Newcastle, while Live Nation operates venues such as Motorpoint Arena Cardiff and Dublin’s 3Arena.
This unique partnership will further strengthen Bristol’s reputation as a must play destination,” added Live Nation chief operating officer Graham Walters.
The news follows the announcement in February that international building contractor Bouygues has been named as preferred contractor to build the arena. Bouygues is working with the council on a 20-week programme to agree the target cost and programme for the arena build that will go before the authority for approval in the autumn.
