World’s best arenas for live music Part 2

WORLD’S BEST

ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC Part 2

Asia • Australia and New Zealand Central and South America • Middle East North America • South Africa (Part 1: Europe)

AN

REPORT

2019

UK £45

EU €54

US $58

(including postage and packing)

Contents

WORLD’S BEST

ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC Part 2: Asia • Australia and New Zealand • Central and South America • Middle East • North America • South Africa Publisher & Editor: Stephen Parker Editorial Overview: Lisa Henderson Written by: Christopher Barrett and Jim Ottewill Sales Director: Gareth Ospina Advertising Executives: Tom Brint Administrative Manager: Tom Philips Subscriptions Manager: Victoria Brush Accounts Management: Murali Sri Balaskanda Design: Charles McQuaid Print: Stephens & George Ltd www.stephensandgeorge.co.uk World’s Best Arenas For Live Music is free to subscribers of Audience magazine. Otherwise it is available at £45 (UK), equivalent to approximately €54 (euro) or US$58, including post and packing.

For more information contact: T: +44 (0)20 7486 7007 E: info@audience.uk.com www.audience.uk.com

26 Dorset Street London, W1U 8AP United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)20 7486 7007 Fax: +44 (0)20 7486 2002 Email: info@audience.uk.com www.audience.uk.com

Introduction

Contents

W

4-9 Asia

hile some arenas have seen much the same business, if not slightly more, as in 2018, others have seen a slight fall in the number of concerts.

But, of course, artistes touring at this level usually keep at least two years between tours, so there are bound to be years when less of them are touring.

On a positive note, more artistes, both international and domestic, are rising to arena status, much helped by so many venues offering a range of audience configurations, starting surprisingly low in some cases, to ease artistes from concert halls to full arena capacity.

At the other end of the spectrum, acts who have reached stadium status can – if they are unsure of their enduring worth at the top, desire a more intimate setting or want to reduce production costs – do multiple nights in key cities at premium ticket prices.

10-15 Australia and

New Zealand 16-21 Central and

South America 22-23 Middle East 24-29 North America

December 2019

Arena operators worldwide remain sharply focussed on improving the customer experience, with full Wi-fi common in almost every venue and most now have an app, enabling them to interact more with attendees.

Audience Media publishes business magazines such as Audience, LIVE UK and Festival for companies and individuals working in the contemporary live music industry.

Sky boxes, exclusive lounges and dedicated VIP entrances are helping to attract a higher-end clientele and boost revenue for venues, and where ticket sales are involved, for promoter and artiste alike.

32-37 Directory

The only challenge, as usual, is the availability of sufficient artistes capable of pulling the crowds and willing to meet the demand.

38 Index of advertisers

Issue 8, © Audience Media Ltd,

www.audience.uk.com The opinions expressed by contributors to this publication are not always a reflection of the opinions or the policy of the publisher. Information on services or products contained within editorial sections does not imply recommendation by Audience Media Ltd. No responsibility can be accepted for errors or omissions. No part of this publication can be reproduced in any form without the written authority of Audience Media Ltd.

30-31 South Africa

Our two-volume World’s Best Arenas for Contemporary Live Music shows what a dynamic this is, with new venues joining each year and city authorities in many countries keen to have a prestigious landmark sports and music centre.

Stephen Parker Publisher & Editor Audience Media Ltd steve@audience.uk.com

www.audience.uk.com www.liveuk.com

WORLD'S BEST ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC | AN AUDIENCE REPORT | December 2019 | 3

Asia

Asia

Taipei Arena

Japan may well be the second largest music market in the world but China has huge potential and the live music business there is growing space. The region has an impressive network of first-class arenas and the opportunity for international artistes is constantly expanding.

B

ack in the ‘80s, there were a few artistes who cracked the Japanese market, but usually failed to make waves anywhere else, including their home markets.

Their only claim to fame was, but we’re big in Japan’. There were songs called Big In Japan, but it didn’t work-out for the punk band of that name. The cult UK band Japan broke in that market first, and then back home.

At that time and for some years after, Japan was the dominant market, even stronger than Australia, as a financial anchor for tour stops in the region, which were generally few and far between.

Fortunately, recent years have seen the opening of new markets, the consolidation of others, global and Australian promoters expanding their activities across the region and many new facilities opened.

Expensive and complex logistics are far less of a hurdle.

As a result, territories such as, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines have become increasingly viable ports of call for agents routing tours around the region, with the long-established hubs of Singapore and Hong Kong for arena-level acts still strong.

China

Population: 1.4bn Language: Mandarin Chinese Currency: Yuan Renminbi (CNY)

GDP per capita (US$): 10,263 Internet users: 731m Active smartphones: 663.8m

Amongst the biggest and fastest-growing live music markets, China can be difficult to navigate for both international and local promoters, but the potential in a country with a population of 1.4 billion is huge. www.audience.uk.com www.liveuk.com

Its music industry was worth more than 370bn yuan ($53bn) last year, up eight per cent on the previous year, according to the China Music Industry Forum (CMIF).

The live music market was worth 18.2bn yuan ($2.64bn) in 2019, according to the CMIF’s annual report.

In Shanghai, the 18,000-capacity Mercedes-Benz Arena has proven a popular destination for international artistes such as Ed Sheeran, Metallica, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, Shawn Mendes, The Chainsmokers, Yanni and Lauren Jelencovich Swift played as part of Alibaba’s 11.11 Countdown Gala – a live show that runs in the hours leading up to a popular Chinese shopping event.

“The show was broadcasted to a truly global audience, streaming to 106 countries across Southeast Asia, North America, Europe and Africa,” says Mercedes-Benz Arena general manager David French.

The venue offers a range of concert formats from a 5,000 capacity upwards, including a 6,500 end-stage format. The building also houses a 700-seat theatre called The Mixing Room.

“In 2019 there were 99 main stage events and 211 events in The Mixing Room. Combined, it is the highest number of events held in a single year at the venue, with a ticketed audience of around 1onemillion,” says French.

Mercedes-Benz Arena is owned and operated by a joint venture involving ASM Global and Oriental Pearl Group (OPG). An arm of the Shanghai Media Group, OPG provides video content services, media and entertainment products including digital marketing and video games.

WORLD'S BEST ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC | AN AUDIENCE REPORT | December 2019 | 5

Asia

AsiaWorld Expo

Nancy Chan

Masayuki Kitamura

Cadillac Arena Shanghai

The arena is 10 years old but ongoing investment has ensured it continues to offer cutting-edge facilities.

“We have collaborated with China Unicom, an official sponsor, to provide high-speed Wi-fi covering the whole arena; and we are currently piloting a 5G and 4K live broadcasting capability,” says French.

A venue app is also available that provides event previews, backstage content, short video live-streaming and a queue-jumping F&B purchase feature.

Another other key venues is the Cadillac Arena (19,000) in Beijing, which hosts more than 65 events annually.

Located adjacent to Wukesong station, the venue opened in 2008 and was formerly known as Wukisong Arena. In September 2017, car manufacturer Cadillac became the venue's official title sponsor.

The 18,000-capacity venue has been played by acts including Westlife, Beyoncé, Usher, The Backstreet Boys, Avril Lavigne and Ariana Grande.

Also operated by ASM Global and owned by Bloomage International Culture & Sports Development Co, the venue has a hoist system able hold up to 50 tonnes, while its extensive backstage facilities include a private docking area for vehicles and the venue bowl features an advanced line array sound system and huge centre-screen.

The Damai Center (18,000) opened in 2013, with Justin Bieber being the first act to play there as part of this Believe Tour in October of that year.

ASM Global was a design consultant for the building, which is located in Dalian, China’s north-east Liaoning province. It was previously known as the Zhongsheng Center, before a naming rights partnership was signed in 2016 with event ticket agency Damai.

The 18,000-seat multi-purpose venue, which has 40 VIP suites, has hosted conerts by artistes such as The Backstreet Boys, Andy Lau and Jolin Tsai.

Opened in 2005, Hong Kong’s 14,000-capacity AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) is the largest indoor arena in the semi-autonomous province.

Acts playing the arena include Green Day, Avril Lavigne, BTS, The Chainsmokers, Blackpink, Marilyn Manson and Troye Sivan.

The venue is jointly owned by Hong Kong SAR Government and Airport Authority Hong Kong.

“AWE is seamlessly integrated with Hong Kong International Airport and an extensive network of transport infrastructures, connecting to over 220 destinations worldwide with over 1,100 flights daily,” says the venue’s general manager Nancy Chan. “Being close to the airport means an artiste can come in for the day and be out straight after a show.”

For fans, excellent transport links, including an in-venue metro station, means the arena is easily reached from downtown Hong Kong and further afield.

6 | WORLD'S BEST ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC | AN AUDIENCE REPORT | December 2019

Impact Arena

AWE offers a range of concerts formats and Chan says the backstage facilities can also be tailored to visiting production team’s needs.

“With premium acoustic paneling systems, modular seating systems and star-quality backstage facilities, the arena can accommodate the most demanding production requirements,” she says.

Free high-speed Wi-fi is available throughout and a new website and venue app are in the pipeline.

Japan

Population: 126.8m Language: Japanese Currency: Japanese yen (JPY)

GDP per capita (US$): 38,882 Internet users: 103.9m Active smartphones: 60.5m

The second biggest music market in the world behind the US, according to the International Federation of Phonographic Industry (IFPI), Japan has been a vibrant music market for decades.

It is the most established touring market in Asia but it is one that remains dominated by homegrown talent, particularly with J-pop and rock acts.

The live sector hit a record 332bn yen ($3.02bn) in 2017, rising to 345bn yen ($3.14bn) the following year. However, more than 80 per cent of that business involved shows by domestic talent, according to the music association, All-Japan Concert and Live Entertainment Promoters Conference.

Japan’s leading arenas include the Saitama Super Arena (22,500), Yokohama Arena (17,000) and the iconic Nippon Budokan (14,000) in Tokyo.

In Yokohama, 32 miles (51km) south of Tokyo, the Yokohama Arena has hosted international acts since it opened in 1989, ranging from Michael Jackson to Muse. Among those to play there recently are Sarah Brightman, Austin Mahone and domestic rock bands MAN WITH A MISSION and BABYMETAL. The arena can accommodate three show formats – a 17,000-capacity centre stage configuration, an end-stage set-up at 15,000 and side stage with a 12,000.

Venue manager Masayuki Kitamura says its proximity to public transport is hugely beneficial, and among key shareholders is the Seibu Railway Co. The arena is easily accessible from Shin-Yokohama station, the JR Yokohama Line and Yokohama Municipal subway.

“The excellent access from Shin-Yokohama station means the arena is accessible from all over Japan,” says Kitamura.

As well as marketing facilities such as a giant LED screen above the arena’s entrance and an extensive LED system within the venue, a recent enhancement means that the colour of the branding on the exterior of the venue can be changed to complement the artiste’s www.audience.uk.com

Asia

Singapore Indoor Stadium

campaign colour scheme.

The Saitama Super Arena (22,000) opened in 2000 in Saitama City, 19 miles (30 km) north of Tokyo, and is able to accommodate concerts ranging from 5,000 people to end-stage configurations of 12,500 and16,000 to full capacity.

By adding a 15,000-ton, 41.5m high structure containing 9,000 seats, the venue can also be turned into a 37,000-capacity stadium.

Acts playing the arena include Bruno Mars, EXO, Backstreet Boys, BABYMETAL and Queen + Adam Lambert.

Excellent transport links include the Saitama-Shintoshin Station being just a three-minute walk from the venue, it is also accessible via a shuttle bus that runs 23 times a day to Haneda Airport. There is underground parking for 1,000 vehicles.

Malaysia

Population: 32.3m Language: Malay Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

GDP per capita (US$): 25,660 Internet users: 21.9m Active smartphones: 17.5m

The biggest indoor arena in the capital Kuala Lumpur, the 16,000-capacity Axiata Arena,opened in 1998 in time to host the Commonwealth Games. The venue is one of a handful of entertainment facilities within the KL Sports City complex in the Bukit Jalil suburb of the city.

Previously known as the Putra Indoor Stadium, the arena was rebranded in 2017 following the signing of a 10-year naming rights deal between venue operator Malaysia Stadium Corporation (MSC) and telecoms group Axiata.

A number of upgrades were made following the agreement, including the installation of a four-sided, 4K, LED screen and LED parameter boards around the arena, new seats, a renovated foyer and the opening of VIP suites.

Artistes playing the arena include GOT7, Seventeen, EXO and Shawn Mendes.

The key contact for promoters interested in hiring the venue is KL SportsCity general manager Syed Fayz Helmy.

Philippines Population: 108.1m Language: Filipino Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)

“Last year was another good one for concerts, we hosted sold-out shows by Shawn Mendes, Maroon 5, Josh Groban, Troye Sivan, Jason Mraz, Boyzone, The 1975, Backstreet Boys, Blackpink and three shows

by LANY,” says Mall of Asia Arena general manager Arnel C Gonzales.

