ASM Global venues secure four of the top five rankings for Australia/New Zealand

Four ASM Global venues have secured a listing in Pollstar’s Top 5 Arenas in the 2022 Australia/New Zealand Focus Chart rankings for total ticket revenue.

Number one ranking went to ASM Global’s Qudos Bank Arena (QBA) in Sydney, with Newcastle Entertainment Centre (NEC) coming in at number three, followed by RAC Arena Perth in fourth place, and Brisbane Entertainment Centre (BEC) securing fifth position.

In the Theatres Category, ASM Global’s Aware Super Theatre @ ICC Sydney gained number one ranking, with both Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) and Cairns Convention Centre placed in the Top 20.

ASM Global Chief Executive and Chairman, Harvey Lister said having four of the group’s Australian venues named among the 2022 Top 5 Arenas Australia/New Zealand ranking, was credit to the tireless efforts of the extraordinary venue teams who deliver world-class experiences for artists, their management, promoters and ultimately fans.

Lister noted “these results prove that in times of uncertainty artists, promoters and audiences seek support from their trusted loyal partners, such as ASM Global, to maximise guest experience.

“We have been managing venues across the Asia Pacific region for more than 40 years. It is an honour and a privilege to host the world’s premier artists and to have our venues selected as the promoters’ first choice.”

Being ranked number one in the Top Ten Arenas in Australia and New Zealand is tremendous recognition of the expertise, dedication and commitment of ASM Global’s Qudos Bank Arena’s (QBA) team, says QBA General Manager, Steve Hevern.

Hevern advised “since operations commenced in 2006, we have taken great pride at being an inclusive, safe and well-operated facility, renowned for hosting the greatest artists and events in the country. To be named as the top grossing arena of Australia and New Zealand is a testament to that fact.”

While COVID brought much adversity to the live events industry, it also offered opportunity. As the world’s leading venue company, ASM Global reassessed all areas of its operational practices, including increasing client engagement, identifying new and improved revenue generating initiatives, and undertaking a more cost-effective way of operating.

In the past two COVID impacted years, there was minimal live content throughout the region’s ASM Global venues, which during that time, largely hosted indoor sporting events and non-traditional events such as film shoots. The venues also served as mass COVID vaccination hubs for the community, assisting in the very important roll out of the vaccines in the fight against COVID.

Led by ASM Global Group Director, Arenas, Tim Worton, a fresh new approach for venues was adopted.

Worton adds “collectively, we’ve had to rethink our marketing, increasing our direct customer engagement, further enhancing customer experience at our venues, and looking at more compelling and innovative ways to pursue commercial partnerships.   

“In this business, nothing stays the same, being nimble and adaptive to change is pivotal to success.

“2023 is shaping up to be the biggest year ever. In addition to the tours and shows rescheduled multiple times, there is a plethora of new tours booked throughout next year, giving us all a sense of heightened optimism for the future.” 

Images from top: RAC Arena Perth; Newcastle Entertainment Centre; Brisbane Entertainment Centre