AEG to expand in South East Asia with development of two multi-purpose venues in Bangkok

Global sport and live entertainment giant AEG is to partner with Thailand-based shopping centre developer The Mall Group Co. to invest 10 billion baht (US$309 million) to build two multi-purpose stadiums in Bangkok.

One venue will be a 16,000-capacity arena - the country’s largest - and the other a 6,000-seat theatre, both designed to host music and sports events as well as meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) and new lifestyle experiences.

A city of about 10 million people and one of the world’s most-visited cities, Bangkok is currently only served by a three decade old 12,000-seat arena in its suburbs.

To be developed as part of new shopping mall projects, the AEG joint-venture venues will transform sport and live entertainment in the Thai capital and are part of AEG’s shift in Asia from mostly organising live events to creating venues, exemplified by the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai.

Introducing AEG’s first major investment in South east Asia, Adam Wilkes, President and Chief Executive of AEG Asia, explained "Bangkok has a tremendous amount of potential but the lack of infrastructure creates an artificial ceiling in the Thai market.

"Even when we have superstars like Taylor Swift or Beyonce, it’s hard to deliver the experience and build a fan base without the infrastructure."

Set to open in 2023, the larger of the two venues will temporarily be called the Bangkok Arena and the other EM Live, but the company will be looking to offer naming rights, similar to AEG arenas like the Staples Center in Los Angeles and The O2 Arena in London.

Explaining AEG’s rationale for expanding in the region, Wilkes added “South east Asia is going through a transformation.

“As incomes rise and spending power increases, consumers in the region are demanding more sophisticated entertainment experiences.

“In The Mall Group, we have not only found an outstanding partner but also an innovative company that is led by an insightful and forward-thinking leader, Khun Supaluck.

“The company shares our vision for creating best-in-class destination experiences and our partnership will bring unique entertainment districts to the city that will redefine and revolutionise Bangkok's leisure and entertainment scene. We are thankful to have a long-term partner that shares our vision and goals.

As the co-owner and operator of both entertainment venues, AEG will also be responsible for the management and operation of the arenas, as well as working collaboratively with The Mall Group and its partners in offering and marketing a wide range of events including entertainment, concerts, live performances, family shows, sports competitions, MICE and arts and cultural events.

Over the past decade, AEG has brought artists such as Justin Bieber, Celine Dion, Katy Perry, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Metallica, the Rolling Stones and many other world-renowned performers to Asia.

The two premium arenas will enable Bangkok to host large-scale events, offering local and international audiences, and tourists from around the globe, more entertainment choices and greatly enhanced live experiences, further positioning the city as a premier entertainment destination in South east Asia.

Images: The planned Bangkok Arena (top) and executives of AEG and The Mall Group Co announce their partnership (below).