Located in the SM Mall of Asia complex in the Pasay City district of metropolitan Manila, the venue is owned by SM Prime Holdings and run by SM Lifestyle Entertainment. Its 700m2 LED billboard outside the main entrance is one of the largest in the country.

Free Wi-fi is available thoughout the building and its in-house ticketing system SM Tickets is the only nationwide ticketing platform in the country.

“We provide extensive media and advertising support for the shows through our in-house channels as well as affiliate properties,” says Gonzales.

Smart Araneta Coliseum (20,000) is one of the country’s leading concert venues and among the biggest indoor arenas in Asia.

The venue is situated in Araneta City, a bustling lifestyle and entertainment complex in the Quezon City area of Manila. Araneta City is a vast development comprising retail, entertainment, residential, hospitality and office facilities.

While the venue’s operations manager Irene Jose says the number of concerts at the arena was down slightly last year, highlights included two sold-out shows by Westlife and concerts by Korean Pop acts including Stray Kids, Day6 and IU. Forthcoming shows include Avril Lavigne and Boyce Avenue.

The Smart Araneta Coliseum is owned by Jorge L Araneta and operated by Uniprom. Recent investment has seen its dressing rooms and media rooms refurbished and technologically upgraded.

“Araneta Group has partnered with pioneering telecommunications companies to provide access to free Wi-fi and 5G technology to make Araneta City the country’s premier 5G lifestyle hub,” says Jose.

“With the completion of the Ibis Styles Hotel and The New Gateway, the Smart Araneta Coliseum will be the hub of various bridges and footpaths to and from other facilities in Araneta City, including parking, the residential and office districts, other shopping areas and entertainment venues,” says Jose.

Singapore GDP per capita (US$): 3,102 Internet users: 50.7m

Since the Mall of Asia Arena opened in 2012 it has proven a popular choice with concert promoters. Able to accommodate shows ranging in capacity from 3,000 to 25,000, it has hosted concerts by Lady Gaga, Madonna, Taylor Swift, Aerosmith and Ed Sheeran. www.audience.uk.com www.liveuk.com

SM Mall of Asia Arena

Population: 5.8m Language: Malay, Mandarin, Tamil, English Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD)

Irene Jose

GDP per capita (US$): 81,443 Internet users: 4.7m Active smartphones: 4.2m

The Singapore Sports Hub (SSH) entertainment complex houses the 55,000-capacity National Stadium, with its retractable roof and movable tiered seating, and the long-established12,000-capacity Singapore Indoor Stadium (SIS).

Arnel Gonzales

WORLD'S BEST ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC | AN AUDIENCE REPORT | December 2019 | 7

Asia

Yokohama Arena

SM Mall of Asia Arena

Smart Araneta Coliseum

Yokohama Arena

Able to accommodate concert formats from a 4,000-capacity, other SIS options include a 6,000-capacity North Hall Stage format and the 10,000-capacity South Stage.

SIS is situated in Kallang, central Singapore, and is easily accessible from the airport, the Mass Rapid Transit network and major roads. It has parking for 5,000 vehicles.

Free Wi-fi is available and marketing support for promoters can include email shots and social media activity, along with event posters, banners, event boards and digital signage around the SSH. Acts playing the arena include Green Day, Mayday, Taeyeon, GOT7 and Miriam Yeung.

“At the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore allows touring artistes to connect with not just local fans, but also fans from neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines,” says Singapore Sports Hub MD Damian Bush.

“Last year the number of events across all SSH venues hit a new high of 225, with three million attendees.”

Taiwan

Population: 23.8 m Language: Mandarin Chinese Currency: New Taiwan dollar (NT)

GDP per capita (US$): 24,828 Internet users: 19.9m Active smartphones: 20.9m

Located off the southern coat of China, Taiwan has been governed independently from the mainland since 1950, but China claims sovereignty over it and insists countries cannot have official relations with both China and Taiwan.

As a result Taiwan has diplomatic ties with a limited number of countries, including the US, but nonetheless has a vibrant economy.

With a population of 23 million, Taiwan regularly hosts concerts by international performers and among its most important venues is the Taipei Arena, situated in and named after the island’s capital city.

Shaped like a flying saucer, Taipei Arena can accommodate 13,000 people for concerts and has hosted shows with Jason Marz, Jolin Tsai, Coco Lee, EXO and AKB48.

Owned by Taipei City Government and operated by Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation, Taipei Arena hosted nearly 70 events, with a 8 | WORLD'S BEST ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC | AN AUDIENCE REPORT | December 2019

collective attendance of more than 560,000, in 2019 - an increase on the previous year.

“The main hall offers great flexibility and can support many kinds of events,” says Taipei Arena’s Ida Hou. “The arena has a spacious backstage area with dressing rooms, media offices and multi-purpose rooms. It benefits from being located in the city centre and near to the metro station, hotels and restaurants.”

Free Wi-fi is available and the building houses 18 Interactive kiosks that provide visitors with venue information.

Thailand Population: 69.1m Language: Thai Currency: Thai Baht (THB)

GDP per capita (US$): 5,902 Internet users: 38.9m Active smartphones: 38.9m

Located in the north of the capital Bangkok, 30-minutes from the city centre, the IMPACT Arena (12,000) is part of the IMPACT Arena, Exhibition and Convention Center, owned by IMPACT Growth Real Estate Investment Trust.

“In 2019 we hosted concerts such as Black Pink, Maroon 5 and EXO, along with concerts by popular local acts including Raptor, D2B and Nuvo,” says IMPACT Arena communications manager Kittiwath Jangwang.

“The number of concerts and attendance in 2019 was more or less the same as 2018,” says Jangwang. “Last year, we hosted 31 concerts and attendance ranged between 8,000 to 12,000 per show, depending on the popularity of the artiste.”

The past year has seen investment across the venue, with the installation of a new CCTV system, fire and safety alarm systems were upgraded, dressing rooms refurbished and the arena bowl seats replaced.

Wi-fi is available throughout the venue along with a dedicated mobile app.

Says Jangwang, “The app provides updates on events, including real-time information such as traffic conditions, directions and car parking availability, as well as restaurant and F&B promotions.”

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IMAGINE THE DIFFERENCE

Australia and New Zealand Spark Arena

Horncastle Arena

AAMI Park

The lengthy journey and cost of travelling to Australasia for leading European and North American artistes has long been a major factor in the decision process of whether and when. But the market is now so vibrant, stimulated by P!nk's and Ed Sheeran’s remarkable tours there, that now everyone wants to go

A

side from the region’s relatively affluent population and their obvious enthusiasm for live music, the two countries pleasant climate and impressive range of venues are key attractions.

Logistic and cost are still important issues, but for successful arena level acts with the time to do multiple shows, the two countries offer lucrative opportunities.

Australia

Population: 25.2m Language: English Currency: Australian Dollar (AUD)

GDP per capita (US$): 56,919 Internet users: 21.1m Active smartphones: 19.4m

The leading arena operator in Australia, ASM Global (formerly AEG Ogden until October last year, following the merger of AEG Facilities with SMG) has no close rivals at the moment.

The company manages Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena (cap.

21,389), RAC Arena (15,000) in Perth, Brisbane Entertainment Centre (14,500), Newcastle Entertainment Centre (7,500) and the 9,000-capacity ICC Sydney Theatre.

ASM Global Asia Pacific group director of arenas Tim Worton says the merger may not have resulted in an increase in venue ownership in Australia but his operation now benefits from having access to a “far greater” resource base of what is now the largest venue management company in the world.

Concert attendance at ASM arenas was slightly down last year compared to 2018, but it was a tough year to follow.

Among the best selling acts were Hugh Jackman, Fleetwood Mac, Post Malone, Arctic Monkeys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Eagles, Keith Urban, Shawn Mendes, Khalid, Phil Collins and Elton John.

Worton says, “2018 was the biggest concert year for our arenas since 2013, so a comparison with that year gives a false impression of just how strong 2019 really was, it was choc-full of quality acts.

“As is always the case, the cyclical nature of touring leads to these ups and downs, and last year there were a number of big acts who were looking likely to be in Australia in Q4 of 2019, who pushed back their tours into 2020. As a result we are holding a very healthy calendar of bookings in the latter part of 2020.

“The good news is that shows are still selling very strongly.”

Fittingly, Australia’s biggest arena is located in its most populated city. Owned by ticketing and promoting powerhouse TEG, the Qudos Bank Arena offers concert configurations from 4,000 upwards.

Acts to play last year include Hugh Jackman, who performed six shows there, while upcoming concerts include Backstreet Boys, Iron Maiden, Tool and Lenny Kravitz.

“Qudos Bank Arena is located in the centre of Sydney, as a result it achieves excellent ticket sales to the events,” says general manager Steve Hevern.

12 | WORLD'S BEST ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC | AN AUDIENCE REPORT | December 2019

Tim Worton www.audience.uk.com

Australia and New Zealand

ICC Sydney © Guy Wilkinson

Trish McNamara www.audience.uk.com www.liveuk.com

Opened in 1999, it has been the subject of regular upgrades ever since. Recent enhancements include the refurbishment of its Security Control Room and the American Express Invites Lounge.

It has Wi-fi and digital signage throughout, including a state-ofthe-art Daktronics video board within the main auditorium.

ASM’s second largest arena in the country is more than 2,400 miles (3,900 km) west in Perth. Owned by VenuesWest, a Western Australia Government agency, the RAC Arena can accommodate 16,500, with a range of more intimate configurations being created for roll out this year.

Among its most notable shows last year were two concerts

by Phil Collins. “They are among our venue’s Top 20 highestgrossing performances of all time,” says general manager Michael Scott. Forthcoming concerts include Michael Bublé, Bon Iver and Backstreet Boys.

“No other venue in Perth has a capacity remotely close to ours, and its acoustics are second to none — a fact that performers such as André Rieu and Michael Bublé have personally noted,” says Scott.

Wi-fi is available and the venue has digital screens throughout showcasing upcoming events. They include a 22-metre-wide “super screen” in the foyer.

Recent enhancements include the introduction of the Q JUMP card – an AS$20 (US$14) pass providing users with access to an exclusive entrance and once inside, they are able skip queues for food and beverages.

Back on the east coast in the capital of Queensland, Brisbane Entertainment Centre (BEC) has the potential to accommodate 14,500, but the highest concert attendance at the venue so far was achieved by Red Hot Chili Peppers last year, who played to 12,574.

Acts playing the venue this year include Alice Cooper, Tool, Iron Maiden, Scorpions & Whitesnake and Backstreet Boys.

Owned by state government agency Stadiums Queensland and run by ASM, BEC is a “must-play” venue, according to general manager Trish McNamara.

“It is 33 years old but has modern facilities and punches well above its weight in attendances,” she says. “Brisbane has a strong and diverse music scene with fans who support all genre of events.

The city is located on the eastern seaboard, along with Sydney and Melbourne – the big three locations for Australian tours.”

BEC is easily reached, being located close to the domestic and international airports, and the main motorways that links it with fans living in the north and south of the region.

The International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) includes a 9,000-capacity arena-style space.

Rebranded from ICC Theatre last year to First State Super Theatre in a 10-year naming rights deal with pension operator First State Super, the building is owned by the New South Wales Government and opened in 2016.

Among acts performing last year were Elton John, Kylie Minogue and Human Nature, who each did two shows. Forthcoming concerts feature A-Ha, The National and Simple Minds.

“The seating is designed in such a way that we have minimal sightline issues with all shows, and the acoustics are the best of any venue of its type,” says venue manager Mathew Haynes.

He says the venue benefits from being located in Darling Harbour in central Sydney, which has long been a major tourist destination.

Visitors have access to a range of public transport options and nearby parking is plentiful.

Some 85 miles (136 km) north of Sydney on the east coast, is Newcastle Entertainment Centre (NEC), a 7,528-capacity venue that offers a range of formats, including 6,197-capacity fully-seated.

Owned by Venues NSW, the NEC opened in 1992. Recent changes include a major upgrade of the Wi-fi system which is now available throughout.

Concert attendance and show numbers were down last year compared to 2018, but among the most successful shows were Keith Urban, Human Nature and Jimmy Barnes. Acts due to play this year include Lenny Kravitz with three shows in April.

“The NEC is easily the largest indoor venue in the region and shows in Newcastle sell in very good proportion to the same shows in Sydney despite the disparity in population,” says general manager Luke Daniels. “Basically, we punch above our weight.”

In Melbourne, on the sout-east tip of Australia, Melbourne & Olympic Parks (M&OP) oversees the city’s Rod Laver Arena (16,000), Hisense Arena (10,000), Margaret Court Arena (7,500) and AAMI Park (30,050).

