John Quayle congratulates Newcastle Entertainment Centre, chases Hunter Stadium debt

Venues NSW Chair John Quayle has this week congratulated the Newcastle Entertainment Centre (NEC) for being acknowledged as one of the world's top entertainment arenas.

In November, the AEG Ogden managed venue was listed in the Top 10 worldwide venue 'Top Stops' for 2012 by global venue magazine 'Venues Today' in the 5,001-10,000 capacity category. Radio City Music Hall in New York was awarded the number one spot in the category while the Allphones Arena and Brisbane Entertainment Centre made the Top 10 in their respective categories. (Allphones Arena in the 15,001-30,000 capacity category and Brisbane Entertainment Centre in the 10,001-15,000 capacity category).

Welcoming the listing Quayle stated "I (am) delighted to hear that Newcastle Entertainment Centre had been awarded a position among other renowned venues

"Up against venues internationally ... the Newcastle Entertainment Centre achieved ninth on the Top Stops list for 2012 with nearly one hundred thousand people attending more than 35 shows.

"The management team at Newcastle Entertainment Centre is clearly able to tap in to the entertainment that both locals and visitors to Newcastle and the Hunter want to see and provide a high level of satisfaction."

Highlights for the NEC in the 2011-2012 period covered by the Top Stops survey include The Wiggles, Black Keys, Ronan Keating, Def Leppard, Cold Chisel, Kenny Rogers, Disney on Ice, Professional Bull Riding and Flight of the Conchords.

The recognition covers the NEC's concert and performance events and not the range of exhibitions, gala dinners and other events that take place at the NEC.

NEC's General Manager, Chris Blanch added that he was "extremely proud (for the venue) to be recognised on the world stage.

"Our team of dedicated staff is committed to delivering events for the Newcastle and Hunter community."

Meanwhile, Venues NSW is continuing to pursue action to recover debts owed by Hunter Sports Group (HSG) relating to past Knights' use of Hunter Stadium.

HSG (owners of the Newcastle Knights and Newcastle Jets) is apparently in breach of an agreement to pay almost $600,000 for the use of the Stadium.

A statement from John Quayle read "Venues NSW commenced the formal action to recover HSG's outstanding debts in May 2012, including letters of demand.

"Venues NSW signed a binding legal agreement with HSG to settle the full and undisputed debt by 21st November 2012.

"As the full payment has not been made, Venues NSW will continue action to recover full payment of monies owed by HSG to Hunter Stadium.

"The legal agreement with HSG to settle the outstanding debt was not linked in any way to the negotiation of a new Stadium hiring agreement for the Newcastle Knights.

"During this period, Venues NSW has ensured the on-going operation of Hunter Stadium and its support for clients and local business in order to provide a full service to the people of Newcastle and the Hunter region."

In the Hunter region, Venues NSW has oversight of the Hunter Stadium, the NEC, the Hunter Regional Trotting Track and the Newcastle Showgrounds along with the Parramatta Stadium and the WIN Stadium & WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong.

26th November 2012 - HUNTER SPORTS GROUP IN BREACH OF ‘BINDING AGREEMENT’ FOR USE OF NEWCASTLE’S HUNTER STADIUM ​

23rd November 2012 - DRAGONS’ FUTURE SECURED AT WOLLONGONG’S WIN STADIUM

20th June 2012 - NEWCASTLE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS OF SUCCESS

2nd May 2012 - HUNTER SPORTS GROUP TO RETAIN A-LEAGUE LICENCE 

12th October 2010 - ADDITIONAL $13 MILLION FOR JUBILEE OVAL REDEVELOPMENT

15th February 2010 - KNIGHTS SUE JETS OVER STADIUM

2nd April 2009 - STORM OVER ENERGY AUSTRALIA STADIUM

8th October 2008 - HUNTER VENUES APPOINT FIRST CHIEF EXECUTIVE