Since it opened in 1988, the Rod Lever Arena (RLA) has a retractable roof and In an aver- age year, achieves an attendance of

WORLD'S BEST ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC | AN AUDIENCE REPORT | December 2019 | 13

Australia and New Zealand

Qudos Bank Arena

around one million people.

In 2013 P!nk broke the record for the most number of shows at the RLA in one tour, when she performed no less than 18 times over the summer.

Acts playing the venue this year include Backstreet Boys, Alice Cooper, Scorpions & Whitesnake, Miranda Lambert, Bon Iver, Iron Maiden and Tool.

Concert formats include 16,000-capacity in-the-round, 15,000 end-stage and a 7,000-capacity reduced concert format.

In 2014 a A$338 million (US$232m) redevelopment of the RLA began, which was completed in time for the 2020 Australian Open tennis tournament. Among the improvements are a new main entrance, dining facilities with city skyline views, cushioned seating and expanded public concourse areas.

Enhancements to production facilities involved improvements to the dressing rooms and lounges, and an expanded loading dock and new rigging grid with a 100-tonne load capacity.

The adjacent Margaret Court Arena (7,500) can accommodate shows with a capacity of 2,000 upwards in a range of seated or standing configurations. The typical concert set-up has a 6,500-capacity.

The arena opened in 1988 and boasts the fastest retractable roof of its kind in the world, which can open or close in five minutes.

Artistes playing the venue include Dave Matthews Band, A-Ha, James Blunt and Simple Minds.

and as design strategist and special projects consultant, she has eradicated the use of all single-use packaging by insisting on plantbased alternatives and composting all waste.

Acts playing the venue include Iron Maiden, Lenny Kravitz, James Blunt, Tool, Rex Orange County, Pixies and Scorpions & Whitesnake.

On the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch’s Horncastle Arena (8,888) is the country’s second biggest indoor concert venue.

Built in 1998, it is owned by Christchurch City Council and managed by Vbase. It can accommodate a range of concert formats, the smallest being 1,500-capacity.

Artistes playing the arena include Alice Cooper, A-Ha, The Pussycat Dolls and Simple Minds The venue’s hospitality facilities include 18 VIP suites. Some 3,000 car park spaces are available adjacent to the venue.

Another notable concert venue is Claudelands Arena in Hamilton, just 77 miles (125km) south of Auckland on the North Island.

The 6,000-capacity arena, set in 34 hectares of parkland in the centre of the city, is owned and operated by H3, a division of Hamilton City Council. In November, it was named Large Venue of the Year at the Entertainment Venues Association of New Zealand (EVANZ) Awards.

New Zealand Population: 4.8m Language: English, Māori Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

GDP per capita (US$): 42,067 Internet users: 2.6m Active smartphones: 1.9m

Auckland’s Spark Arena (12,200) is the country’s biggest and bestknown arena.

Previously named the Vector Arena, itopened in 2007 and is located in central Auckland, walking distance from major public transport hubs including the Britomart railway station, bus terminal and the downtown ferry terminal.

Live Nation Entertainment (LNE) took a 70 per cent stake in the venue in 2015, with the remaining 30 per cent owned by Scottishborn Stuart Clumpas, who sold his Scottish promoting company DF Concerts (now owned by LNE) in 2001, in order to emigrate to New Zealand with his wife.

Judith Clumpas has been a director at the arena since 2011

Margaret Court Arena

For more details and additional arenas (where applicable), see Directory on pages 38-43 14 | WORLD'S BEST ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC | AN AUDIENCE REPORT | December 2019

www.audience.uk.com

Australia’s world-class entertainment destination Unveiling a new era of entertainment experiences in Melbourne from February 2019.

Find out more at rodlaverarena.com.au

Central and South America

Central and South America

Movistar Arena ARG

With a combined population of around 650 million, Latin America is an increasingly important and profitable region for international artistes to tour, with a steadily growing number of highspecification arenas opening, offering ever-more opportunities for established artistes.

The following countries have indoor arenas equipped for regular concerts by major international artistes.

Argentina

Population: 43.8m Language: Spanish Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)

Antel Arena

A

side from the challenges of routing tours through such a vast geographic region, the fluctuating economic and political situations in many of the counties have to be carefully considered when planning tours of one or more markets.

While the demand for live music across myriad genres remains strong, Brazil – the region’s most highly populated country and seen as the financial anchor for regional tours – had a crippling two-year recession that started in 2015 and saw the country’s economy contract by almost seven per cent.

The Brazilian economy is recovering slowly but Mexico appears to be teetering on recession, and in Argentina the peso was devalued significantly last year and inflation is more than 50 per cent.

Among the more buoyant economies in the region is Chile’s, sparked by strong business growth and increasing consumer confidence. www.audience.uk.com www.liveuk.com

GDP per capita (US$): 12,449 Internet users: 27.4m Active smartphones: 23.3m

Among key indoor venues in the capital Buenos Aires are the Luna Park (cap. 7,500) arena, DirecTV Arena (9,300) and the new Movistar Arena (15,000).

Owned by a division of media giant La Nación and managed by ASM Global, the Movistar Arena opened last November and is the third arena in South America to be sponsored by telecoms giant Movistar.

The venue has capacity alternative formats of 4,400, 6,700, 8,900, 11,500 and full house at 15,000.

From opening on 1 November to the end of 2019, the venue hosted 12 sold-out concerts including Keane, Norah Jones, Shawn Mendes, two by Cheyenne and three by Abel Pintos – collectively selling 200,000 tickets.

“Surveys shows that 95 per cent of our visitors recommend coming to the Movistar Arena, and the comments from the artistes and their production teams were very good,” says marketing manager Mora Tcherkaski. “For 2020, our challenge is to host 100 events.”

The venue features L-Acoustics sound equipment, PRG lighting, a modular stage, loading docks able to handle four trucks simultaneously, six dressing rooms and production offices.

“The Arena is the most modern venue in Argentina, with more WORLD'S BEST ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC | AN AUDIENCE REPORT | December 2019 | 17

Central and South America

Arena Monterrey

than 350 TV screens and 400 linear meters of led screens. Free Wi-fi is available for VIP clients, backstage and in all production areas,” says Tcherkaski.

The venue’s construction was a multinational effort. The roof was manufactured in Spain, the soundproofing and acoustic conditioning was designed in the US and the F&B concept was designed by the UK’s Forward Associates.

VIP facilities include 34 suites that can each accommodate 14 people, an American Express Membership Rewards Lounge with views of the stage that is able to accommodate 120 guests, and two lounges.

Located in Tortuguitas a city 25 miles (40km) northwest of Buenos Aires, the DirecTV Arena opened in October 2015 with a concert by Sting.

The arena can accommodate from 3,500 to 9,300 and has hosted shows by Harry Styles, Liam Gallagher, Eros Ramazzotti, Marc Anthony and Morrissey. Forthcoming concerts include two with Billie Eilish.

Serving music fans in Argentina’s second city, Córdoba, is the Orfeo Superdomo (10,400), owned by retail company Grupo Dinosaurio, which operates seven malls in the city and two in Mendoza.

Orfeo Superdomo benefits from being linked to the Dinosaurio Mall, with ample parking and an adjacent hotel.

Concert formats include 8,300 all seated. Acts playing the venue include Ricky Martin, Cheyenne and Cristian Castro.

“Last year we saw an eight per cent increase in the number of concerts at the arena; not bad considering 2019 was a rough time in our country,” says arena director Juan Manual Rodriguez Vargas. “Local rapper Paulo Londra and Sebastian Yatra both sold-out two shows.

“Free Wi-fi is available for attendees to post their pictures of the shows, and soon the venue will be fully digital with ticketing,” says Vargas.

Brazil

Population: 209.9m Language: Portuguese Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL)

Silvia Albuquerque

Jeunesse Arena

DirecTV Arena

GDP per capita (US$): 8,726 Internet users: 115.6 Active smartphones: 77.3m

With a population of more than 210 million, Brazil has no shortage of avid music fans and a thriving home-grown music scene. The inaugural Rock in Rio (cap, 100,000) festival in 1985 put Brazil firmly on the international touring map.

Rio de Janeiro’s Jeunesse Arena (18,000) opened in 2007, is operated by GL Events Brasil and located next to the Olympic Park, where Rock In Rio took place.

The venue was recently the subject of a 1.5m real ($370,000) investment in a new curtaining system that enables the arena to accommodate shows with a capacity of just 300 upwards.

“Four curtains were installed 25mabove the floor level,” says MD Silvia Albuquerque. “Using a system of retractable pulleys and wire ropes, it is possible to close the stands and boxes at their different levels.”

The busiest year yet for the number of events was 2018 and Albuquerque says he expects this to be another strong year. Among the most successful recent shows were two sell-outs by local hit act Sandy & Junior, and a Shawn Mendes concert that sold-out a year in

18 | WORLD'S BEST ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC | AN AUDIENCE REPORT | December 2019

advance.

“The unique acoustic quality, comfort of the audience, climate control and the availability of a range of different stage formats and set designs are what differentiates the venue,” says Albuquerque.

Promoter and venue operator Time 4 Fun (T4F) runs the UnimedHall (7,000) in São Paulo and is also responsible for Rio de Janeiro’s KM de Vantagens Hall (8,500) and KM de Vantagens Hall (5,000) in Belo Horizonte.

Owned by Instituto Marista, the Belo Horizonte venue underwent an external make-over last year to align the appearance of the building with the colours of its naming-right partner.

T4F director of operations Rutger Scharloo says the venue hosted 35 concerts in 2019, slightly less than the previous year, but he expects the number of shows to bounce back this year.

As well as concerts by local acts such as Racionais and Capital Inicial, the arena hosted shows by Noel Gallagher, Dido, Bush, Stone Temple Pilots, Judas Priest and Black All Stars last year.

In October, the Credicard Hall in the Santo Amaro neighbourhood of São Paulo was rebranded UnimedHall following the signing of a new, five-year, naming right deal with health cooperative Unimed.

The arena, which opened in 1999, is able to accommodate shows varying in capacity from 4,000 to 7,000 depending on the configuration.

“We installed full public Wi-fi in the venue last year and this year we'll improve the consumer experience with digital systems for ordering and paying for F&B and other services,” says Scharloo.

Acts playing the arena include Dido, Il Divo, Now United, Bush, Stone Temple Pilots and McFly. “We offer tours combining our venues in Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo,” says Scharloo.

Another key Brazilian arena is Pepsi on Stage (7,200), which is located in the city of Porto Alegre in the southern state of Rio Grande do Su. It opened in 2006 and is owned by Alexandre Lopes and Cláudio Favero.

Among the acts to play the venue include McFly, Sammy Hagar and Slash.

Chile

Population: 18.1m Language: Spanish Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)

GDP per capita (US$): 22,706 Internet users: 13.2m Active smartphones: 7.9m

The vast majority of concerts by international artistes takes place in the capital Santiago, where the country’s busiest arena is located.

In an average year the it hosts 120 shows and attracts one million attendances.

Movistar Arena (16,592) opened in 2006 and offers 12 configurations, the most widely used being a12,560-capacity all-seated format.

Acts who have played the arena include Sting, Elton John, Blur, Robbie Williams and Pearl Jam. As well as concerts, the venue hosts events such as the threeday Santiago Gets Louder Festival and the Cosquín Rock Festival.

Forthcoming concerts feature Alejandro Sanz, Michael Bublé and Harry Styles.

The entertainment division of HLR Group, E-Group, operates the www.audience.uk.com

Central and South America

Estadio Luna Park

KM de Vantagens

Arena and also encompasses promoter Bizarro Producciones and Chile’s leading ticketing service Punto Ticket.

“In 2018 we celebrated 10 years of the naming right deal with Movistar by making several changes including the installation of new LED screens, improvements to our VIP spaces, Wi-fI connection, food and beverage spaces and parking lots,” says HLR Group executive director Daniel Hiller.

“We are always innovating and making improvements for our customers, given that they are becoming increasingly demanding.”

Mexico

Population: 124.5m Language: Spanish Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN)

GDP per capita (US$): 9,627 Internet users: 61.3m Active smartphones: 51.4m

Latin America’s second most populated country behind Brazil, its capital alone, Mexico City, has eight million residents.

Serving that market is the Auditorio Nacional (10,900), located on the edge of Mexico City’s vast Bosque de Chapultepec park. The venue hosted 202 shows last year.

“The arena is located in the heart of the tourist, gastronomic, hotel and business district in Paseo de la Reforma Avenue,” says chief operating officer Francisco Serrano-Carreto. “It’s a prestigious venue known worldwide for its architecture, acoustic, comfort, and hosting top international artistes.”

Among acts playing the venue are Chayanne, Maluma, Air Supply, Dido, Enrique Iglesias, Eros Ramazzotti and Il Divo.

Recent upgrades include the installation of a new in-house L’Acoustics K2 PA sound system, two new 28 x 15ft HD screens, new food and beverage offerings and an additional area for wheelchair users. “It is located on the first floor and provides the best view in the house,” says Serrano.

Free Wi-fi is accessible throughout and an Auditorio Nacional mobile app for iOS and Android is available.

Monterrey, the largest city in the north-eastern state of Nuevo Leon, is home to the 17,599-capacity Arena Monterrey, located in the city centre and more than 5,000 car parking spaces easily accessible.

Key facilities include a rigging system that enables equipment to be hung from any point of the arena’s roof, which is capable of supporting more than 100 tons. A rolling stage and rolling risers are also available, and an access tunnel can accommodate two trailers simultaneously for load-in and out.

Among acts playing Arena Monterrey are Backstreet Boys, Michael Bublé, Harry Styles and Ricky Martin.

The venue is operated by Monterrey-based Zignia Live, which also manages Arena Ciudad Mexico (25,000) in Mexico City, and runs ticketing division Superboletos.

Among the artistes performing at the Arena Ciudad Mexico are Yanni, Men G, 4 Beats, Michael Bublé and Carlos Rivera.

Another busy arena in western Mexico is the Auditorio Telmex, which is owned by Universidad de Guadalajara.

Located in Zapopan, it opened in September 2007 and has 16 show configurations, ranging from 2,620-seat to full 8,645 capacity.

Acts playing the arena include Il Divo, Camila Cabello, BIA, Pancho www.audience.uk.com www.liveuk.com

Rock in Rio Brazil

Barraza and MGMT. The 15,000-capacity Arena VFG (15,000) in Guadalajara opened in 2009 and is another leading destination for international artistes, featuring concerts by Backstreet Boys, Ricky Martin, Billy Eilish and Harry Styles.

Puerto Rico Population: 3.6m Language: Spanish Currency: US Dollar (USD)

GDP per capita (US$): 35,093 Internet users: 2.1m Active smartphones: 1.8m

The capital San Juan, on the island's Atlantic coast, boasts the country’s biggest arena, Coliseo de Puerto Rico (18,000), which is managed by ASM Global, with 2019 its busiest year.

“We had 101 events and an estimated overall attendance of more than 770,000,” says director of events & VIP services Frances M Melendez. “We had many successful concerts including Bad Bunny, Daddy Yankee, Ruben Blades and Chayanne."

The venue, which opened in 2004, is owned by the Government of Puerto Rico, via the Puerto Rico Convention District Authority.

The past year has seen three major upgrades; the creation of a 5,000-capacity theatre-style format, an increase in the number of seats and the opening of the MasterCard Lounge.

VIP facilities include 26 corporate suites, two 50-capacity suites and a member’s-only VIP lounge. Wi-fi is available for production crews.

“It is the biggest arena in the Caribbean with an experienced team.

Most importantly, shows that come to the Coliseo sell well. There is nothing we envy at any other venue in the world,” says Melendez.

Uruguay

Population: 3.4m Language: Spanish Currency: Uruguayan peso (UYU)

GDP per capita (US$): 17,875 Internet users: 1.7m Active smartphones: 2.4m

Able to accommodate capacities from 2,000 to 12,000, Antel Arena has made a major impact on the country’s live music market since opening in November 2018.

Owned by government-controlled telecoms company Antel and operated by ASM Global, the arena has enjoyed a “remarkable” first year in operation, according to ASM Global Latin America executive director Venancio Castro.

Among acts to play the venue, which is located in the Villa Española district of Montevideo, are Bryan Adams, Passanger, Sarah Brightman, Abel Pintos, Tribalistas and Caetano Veloso.

“It is the most advanced arena in terms of power, rigging, stage set up, technology, and back-of-house facilities that deliver comfort and ease for artistes and production crews,” he says Castro.

“The attention to acoustics and sound and lighting available on site are second to none. At the end of the day, we worry as much about the experience of the artiste and the crew, as we do about our fans, sponsors and VIP clients.”

Wi-fi is available throughout the venue and an app is in development.

Juan Manuel Rodriguez

Venancio Castro

WORLD'S BEST ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC | AN AUDIENCE REPORT | December 2019 | 21

Middle East

Middle East

Ali Bin Hamad A Arena

While there are opportunities for international artistes to perform open-air or in other venues, it is the existence of indoor arena facilities that is transforming the live entertainment scene in the region, as comfortable venues with air-conditioning means all year-round possibilities.

C

ultural and religious differences across the region mean there are sometimes challenges for promoters working with international artistes.

But Saudi Arabia opening up to western influence, such as contemporary live music, will give neighbouring countries a boost as well and likely lead to regional tours at arena level in a relatively short time.

The arena is the largest covered venue of its kind in the country and has hosted shows by artistes such as Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band, Sean Paul, Enrico Macias and Nicos Vertis.

Upcoming shows include Lionel Richie who will be performing at the arena, which is managed by the Sport Palaces of Tel Aviv Yafo company, in March.

Israel

Lebanon

Population: 8.7m Language: Hebrew, Arabic Currency: Israeli new shekel (ILS)

GDP per capita (US$): 33,783 Internet users: 4.3m

One of the country’s premiere live music venues is the Menora Mivtachim Arena (11,000) in the Yad Eliyahu neighborhood of Tel-Aviv.

Population: 6m Language: Arabic Currency: Lebanese pound (LBP)

GDP per capita (US$): 11,295 Internet users: 4.5m

Elton John and Steve Aoki are among the international artistes to have performed Forum de Beyrouth (16,000) in the capital Beirut.

22 | WORLD'S BEST ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC | AN AUDIENCE REPORT | December 2019

www.audience.uk.com

Middle East With a capacity of 16,000, the arena is a fully air-conditioned and acoustically engineered performance space.

The fully air-conditioned and acoustically engineered performance space includes a 12-metre-high ceiling height, various configurations and an outdoor performance space.

Recent musical highlights include the For Hope Festival which saw Lebanese singer Anthony Touma and Arabs Got Talent contest finalist Daneel Sayegh grace the stage.

Qatar Population: 2.6m Language: Arabic Currency: Qatari riyal (QAR)

GDP per capita (US$): 127,523 Internet users: 2.1m

Two venues built for the football World Cup this year apparently have ambitions to stage concerts longer-term.

The Lusail Multipurpose Arena (15,300) and the Ali Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah Multipurpose Arena (ABHA, 7,200) are both located in the Al Sadd district of the capital Doha.

The venues are owned by the Qatar Ministry of Culture and Sports and managed by Elan Live Nation, a partnership between media company Elan and Live Nation Entertainment.

While the country has yet to become a destination for touring international artistes, Kylie Minogue played ABHA shortly after it opened in 2015.

“The arenas have been built to the highest of standards and the quality of finish is exceptional: both are plug and play venues,” said Live Nation Middle East senior vice-president James Craven at the time.

Lusali Multipurpose Arena in Qatar

United Arab Emirates Population: 9.4m Language: Arabic Currency: United Arab Emirates dirham (AED)

GDP per capita (US$): 37,346 Internet users: 8.5m

The Coca-Cola Arena (17,000) opened in June 2019 with a sold-out event featuring Maroon 5.

Artistes due to appear this year include Stormzy, Martin Garrix and Ellie Goulding.

Arena CEO Guy Ngata says as the first fully-air-conditioned, multipurpose, indoor arena in the region, the venue is a game-changer.

“We’ve already attracted a diverse audience and seeing fans reactions is really pleasing,” he says. “There has been a lot of work with the venue owners, Meraas, a Dubai-based holding company, to bring this to life and to see it happen has been hugely rewarding Located in City Walk in the heart of Dubai, management aims to provide visitors with an all-encompassing entertainment experience.

“Diversity is key to our events programme. Going from western rock and pop shows to Bollywood, Filipino basketball and Arabic content is a great reflection of the region and something we are eager to maintain,” he says.

Iron Maiden, Louis Tomlinson and Maluma are making Dubai a stop on their global tours in the coming months. The arena is operated by ASM Global, and works with global promoters such as Live Nation Entertainment, AEG Presents and Marshall Arts, and local event organisers including Done Events.

“The Coca-Cola Arena can also accommodate the turnaround of shows at brilliant speed, thanks to our unique integrated design and technology that includes a roof weigh load capacity of 190 metric tonnes,” explains Ngata.

Ninety minutes’ drive north and the continuing pace of development in the UAE is demonstrated by the growth of Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island as an entertainment hub.

The 18,000-capacity Etihad Arena is set to open in mid-2020 and will be operated by Flash Entertainment, the team behind du Forum (4,500), a venue which previously hosted shows by Dua Lipa and Fifth www.audience.uk.com www.liveuk.com

Nick Cave at Menorah Mivtachim Arena

Harmony, but is now due to close.

The new fully covered indoor arena will host concerts and sporting events, and will have an array of premium facilities including a VIP lounge areas that can be transformed into a grand ballroom.

“It’s an honour to partner with an Abu Dhabi institution such as Miral on this joint venture, that will further promote Abu Dhabi and Yas Island as a hub for entertainment, tourism and culture,” says Tony Douglas, chief executive officer of Etihad Aviation Group, which secured the naming rights to the venue.

“This new arena will bring an abundance of talent to our capital, providing a diverse range of entertainment options for guests visiting our beautiful city, or for those who call the UAE home.”

Guy Ngata

Coca-Cola Arena WORLD'S BEST ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC | AN AUDIENCE REPORT | December 2019 | 23

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North America

North America

MTS Centre

SAP Arena

Not surprisingly, North America has the most extensive arena network in the world and it’s a fiercely competitive market and one where the focus is on pioneering new ways to enhance the experience for customers, both out front and backstage.

October last year saw the SMG-AEG Facilities mega-merger result in the newly formed ASM Global – the biggest venue management company in the world.

However, other groups have arena portfolios, among them Live Nation Entertainment and Oak View Group.

Below is a selection from the scores of arenas across the US and Canada.

United States Population: 325.4m Language: English Currency: American Dollar (USD)

GDP per capita (US$): 52,194 Internet users: 272m Active smartphones: 207.8m

Headquartered in Los Angeles, ASM Global owns and/or oversees more than 300 arenas and convention centres, with 61,000 staff, worldwide.

Headed by CEO Bob Newman, the former president of AEG Facilities, it has a huge presence in the North American arenas business with some of the region’s best venues in its stable, including the Staples Center (cap, 20,000) in Los Angeles, American Airlines Arena (20,000) in Miami, Fiserv Forum (19,000) in Milwaukee and Pinnacle Bank Arena (15,000) in Lincoln.

However, the best-known arena in the world is outside ASM Global’s orbit, New York’s Madison Square Garden (MSG, 18,600), who’s operating company also owns and operates other venues, such as the Forum (17,500) in Inglenook, Los Angeles.

Consistently one of the busiest arenas in the world with concerts, and a landmark must-play for many artistes, MSG opened in February 1968.

Janis Joplin was the first artiste to play the there, with its www.audience.uk.com www.liveuk.com

nearly 100concerts in the past year featuring artistes such as Elton John, Queen + Adam Lambert, Fleetwood Mac, The Who, Tame Impala, Post Malone and Bad Bunny.

Billy Joel’s monthly residency, which started in January 2014, continues to sell-out and break records – Joel ended 2019 with his 117th show at MSG, with more scheduled this year.

Located above New York’s Penn Station, MSG is owned and operated by the Madison Square Garden Company (MSGC), which also owns the city’s Radio City Music Hall (6,000) and the Beacon Theatre (2,900), the Chicago Theatre (3,600).

According to executive vice-president (EVP) Darren Pfeffer, MSG benefits from being extremely versatile.

“The Garden can house a massive, multi-stage, production one night and an intimate in-the-round performance the next,” he says.

“The capacity can reach up to approximately 18,600, depending on the artiste’s production, staging and seating needs.”

As well as providing free Wi-fi throughout, MSCG has released a multi-functional mobile app available on Android and iOS. “On the app, guests can browse upcoming events and purchase tickets via Ticketmaster, enter the venue through dedicated app express lanes, use the in-app maps for way-finding onsite, order concessions for express pick-up and even check-out some artistes’ set lists before shows,” says Pfeffer.

MSGC paid $23.5 million in 2012 to acquire the ageing Forum in Inglewood, which had been built in the 1960s.

The venue was reopened in early 2014, with three shows by the Eagles, following the completion of a $76.5m refurbishment programme.

While the venue lacks skyboxes, which some believe impact negatively on the sound quality, VIP facilities including the Forum Club,

Darren Pfeffer

WORLD'S BEST ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC | AN AUDIENCE REPORT | December 2019 | 25

Lee Zeidman

which includes two bars and catering facilities, and the Chase Lounge sponsored by the arena’s lead commercial partner, Chase Bank.

Acts playing the venue include Blake Shelton, Tame Impala, Ana Gabriel, Billie Eilish, Pearl Jam, Bon Jovi and The Black Crows.

A 10-mile drive across town is the ASM Global-owned Staples Center (20,000) and sister venue Microsoft Theatre (7,100), which collectively host around 100 concerts per year.

The venues are located within LA Live – an AEG-owned entertainment complex that includes a 14-screen cinema and the Grammy Museum.

To mark the Staples Center’s 20th anniversary last year, ASM Global introduced an array of new features within the building, ranging from a mural painted by prominent LA artist Jonas Never to a marquee outside the dressing rooms that can be used as a location to create and post social media messages to fans.

The Staples Centre hosted 41 concerts last year and among the acts lined-up there are Kiss, Celine Dion, Banda MS and Camila Cabello.

“Staples Center is an attractive venue for touring artistes because of our prime location in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, our extensive digital signage package, industry leading social media channels and our strong relationships with media partners,” says Lee Zeidman, president of the Staples Center and Microsoft Theatre.

“Our website has a chat feature allowing guests to converse directly with Guest Services staff to answer any questions they might have.

There is also a feature available at events for fans to text a number to get assistance right at their seat while at an event,” says Zeidman.

On the east coast, the 19,000-capacity Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York City’s most highly populated borough, has an immediate catchment of around 2.6 million residents, Brooklyn would be the fourth largest city in the US if it were an independent entity

City state

Keith Sheldon

BSE Global, previously Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, oversees programming, marketing, sales and operations for both the Center and nearby Long Island’s NYCB Live – a 15,000-capacity concert venue.

“Barclays Center is accessible by 11 subway lines, the Long Island Rail Road and 11 bus lines; the ease of access helps draw fans from throughout the tri-state area and internationally for our major events,”

Rogers Arena 26 | WORLD'S BEST ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC | AN AUDIENCE REPORT | December 2019

Barclays Center

says Keith Sheldon BSE EVP of programming & development.

In August last year Joseph Tsai, executive vice-chairman of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group acquired the Barclays Center, BSE Global and the resident basketball team the Nets for $3.5bn.

Sheldon says the venue has benefited from a recent “explosion” in the popularity of mainstream Latin and Asian pop stars.

“In 2019 we were up in concert volume and revenue, meeting or exceeding all prior years since the venue opened,” he says. “This is attributed to strong relationships with national and local promoters, maintaining an aggressive and outbound approach in seeking content, sourcing unique content opportunities and not being reliant on the touring cycle.”

Acts playing the venue include Celine Dion, The Lumineers, Billie Eilish, Elton John and Niall Horan.

Free Wi-fi is available and it has a mobile app and steps are being taken to roll out 5G connectivity.

“Our new ownership is very experienced and savvy in the digital space and is evaluating the venue to ensure all necessary upgrades create the ultimate digital experience,” says Sheldon.

Awaiting new name

Located in downtown Miami, the American Airlines Arena has had the same naming rights sponsor since it opened in 1999. The 20-year deal came to an end in December 2019 and the venue’s owner, MiamiDade County, is currently looking to secure a new naming rights deal.

In the meantime, the venue continues to operate under its original name. Managed by The Heat Group, the arena can accommodate concerts with capacities from 3,500 upwards.

Acts playing the venue include Elton John, Andrea Bocelli, Florence + The Machine, Celine Dion and Guns N’Roses.

General manager Jarred Diamond says show numbers and attendance was up year-on-tear in 2019. Among the landmark shows were a three-night run by Jennifer Lopez, and two show by Marc Anthony.

Despite the venue’s age, Diamond says, “The building is extremely well kept, we invest in it every year, and as a result it looks much younger than 20. Last year we carried out major renovations to the premium space on the suite level that overlooks the bowl.

“A lot of venues primarily focus on front-of-house facilities, but we apply the same philosophy to the back-of-house areas because that’s where you find the folks who got off the bus at the crack of dawn and are working 20-hour days.”

Owned and operated by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, Denver’s 20,000-capacity Pepsi Center opened in October 1999, at a cost of $180m. with a sold-out concert by Celine Dion. It hosts around 250 events per year.

Upcoming shows include Pearl Jam, Tame Impala, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert and Post Malone.

The five-level arena contains extensive VIP facilities including 89 luxury suites and 1,900 club seats. Other amenities include VIP parking and gourmet catering.

Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum (20,000) opened in August 2018 and www.audience.uk.com

FOR A GREAT NIGHT, SWIPE RIGHT!

FOR A GOOD TIME CALL:

KEVIN DONNELLY 204-926-5503 kdonnelly@tnse.com

North America in its first year hosted 33 concerts and comedy shows — 45 per cent more than during any year at the previous venue, the Bradley Center (20,000).

Among artistes playing the venue are Tame Impala, Michael Bublé, Elton John, Blake Shelton and Alan Jackson this year.

Fiserv Forum general manager Raj Saha is confident that the venue will see even more shows than last year, despite it playing host to the Democratic Party National Convention in July, which means it is unavailable to book that month.

“On the outside of the building we have a massive screen that, from 7am to 11.30pm, previews upcoming content. It is located at major highway intersection and so is something that is seen by everyone in the city,” says Saha.

The Fiserv Forum has six interior loading bays and a separate bus parking area that can accommodate 11 buses. There is more than 136,000 tonnes of rigging capacity, and backstage facilities include a private kitchen for artistes and tour staff, a games room and six star dressing rooms.

“We have only built on 16 acres of 30 available, so we are looking at different uses for the area. There is the opportunity to do concerts outside the arena for 10,000 people while 17,000 are inside watching something else,” says Saha.

Located in San Jose’s famous technology hub, Silicon Valley, the SAP Center (17,496) is fitting sponsored by software company SAP. Part of independent arena booking consultancy Venue Coalition, the Californian arena is owned by the local authority and managed by San Jose Sports & Entertainment Enterprises.

Acts to play the SAP Center, which opened in 1993, include Seventeen, Marc Anthony, Tony Robbins and Miranda Lambert.

Canada

Population: 36.7m Language: English, French Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)

GDP per capita (US$): 43,087 Internet users: 30.9m Active smartphones: 24m

The Rogers Arena in downtown Vancouver can accommodate shows ranging from a 5,500-capacity theatre bowl set-up to the maximum centre-stage 18,000 configuration. An end-stage set up, with a general admission floor, holds approximately 12,750.

In an average year the venue, which opened in 1995, attracts an attendance of around 450,000 for concerts and sports events.

“In 2019, we had many successful events, including three Elton John Farewell Tour shows, two with Pink, two Justin Timberlake concerts and Ariana Grande, Kiss, Shawn Mendes, Andrea Bocelli, Queen and Jonas Brothers to name just a few,” says director of live entertainment Molly Ray. “A cosmopolitan city right on the edge of nature, from which it is possible to combine mountain and beach visits in the same day, Vancouver has a thriving restaurant and art scene, which helps,” says Ray. Free Wi-fi is available throughout and is owned by Aquilini Investment Group.

The similarly-sized ScotiaBank Arena (18,420) in Toronto, formerly known as the Air Canada Centre, is another landmark venue. Available show configurations range from a 5,935 theatre format upwards It hosted 82 live events last year, one more than in 2018. Among the most successful were Travis Scott, Pink, Bob Seger, Post Malone and Fleetwood Mac, while scheduled concerts include Elton John, Pearl Jam, Harry Stiles and Tame Impala.

“ScotiaBank Arena is located in a diverse and large enough market to support any tour on any night of the week,” says Melissa BubbClarke, vice president, music & live events at owner/operator Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. “With a population over six million in Toronto and the surrounding area, it makes any night a Saturday night.”

Recent enhancements include the installation of a new outdoor screen that is 40 per cent larger than its predecessor, and new digital signage across the exterior of the venue that can change colours to

Fiserv-Forum, Panic at the Disco © Ty Helbach

reflect what is happening inside the building.

ScotiaBank Arena provides free Wi-fi throughout and immediately outside.

Says Bubb-Clarke, “Our ScotiaBank Arena app provides exclusive access to concert pre-sales, enables fans to buy and manage tickets, pre-order concert merchandise for pickup on the night and to purchase food and beverage for pickup at a concession stand.”

En route

Located in downtown Winnipeg, Manitoba, Bell MTS Place can accommodate concert formats from a 3,300 theatre-style upwards. Metallica set the venue’s attendance record in September 2018 with a show for 16,200 fans.

The venue is owned and operated by True North Sports & Entertainment, and with the venue now 15-years-old, general manager Kevin Donnelly says it is the subject of a multi-year renovation initiative.

“To date we’ve spent over C$50m [US$38.3m] and have earmarked another C$5m [US$3.8m] for this off-season to focus on premium spaces – restaurant, club areas and premium amenities,” he says.

Sold out shows last year included Luke Combs, Fleetwood Mac and Michael Bubblé, while this year’s programme features James Taylor, Celine Dion and Miranda Lambert.

Donnelly believes the arena is well positioned for any touring route of the region.

“We are a logical stop within Canada if you are routing east-west, and also if you are migrating up from, or heading down to, Minneapolis or Saint Paul in the US,” he says.

“As the only major arena in the area, and with our multiple configuration options, we try to be a great landing spot for almost every size of touring show.”

Raj Saha

Scotiabank Arena

28 | WORLD'S BEST ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC | AN AUDIENCE REPORT | December 2019

www.audience.uk.com

Reed Venue Management

South Africa

South Africa

ICC Durban Arena

While its geographic location can present logistical and cost issues for international touring artistes, the quality of its arenas and facilities – not to mention its climate and tourist attractions – more than make up for it.

Population: 57m Language: English, Afrikaans, Nguni Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)

T

GDP per capita (US$): 12,260 Internet users: 36.1m Active smartphones: 18.4m

he majority of the country’s leading arenas are located in three of the countries major cities: Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg.

Despite the geographical location at the foot of the world’s largest continent, South Africa is increasingly becoming a stop on the touring schedules of international artistes.

The Ticketpro Dome (cap. 21,000) is one of Johannesburg’s most striking-looking music venues and portfolio director Cynthia Penprase says attendance at its shows last year was great, with some inspiring performances taking place.

“The number of shows dropped slightly from previous years but the events that were booked and confirmed were very well attended,” she says. “The production and performance by Post Malone at the Castle Lite Unlocked event really stood out and it was wonderful to witness Andrea Bocelli again.”

However, there was sadness across the country, at the death of music legend Johnny Clegg.

“Ticketpro Dome was fortunate enough to have hosted this music icon in November 2017 for his final concert tour,” says Penprase.

Some of the venue’s biggest developments were in the form of extensive renovations to boost the size. An estimated 20 million rand ($1.4m) was invested in expanding audience capacity by 10 per cent.

Penprase says that the work was undertaken to ensure top talent would make the Dome a destination on their world tours.

“It felt like we were missing out concluding deals with certain artistes busy with arena tours because they couldn’t make the numbers work. These artists were either not including South Africa or were having to look at performing elsewhere.

“However, with the recent upgrades, we are now hoping to see even more live tours confirmed.”

This year's events include KISS - The Final Tour Ever, WWE Live, Tasha Cobbs Leonard Live and Disney on Ice – Celebrates Mickey Friends and Paw Patrol Live.

Sun International is one of the country’s most established entertainment businesses with four venues in its portfolio.

Alongside Sun City, the Big Top Arena (4,090) and Grand Arena(6,800), the Sun Arena Time Square (10,000) is the newest addition in the portfolio, opening as a casino, leisure and hotel complex in November 2017.

According to Henri-Basil Hearne, Sun Arena’s PR and communications manager, the venue hosted 129 events during 2019, ranging from concerts with Rudimental and Demi Lee Moore to gala

30 | WORLD'S BEST ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC | AN AUDIENCE REPORT | December 2019

Cynthia Penprase www.audience.uk.com

South Africa

Ticketpro Dome

Ticketpro Dome

Sun Arena

Sun Arena

Arena Monterry

dinners, sports events, exhibitions and more.

“Many of the teething problems everyone experiences when opening a venue of this size have been phased out and 2019 was all about optimizing our operations,” he explains.

The venue and its staff have already put themselves to the test, hosting seven events in a 10-day period.

“We ran two gala dinners, two full-house rock shows of 10,500 capacity, a boxing tournament and two hip hop concerts of 5,000 and 8,500 seats respectively. We had very little time to reset for each set-up, but we managed and all seven were a success.

Although the venue has only recently opened, work has been done to increase seating capacity by adding additional bridge blocks between retractable seats. For Hearne, the increase in seating comes at a pertinent time as 2020 promises to be a busy year.

“It starts in January with the Marvel Universe Live production.

With 27 dates, it will be the biggest show we have done so far with an expected total attendance of more than 100,000.” www.audience.uk.com www.liveuk.com

Burban ICC

Ellis Park Indoor Arena (5,000) is part of the Ellis Park Stadium Group and has hosted a number of live music events over the years.

Previous concerts have featured Eminem and Snoop Dogg, with The 1975 performing at the In The City Festival, alongside Riss and Tash Sultana for a one-day music event.

On the east coast, Durban International Convention Centre (8,000, ICC) has staged live music events with artistes such as Enrique Iglesias, James Blunt, Akon and Kelly Clarkson to its stage.

The venue saw investment to the tune of 27.3m rand ($2m) during 2019, mainly to its exterior. The venue contributed 4.7bn rand ($316m) to the country’s Gross Domestic Product in the 2017/18 financial year, alongside almost 9,500 jobs as a result of the Durban ICC’s activities.

Upcoming live music highlights include a performance from R&B singer and six-time Grammy Award winner Benjamin ‘BeBe’ Winans.

WORLD'S BEST ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC | AN AUDIENCE REPORT | December 2019 | 31

DIRECTORY INDEX COUNTRY PAGE Argentina 38 Australia 38 Brazil 38 Canada 38 Chile 39 China 39 Costa Rica

39

Israel 39 Japan 39 Lebanon 39 Malaysia 39 Mexico 39 New Zealand

40

Philippines 40 Puerto Rico

40

Singapore 40 South Africa

40

Taiwan 40 Thailand 40 United Arab Emirates United States

40 41

Uruguay 43 Qatar 43

Key Venue name Address Capacity Principle contact name Job title Telephone number Email address Website

ARGENTINA DirecTV Arena Av. Olivos 3215, B1667ATB Tortuguitas, Buenos Aires, Argentina 15,000 Matias Lynch CEO & President +54 232 0499 6994 contacto@showsarena.com www.directvarena.com Movistar Arena Humboldt 450, C1414 CABA, Argentina 16,000 Sol Noziglia Booking Manager +54 9 11 3758 7074 snoziglia@movistararena.com.ar www.movistararena.com.ar Orfeo Superdomo Manuel Cardeñosa 3450 B, X5009EXN Córdoba, Argentina 10,000 Juan Manuel Rodriguez Vargas Director +54 35 1526 1500 informesorfeo@grupodinosaurio. com www.orfeosuperdomo.com Stadium Luna Park Av. Eduardo Madero 420, C1106 CABA, Argentina 9,290 María B. García Commercial and Booking Manager +5411 5278-5810 mgarcia@lunapark.com.ar

AUSTRALIA Adelaide Entertainment Centre 98 Port Rd, Hindmarsh, SA 5007, Australia 11,300 Phil King General Manager +61 8 8208 2222 enquiries@theaec.net www.theaec.net Brisbane Entertainment Centre Melaleuca Dr, Boondall QLD 4034, Australia 13,500 Trish McNamara General Manager +61 7 3265 8111 bec@brisent.com.au www.brisent.com.au

32 | WORLD'S BEST ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC | AN AUDIENCE REPORT | December 2019

Derwent Entertainment Centre 601 Brooker Hwy, Glenorchy TAS 7010, Australia 4,875 Renee Brown Venue Manager +61 3 6251 3170 info@derwent.com.au www.derwent.com.au ICC Sydney Theatre 14 Darling Dr, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia 9,000 Mathew Haynes Director of Live Entertainment +61 2 9215 7100 info@iccsydney.com www.iccsydney.com.au Margaret Court Arena Melbourne & Olympic Parks, Olympic Boulevard, Melbourne, Australia 7,500 Alisha Rodas Business Development Manager +61 3 9286 1600 enquiries@mopt.vic.gov.au www.margaretcourtarena.com.au Melbourne Arena Olympic Blvd, Melbourne VIC 3001, Australia 10,500 Alisha Rodas Business Development Manager +61 3 9286 1600 enquiries@mopt.vic.gov.au www.melbournearena.com.au Newcastle Entertainment Centre Showground, Brown Rd, Broadmeadow NSW 2292, Australia 7,528 Chris Blanch General Manager +61 2 4921 2100 admin@nec.net.au www.nec.net.au Qudos Bank Arena Olympic Blvd, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127, Australia 21,000 Don Elford Marketing Director +61 02 8765 4333 info@qudosbankarena.com.au www.qudosbankarena.com.au RAC Arena 700 Wellington St, Perth WA 6000, Australia 15,500 Dave Humphreys Commercial Manager +61 8 6365 0700 info@pertharena.com.au www.pertharena.com.au Rod Laver Arena Melbourne & Olympic Parks, Olympic Boulevard, Melbourne, Australia 14,820

Meagan Walker General Manager +61 3 9286 1600 enquiries@mopt.vic.gov.au www.rodlaverarena.com.au

BRAZIL BH Hall Av. Sra. do Carmo, 230 - Savassi, Belo Horizonte - MG, 30330-000, Brazil 5,500 Luiz Oscar Niemeyer Artistic Director +55 31 3209 8989 contacto@t4f.com.br www.chevrolethallbh.com.br UnimedHall Av. das Nações Unidas, 17955 Av. das Nações Unidas, 17955 - Vila Almeida, São Paulo - SP, 04795100, Brazil 7,000 Luiz Oscar Niemeyer Artistic Director +55 11 4003 5588 loniemeyer@t4fplanmusic.com.br www.premier.ticketsforfun.com. br/Venues Jeunesse Arena Av. Embaixador Abelardo Bueno, 3401 - Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro - RJ, 22775-040, Brazil 18,768 Silvia Albuquerque Managing Director +55 21 2430 1700 www.jeunessearena.com.br Pepsi on Stage Av. Severo Dullius, 1995 Anchieta, Porto Alegre - RS, 90200-310, Brazil 7,200 Alexandre Bertoluci Owner +55 51 3211 2838 bertoluci@opiniao.com.br www.pepsionstage.com.br Rio Centro Avenida Salvador Allende 6.555, Barra da Tijuca – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 10,000 Thais Bordalo Marketing Coordinator +55 21 2441 9100 www.riocentro.com.br

CANADA Budweiser Gardens 99 Dundas St, London, ON N6A 6K1, Canada 10,000 Kelly Austin Director of Operations +1 519 667 5700 kelly.austin@spectraxp.com www.budweisergardens.com

www.audience.uk.com

ARENAS DIRECTORY A-Z

ScotiaBank Arena

Canadian Tire Centre 1000 Palladium Dr, Ottawa, ON K2V 1A5, Canada 17,000 Tom Conroy Executive Director +1 613 599 0100 events@canadiantirecentre.com www.canadiantirecentre.com Center Bell 1909 Avenue des Canadiens-deMontréal, Montréal, QC H4B 5G0, Canada 21273 Evenko Agency +1 514-925-2000 agence@evenko.ca www.centrebell.ca/en FirstOntario Centre 101 York Boulevard, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada 19000 Scott Warren General Manager +1 905 546 3100 Scott_Warren@comcastspectacor. com www.coreentertainment.ca/ FirstOntario-Centre K-Rock Centre 1 The Tragically Hip Way, Kingston, ON K7K 0B4, Canada 6700 Lynn Carlotto General Manager +1 613 650 5000 lcarlotto@rogersk-rockcentre.com www.rogersk-rockcentre.com MTS Centre 345 Graham Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3C 5S6, Canada 16,345 Kevin Donnelly General Manager +1 204 987 7825 info@tnse.com www.bellmtsplace.ca Pacific Coliseum 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 5J1, Canada 17500 Jeff Strickland Vice President, Operations +1 604 253 2311 info@pne.ca

www.pne.ca/book-an-event/ venues/pacific-coliseum/ Rogers Arena 800 Griffiths Way, Vancouver, BC V6B 6G1, Canada 18630 Molly Ray Director of Live Entertainment +1 604 899 7400 Molly.Ray@canucks.com rogersarena.com/ Rogers Place 300 – 10214 104 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 0H6, Canada 20734 Sheena Way VP Live Entertainment 780-664-0693 sway@rogersplace.com www.rogersplace.com SaskTel Centre 3515 Thatcher Ave, Saskatoon, SK S7R 1C4, Canada 13,000 Scott Ford Events Manager +1 306 975 3155 media@sasktelcentre.com sasktelcentre.com/ ScotiaBank Arena 40 Bay St, Toronto, ON M5J 2X2, Canada 19,800 Tricia Silliphant Sr. Director – Venue Programming +1 416 815 5500 Tricia.Silliphant@MLSE.com www.scotiabankarena.com Videotron Center 250 Wilfrid-Hamel Blvd, Québec City, QC G1L 5A7, Canada 19,000 Gabriel Marchesseault Marketing and Business Intelligence Director +1 844 267 4472 gabriel.marchesseault@quebecormedia.com www.lecentrevideotron.ca/en

CHILE Movistar Arena Tupper 1941, Santiago, Región

Metropolitana, Chile 12,000 Mauricio Contreras +56 2 2770 2300 Mcontreras@movistararena.cl www.movistararena.cl

18,000 Mariela Rodríguez General Manager +50 6 2545 5000 info@parqueviva.com www.parqueviva.com

CHINA

ISRAEL

AsiaWorld Expo Arena AsiaWorld-Expo, Hong Kong International Airport, Lantau, Hong Kong 14,000 Ivy Ng Director of Business Development +852 3606 8888 arena@asiaworld-expo.com www.asiaworld-expo.com

Masada Arena 10 Nissim Elkayam St, Be’er Sheva, Israel 5,000 Ilan Faktor Head Promoter +972 36 332 670 faktor@masada-arena.co.il www.masada-arena.co.il/

Dalian China National Games Arena 699 Linling Road, Dalian, Ganjingzi 18,000 Mike Cherha General Manager +86 186 4281 3862 mcerha@dalianarena.com

Menora Mivtahim Arena 51 Yigal Alon st, Tel Aviv Yafo, Israel 10,353 Liron Altman Marketing +972 3 637 6000 office@sportp.co.il www.sportpalace.co.il/en/ menora-mivtachim

Damai Center No.16 Sports Center, Ganjingzi District, Dalian, Liaoning, China 18,000 Chris Wang Marketing Manager +864 1186 698669 www.damaicenter.com

Tel Aviv Convention Center Rokach Blvd 101, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel 9,000 Natalie Marily Events & Conventions +972 3 640 4444 www.fairs.co.il/en

LeSports Center 69 Fuxing Rd, WuKeSong, Haidian Qu, Beijing Shi, China, 100036 18,000 Doris Ding dding@mastercardcenter.com +86 10 88228288 Mercedes-Benz Arena 1200 Shibo Ave, Pudong Xinqu, Shanghai Shi, China, 200126 18,000 Jim Foss General Manager +86 21 3899 6657 events@mbarena.com www.mercedes-benzarena.com Studio City Event Center Cotai Strip, Macau SAR 5000 Adriana Lucas Assist. Director of Events & Operations +86 853 8865 3333 entertainment@sc-macau.com www.studiocity-macau.com

COSTA RICA Coca Cola Amphitheatre (Parque Viva) Parque Viva, Calle Rancho Español, Provincia de Alajuela, Guácima, Costa Rica

JAPAN Nippon Budokan 2-3 Kitanomarukoen, Chiyoda, Tokyo 102-8321, Japan 13,721 Mr Kumagai Gerneral manager +81 332 16 5100 www.nipponbudokan.or.jp Saitama Super Arena 8 Shintoshin, Chuo-ku, Saitama, Saitama Prefecture, Japan 22,500 Tsukasa Ohtachime Deputy General Manager +81 048 600 3001 ohtachime@saitama-arena.co.jp www.saitama-arena.co.jp/e/ Yokohama Arena 3-10 Shin-Yokohama, Kohoku Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture 222-0033, Japan 17,010 Atsuchi Higashi Venue Manager +81 45 474 4000 information@yokohama-arena. co.jp www.yokohama-arena.co.jp

Key Venue name Address Capacity Principle contact name Job title Telephone number Email address Website

LEBANON BIEL Leisure Center Beirut, Lebanon 9,000 Rami Joueidi Director +961 1 995 555 leb@biel-group.com www.biel-group.com Forum de Beyrouth Beirut, Lebanon 15,000 Elie Zard General Manager +961 1 584 584 admin@forum.ws www.forum.ws Platea Platea Street, Sahel Alma, Jounieh, Lebanon 10,000 Marie Therese F Khazan General Manager +961 9 831 666 info@plateaonline.com www.plateaonline.com

MALAYSIA Axiata Arena 217, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 14,425 Khairul Azhar Business / Sales Manager +60 3 8992 0888 admin@stadium.gov.my www.stadium.gov.my

MEXICO Arena Ciudad de Mexico Av. de las Granjas 800, Santa Barbara, 02230 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico 25,000 Fernando Gomez Sales Manager +52 55 6235 7016 www.arenaciudaddemexico.com Arena México Contreras Medellín 288, entre Reforma y Garibaldi, Col. Centro CP 44200, GUADALAJARA, Mexico Jaime Ashida +52 33 3615 3857

For European countries see World's Best Arenas for Live Music Part 1: Europe www.audience.uk.com www.liveuk.com

WORLD'S BEST ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC | AN AUDIENCE REPORT | December 2019 | 33

ARENAS DIRECTORY A-Z Key Venue name Address Capacity Principle contact name Job title Telephone number Email address Website info@arenamexico.com www.arenamexico.com.mx Arena Monterrey Avenida Francisco I. Madero 2500, Obrera, 64010 Monterrey, N.L., Mexico 17,500 Eliud Treviño General Manager +52 8181 262 100 eliud_trevino@arenamonterrey. com www.arenamonterrey.com Arena VFG Km 20, Guadalajara - Chapala S/N, Fraccionamiento Los Silos, 45678 Jal., Mexico 15,000 Luis Carlos Roca Commercial Director, Ocesa +52 33 3284 1473 contactoocesa@cie.com.mx www.ocesa.com.mx/place/ arena-vfg Auditorio Banamex Av Fundidora, Col Obrera, 64010 Monterrey, N.L., Mexico 8,000 Luis Carlos Roca Commercial Director, Ocesa +52 81 8369 9199 contactoocesa@cie.com.mx www.auditoriocitibanamex.com. mx Auditorio Nacional Paseo de la Reforma # 50, Polanco, V Section. Miguel Hidalgo. Mexico CDMX CP 11560 10,000 Francisco Serrano Director of Operations +52 55 9138 1350 auditorium@auditorio.com.mx www.en.auditorio.com.mx

Auditorio Telmex Obreros de Cananea 747, Complejo Belenes, 45157 Zapopan. Jal., México 11,500 Fernando Favela Director +52 33 3836 5200 contacto@auditorio-telmex.com www.auditorio-telmex.com

Smart Araneta Coliseum General Roxas Ave, Cubao, Quezon City, 1109 Metro Manila, Philippines 15,983 Maricar P. Bernabe Booking & Events +63 2 85884066 cbernabe@aranetagroup.com www.smartaranetacoliseum.com

NEW ZEALAND

PUERTO RICO

Claudelands Corner of Brooklyn Road and Heaphy Terrace, Hamilton 3214, New Zealand 6,000 Michael Giling Events Manager +64 7 958 5895 info@claudelands.co.nz www.claudelands.co.nz

Coliseo de Puerto Rico 500 Alterial, B st. Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, PR 00918 18,000 Eduardo Cajina General Manager +1 787 777 0800 coliseodepuertorico@smgpr.com www.coliseodepuertorico.com

Horncastle Arena 55 Jack Hinton Dr, Addington, Christchurch 8024, New Zealand 8,888 Turlough Carolan Senior Account Manager, Entertainment +64 3 339 3599 info@vbase.co.nz www.vbase.co.nz/venues/ horncastle-arena Spark Arena Mahuhu Cres, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand 12,000 Brendan Hines General Manager +64 9 358 1250 info@sparkarena.co.nz www.sparkarena.co.nz

PHILIPPINES Mall of Asia Arena Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines 20,000 Arnel Gonzales General Manager +63 2 470 2222 info@mollofasia-arena.com www.mallofasia-arena.com

SINGAPORE Singapore Sports Hub SportsHub Pte Ltd, 1 Stadium Drive, Singapore 397629 12,000 Denise Marsh Communications Manager 00 65 6344 2660 sales@sportshub.com.sg www.sportshub.com.sg

SOUTH AFRICA Big Top Arena - Carnival City Corner Century and Elsburg Road, Brakpan, 1540, Gauteng, South Africa 3,472 Wendy Futcher Sales Manager: Entertainment +27 11 780 7282 wendy.futcher@suninternational. com www.suninternational.com/ carnival-city/events Ellis Park Arena Bertrams Road, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 2094, South Africa 6,000 Andre Homan Hospitality and Sales Manager

+27 11 402 8644 AndreH@circa.co.za www.circa.co.za/service/events Emperors Palace Convention Centre Centre Court 64 Jones Rd, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 1620, South Africa 3,000 Tammy Sparke Entertainment Supervisor +27 11 928 1000 TSparke@emperorspalace.com www.emperorspalace.com Grand Arena at GrandWest 1 Jakes Gerwel Dr, Acacia Park, Cape Town, 7460, South Africa 6,866 Dave Lombard Events and Entertainment Manager 27215057777 dave.lombard@suninternational. com www.suninternational.com ICC Durban Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC Complex, 45 Bram Fischer Rd, Durban, 4001, South Africa 10,000 Lee-Ann Dahl Senior Sales & Events Coordinator 27313601000 lee-annd@icc.co.za www.icc.co.za Sun Arena Time Square, Menlyn Maine 209 Aramist Avenue Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa 8,500 Wendy Futcher Sales Manager: Entertainment +27 11 780 7282 wendy.futcher@suninternational. com www.suninternational.com/ time-square Sun City R556, Sun City, 0316, South Africa 6,000 Wendy Futcher Sales Manager: Entertainment +27 11 780 7282 wendy.futcher@suninternational. com www.suninternational.com/ sun-city Ticketpro Dome Cnr Olievenhout Avenue and Northumberland Road, North Riding, Gauteng, Johannesburg, South Africa 19,300 Cynthia Penprase General Manager +27 11 794 5800 cynthia@ticketprodome.co.za www.ticketprodome.co.za

ICC Durban Arena 34 | WORLD'S BEST ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC | AN AUDIENCE REPORT | December 2019

Wave Park Gateway G420, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, 1 Palm Blvd, Umhlanga

Ridge, Durban, 4320, 5,000 Kim Perry Marketing & Events Manager +27 31 584 9400 kim@wavepark.co.za www.wavehouse.co.za

TAIWAN Taipei Arena No. 2, Section 4, Nanjing East Road, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105 15,085 Wenlu Chien Assistant Manager +886 2 2578 3536 email@mail.trtc.com.tw www.english.arena.taipei/

THAILAND IMPACT Arena 10th Fl., Bangkok Land Building, West Wing, 47/569-576 Popular 3 Road, Banmai, Pakkred, Nonthaburi 11120, Thailand 11,000 Paul Kanjanapas General Manager +66 0 2833 4455 info@impact.co.th www.impact.co.th

URUGUAY Antel Arena Dámaso Antonio Larrañaga S/N entre José P. Varela y José Serrato, Calle Lateral al Cilindro, 12000 Montevideo, Uruguay 10,000 Alexandre Costa General Manager +59 8 9299 8794 acosta@aegworldwide.com www.antel.com.uy/web/arena

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Co Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 6,000 Rahma Al Junaibi Marketing Manager +971 2 444 6900 customer.services@adnec.ae www.adnec.ae Coca-Cola Arena City Walk - Dubai - United Arab Emirates 27,000 Mark Jan Kar Commercial Director Mjankar@coca-cola-arena.com www.coca-cola-arena.com Dubai World Trade Centre Sheikh Zayed Rd - Dubai - United www.audience.uk.com

ARENAS DIRECTORY A-Z Capital One Arena 601 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004, USA 18,500 Kate Bedingfield General Manager +1 202 628 3200 kbedingfield@monumentalsports. com capitalonearena.monumentalsportsnetwork.com/

Barclays Center

Arab Emirates 7,350 Marc Haslam Vice President of Marketing Communications +971 4 332 1000 info@dwtc.com www.dwtc.com

UNITED STATES Allstate Arena 6920 Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018, USA 18,500 Patrick Nagle Executive Director +1 847 635 6601 pathorizon@aol.com www.rosemont.com/allstate Amalie Arena 401 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602, USA 20,500 Kevin Preast Senior Vice President of Event Management +1 813 301 6500 kpreast@amaliearena.com www.amaliearena.com American Airlines Arena 601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132, USA 20,021 Elizabeth Roca Director of Marketing +1 786 777 1000 eroca@heat.com www.aaarena.com American Airlines Center 2500 Victory Ave, Dallas, TX 75219, USA 20,000 Ken Khul Assistant General Manager +1 214 665 4299 EventBooking@americanairlinescenter.com www.americanairlinescenter.com Amway Center 400 W Church St #200, Orlando, FL

32801, USA 20,000 Kevin Brown Booking Manager +1 407 440 7041 kevin.brown@cityoforlando.net www.amwaycenter.com AT&T Center 1 AT&T Center Parkway, San Antonio, TX 78219, USA 18,000 Tom Paquette General Manager +1 210 444 5140 serviceinnovation@attcenter.com www.attcenter.com Bankers Life Fieldhouse 125 S Pennsylvania St, Indianapolis, IN 46204, USA 15,000 Mariah Bird Event & Special Projects Coordinator +1 317 917 2727 pacersinsider@pacers.com www.bankerslifefieldhouse.com Barclays Center 620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA 19,000 Mandy Gutmann Senior Director of Communications +1 718 933 3000 mgutmann@brooklynnets.com www.barclayscenter.com BB&T Center 1 Panther Pkwy, Sunrise, FL 33323, USA 22,457 Amanda Cifu Senior Events Manager +1 954 835 7000 info@thebbtcenter.com www.thebbtcenter.com Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex 2100 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203, USA 19,000

Susette Hunter Director of Sales +1 205 458 8400 info@bjcc.org www.bjcc.org BMO Harris Bradley Center Bradley Center, 1001 North 4th, Milwaukee, WI 53203, USA 20,000 Debbie Gonzalez Senior Director of Arena Entertainment +1 414 227 0400 dgonzalez@bcsec.com www.bmoharrisbradleycenter. com BOK Center 200 South Denver Ave W, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA 19,199 Meghan Blood Director of Booking +1 918 894 4200 mblood@smgtulsa.com www.bokcenter.com Bon Secours Wellness Arena 650 N Academy St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA 15,000 Lisa Crawford Director of Event Services +1 864 241 3800 lcrawford@bswarena.com www.bonsecoursarena.com Bridgestone Arena 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, USA 20,000 David Kells SVP of Events and Marketing +1 615 770 2000 www.bridgestonearena.com Bryce Jordan Center 127 Bryce Jordan Center, University Park, PA 16802, USA 15,261 Al Karosas General Manager +1 814 865 5555 BJCBooking@psu.edu bjc.psu.edu/

CenturyLink Center Omaha 455 N 10th St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA 18,975 Kristi Andersen Director of Communications +1 402 341 1500 kandersen@omahameca.com www.centurylinkcenteromaha. com Chaifetz Arena 1 S Compton Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA 10,600 Jeremy Huelsing General Manager +1 314 977 5000 info@thechaifetzarena.com thechaifetzarena.com/ Chesapeake Arena 100 W Reno Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102, USA 16,591 John Goetz Assistant General Manager +1 405 602 8700 jgoetz@chesapeakearena.com www.chesapeakearena.com Citizens Business Bank Arena 4000 Ontario Center, Ontario, CA 91764, USA 18,900 Ryan Northcott General Manager +1 714 704 2400 contactus@hondacenter.com www.cbbankarena.com DCU Center 50 Foster St, Worcester, MA 01608, USA 14,802 James Moughan Assistant General Manager +1 508 755 6800 jmoughan@dcucenter.com www.dcucenter.com Denny Sanford Premier Center 1201 West Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA 13,000 Chris Semrau Assistant General Manager +1 605 367 7288 chris.semrau@premier-center.com www.dennysanfordpremiercenter. com

Key Venue name Address Capacity Principle contact name Job title Telephone number Email address Website FedEx Forum 191 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103, USA 18,119 Eric Granger Director, Event Booking +1 901 205 1234 egranger@grizzlies.com www.fedexforum.com Fiserv Forum 1111 Vel R. Phillips Avenue Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53203 17,500 Barry Baum Senior VP of Communications +1 414 227 0511 BBaum@bucks.com www.fiservforum.com Ford Center 1 SE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Evansville, IN 47708, USA 11,000 Kristi Spalding Sales and Marketing Manager +1 812 422 1515 kspalding@thefordcenter.com fordcenter.com/home/ Forum 3900 W Manchester Blvd, Inglewood, CA 90305, United States 17,505 Rick Merrill Operations +1 310 330 7300 pr@solters.com www.msg.com/the-forum Ford Idaho Center 16200 N Idaho Center Blvd, Nampa, ID 83687, USA 12,279 Tim Savona General Manager +1 208 468 1000 info@fordidahocenter.com www.fordidahocenter.com Frank Erwin Center 1701 Red River, Austin, TX 78701, USA 17,900 Jimmy Earl Events Manager +1 512 471 7744 jimmy.earl@erwin.utexas.edu www.uterwincenter.com Gila River Arena 9400 W Maryland Ave, Glendale,

For European countries see World's Best Arenas for Live Music Part 1: Europe www.audience.uk.com www.liveuk.com

WORLD'S BEST ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC | AN AUDIENCE REPORT | December 2019 | 35

ARENAS DIRECTORY A-Z Prudential Center 25 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ 07102, USA 19,500 Brian Gale Vice President Entertainment Programming +1 973 757 6000 bgale@prucenter.com www.prucenter.com

Key Venue name Address Capacity Principle contact name Job title Telephone number Email address Website AZ 85305, USA 19,000 Dale Adams General Manager +1 623 772 3800 dale.adams@aegworldwide.com www.gilariverarena.com Golden 1 Center 500 David J Stern Walk, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA 17,500 Aran Rush VP, Arena Operations +1 888 915 4647 arush@kings.com www.golden1center.com Grand Canyon University Arena 3300 W Camelback Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85017, USA 7000 Cathey Moses Vice President of Booking & Marketing +1 602 639 8979 cathey.moses@gcu.edu www.gcuarena.com Greensboro Coliseum 1921 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27403-2614, USA 14,230 Gerry Duncan Booking Manager 336-373-7459 philip.duncan@greensboro-nc. gov www.greensborocoliseum.com Infinite Energy Center 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, Georgia 30097, USA 13,000 Christina Howell-Scott Senior Sales Manager +1 770 813 7500 chowell-scott@infiniteenergycenter.com www.infiniteenergycenter.com INTRUST Bank Arena 500 E Waterman St, Wichita, KS 67202, USA 15,000 Tristan Carter General Manager +1 316 440 9000 tristan.carter@intrustbankarena. com www.intrustbankarena.com Key Arena 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109, USA 17,000 Edie Burke

Lusail, Qatar

Facility Manager +1 206 684 7200 edie.burke@seattle.gov www.keyarena.com KeyBank Center Knox III Plaza, 1 Seymour H Knox III Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA 18,500 Robert Neumann Senior Event Manager +1 716 855 4100 info@keybankcenter.com www.keybankcenter.com/ KFC Yum! Center 1 Arena Plaza, Louisville, KY 40202, USA 22,090 Sandra Moran Booking +1 502 690 9000 smoran@kfcyumcenter.com www.kfcyumcenter.com Little Caesars Arena 2645 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201 21,000 James Bullo Director of Operations +1 313 471 3333 special.events@olympiaentertainment.com www.olympiaentertainment.com/ venues/detail/little-caesars-arena Madison Square Garden 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001, USA 19,500 Leslie Howlett Programming Director +1 212 465 6000 sales@msg.com www.msg.com/ madison-square-garden Microsoft Theatre at LA LIVE 777 Chick Hearn Ct, Los Angeles, CA 90015, United States 7,100 Hallie Yavitch Vice President, Booking 213-742-7233 hyacitch@aegworldwide.com www.microsofttheater.com/

Moda Center 1 N Center Ct St, Portland, OR 97227, USA 20,500 Howard Zuckerman Assistant General Manager +1 503 235 8771 Feedback@RoseQuarter.com rosequarter.com/venue/ moda-center Mohegan Sun Arena 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd, Uncasville, CT 06382, USA 10,000 Tom Cantone President Sports & Entertainment 1-860-862-4412 tcantone@mohegangaming.com mohegansunarenapa.com/ Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum 1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale, NY 11553, USA 16,000 Nick Vaerewyck +1 516 231 4848 info@bse.nassaucoliseum.com www.nycblive.com Nationwide Arena 200 W Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH 43215, USA 20,000 Mike Gatto Events Manager +1 614 246 2000 eventservices@bluejackets.com www.nationwidearena.com North Charleston Coliseum & Performing Arts Center 5001 Coliseum Dr, North Charleston, SC 29418, USA 13,000 Dave Holscher Booking Coordinator +1 843 529 5000 dholscher@northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com Oakland Arena 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA 94621, USA 19,596

36 | WORLD'S BEST ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC | AN AUDIENCE REPORT | December 2019

Gretchen L. Claffey Director of Booking +1 510 569 2121 gclaffey@coliseum.com www.oraclearena.com Peoria Civic Center 201 SW Jefferson Ave, Peoria, IL 61602, USA 11,330 Erin Schaefer Senior Sales Manager +1 309 673 8900 eschaefer@peoriaciviccenter.com www.peoriaciviccenter.com Pepsi Center 1000 Chopper Cir, Denver, CO 80204, USA 21,000 Melanie Morris Vice President, Venue Operations +1 303 405 1100 GuestRelations@pepsicenter.com www.pepsicenter.com Phoenix Convention Center 100 N 3rd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States 29,000 Cynthia Weaver Director +1 800 282 4842 cynthia.weaver@phoenix.gov www.phoenixconventioncenter. com/ Pinnacle Bank Arena 400 Pinnacle Arena Dr, Lincoln, NE 68508, USA 15,000 Lynn Higginbotham General Manager +1 402 904 4444 lhigginbotham@smglincoln.com www.pinnaclebankarena.com PPG Paints Arena 1001 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA 19,758 Tina Tesore Special Events Manager +1 412 642 1800 info@ppgpaintsarena.com www.ppgpaintsarena.com

Quicken Loans Arena 1 Center Ct, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA 20,562 Antony Bonavita Vice President of Facility Operations +1 216 420 2200 Contactus@Cavs.com www.theqarena.com Rabobank Arena 1001 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93301, USA 10,400 Scott Neal General Manager +1 661 852 7300 sneal@rabobankarena.com www.rabobankarena.com Resch Center 1901 S Oneida St, Green Bay, WI 54304, USA 10,500 Kristie Haney VP Events and Booking +1 920 494 3401 kristie.haney@pmiwi.com www.reschcenter.com SAP Center 525 W Santa Clara St, San Jose, CA 95113, USA 17,496 Jim Sparaco Director of Public Relations & Fan Development +1 (408) 287-9200 kristie.haney@pmiwi.com www.sapcenter.com Save Mart Center 2650 E Shaw Ave, Fresno, CA 93710, USA 18,000 Steve Tadlock General Manager +1 559 278 3401 comments@savemartcenter.com savemartcenter.com/ Scottrade Center 1401 Clark Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA 22,000 Darren Hall Senior Director of Entertainment and Booking +1 314 622 5435 www.scottradecenter.com Selland Arena 700 M St, Fresno, CA 93721, USA 9200 Bill Overfelt General Manager www.audience.uk.com

ARENAS DIRECTORY A-Z +1 559 445 8100 bill.overfelt@smgfresno.com fresnoconventioncenter.com/ selland-arena/ Showare Center 625 W James St, Kent, WA 98032, USA 7300 Tim Higgins General Manager +1 253 856 6777 guestservice@accessoshowarecenter.com www.accessoshowarecenter.com Smoothie King Center 1501 Dave Dixon Dr, New Orleans, LA 70113, USA 17,805 Alan Freeman General Manager 504-587-3892 alan.freeman@asmneworleans. com www.smoothiekingcenter.com Spectrum Center 333 E Trade St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA 17,685 Donna Julian Director of Arena Booking

Staples Center 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA 19,000 Hallie Yavitch Vice President, Booking 213-742-7233 hyacitch@aegworldwide.com www.staplescenter.com State Farm Arena 1 Philips Dr, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA 18,750 Katie Root +1 404 878 3000 katie.root@hawks.com www.statefarmarena.com/ T-Mobile Arena 3780 S Las Vegas Blvd, NV 89158 20,000 Dan Quinn General Manager +1 702 692 1600 guestservices@tmobilearena.com www.t-mobilearena.com/ Taco Bell Arena 1401 Bronco Ln, Boise, ID 83725, USA 12,644 McQ Olsen

The Forum, Inglewood

+1 704 688 9000 djulian@bobcats.com www.spectrumcentercharlotte. com

Associate Director of Marketing +1 208 426 1900 mcolsen@boisestate.edu www.tacobellarena.com

Spokane Arena 720 W Mallon Ave, Spokane, WA 99201, USA 11,660 Matt Meyer Director of Entertainment +1 509 279 7046 mmeyer@spokanearena.com www.spokanearena.com

Tacoma Dome 2727 E D St, Tacoma, WA 98421, USA 23,000 Tom Alexander Booking Manager 253.593.7627 talexander@tacomavenues.org tacomadome.org/

Sprint Center 1407 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106, USA 18,000 Danny Burns Director of Event Operations +1 816 949 7100 www.sprintcenter.com

Talking Stick Resort Arena 201 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA 18,422 Alison Stafne Director of Event Operations +1 602 379 2000

astafne@sunse.com www.talkingstickresortarena.com TD Garden 100 Legends Way, Boston, MA 02114, USA 19,580 Eric Staufer Vice President, Events +1 617 624 1050 estaufer@tdgarden.com www.tdgarden.com The PNC Arena 1400 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA 19,500 Davin Olsen General Manager +1 919 861 2300 daveo@thepncarena.com www.thepncarena.com The USF Sun Dome 4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA 10,000 Trent Merritt Director of Event Management +1 813 974 3002 Tmerritt1@usf.edu www.sundomearena.com Times Union Center 51 S Pearl St, Albany, NY 12207, USA 15,375 Doug McClaine Assistant General Manager +1 518 487 2000 doug.mcclaine@timesunioncenter-albany.com www.timesunioncenter-albany. com Toyota Center 1510 Polk St, Houston, TX 77002, USA 19,000 Amanda Mann General Manager +1 713 758 7200 amandam@rocketball.com www.houstontoyotacenter.com United Center 1901 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA 23,500 Terry Savarise Senior Director of Event Operations +1 312 455 4500 tsavarise@unitedcenter.com www.unitedcenter.com Valley View Casino Center 3500 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110, USA 14,800 Kathy Padilla Booking Manager +1 619 224 4171 kpadilla@thevalleyviewcc.com valleyviewcasinocenter.com/ Value City Arena

555 Borror Dr, Columbus, OH 43210, USA 20,000 Colin Thompson General Manager +1 614 688 3939 osuarena@osu.edu www.schottensteincenter.com Van Andel Arena 130 Fulton St W, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA 12,000 Richard MacKeigan General Manager +1 616 742 6600 rmackeigan@asmgrandrapids. com vanandelarena.com/ Verizon Arena 1 Verizon Arena Way, North Little Rock, AR 72114, USA 18,000 Nita Danaher Special Events Coordinator +1 501 340 5660 www.verizonarena.com Veterans Memorial Coliseum 300 N Winning Way, Portland, OR 97227, USA 12,000 Howard Zuckerman Assistant General Manager +1 503 235 8771 Feedback@RoseQuarter.com rosequarter.com/ Viejas Arena 5500 Canyon Crest Dr, San Diego, CA 92182, USA 12,845 Deanne Fingerman Events Administrator +1 61 594 0234 deanne.fingerman@sdsu.edu as.sdsu.edu/viejas_arena/ Vivint Smart Home Arena 301 S Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA 20000 Mark Powell Sr. Vice President Events +1 801 325 2012 comments@vivintarena.com www.vivintarena.com Wells Fargo Arena 233 Center St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA 17,000 Chris Connelly Assistant General Manager +1 515 564 8000 www.iowaeventscenter.com Wells Fargo Center 3601 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA 21,600 Ike Richman Assistant General Manager +1 215 389 9552

Key Venue name Address Capacity Principle contact name Job title Telephone number Email address Website

irichman@comcast-spectacor.com www.wellsfargocenterphilly.com Xcel Energy Center 199 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul, MN 55102, USA 19,000 Jorah Bart Public and Media Relations Senior Manager +1 651 265 4800 jbart@xcelenergycenter.com www.xcelenergycenter.com XL Center 1 Civic Center Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103, USA 16,294 Ben Weiss General Manager 860.541.4721 Ben.Weiss@spectraxp.com www.xlcenter.com

URUGUAY Antel Arena Dámaso Antonio Larrañaga S/N entre José P. Varela y José Serrato, Calle Lateral al Cilindro, 12000 Montevideo, Uruguay 10,000 Shane Chalmers General Manager +59 8 9299 8794 www.antel.com.uy/web/arena

QATAR Ali Bin Hamad Al-Attiya Arena Al Nadi Street, Doha, Qatar 7,700 Roger Abi Haidar General Manager of Elan Live Nation +974 4 032 5529 elanevents@elan.qa www.abha-arena.com Lusail Arena Lusail, Qatar 15,300 Roger Abi Haidar General Manager of Elan Live Nation +974 4 428 2828 elanevents@elan.qa www.elan.qa/en/Events

For European countries see World's Best Arenas for Live Music Part 1: Europe www.audience.uk.com www.liveuk.com

WORLD'S BEST ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC | AN AUDIENCE REPORT | December 2019 | 37

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS We would like to thank the following venue operators and management companies who contributed towards this report with advertising.

Advertiser

City

Country

AsiaWorld-Expo

Hong Kong

ASM Global

Various Various

asmglobal.com

Auditorio Nacional

Mexico City

Mexico

auditorio.com.mx

Bangkok Arena

Bangkok

Thailand

asmglobal.com

10

Barclay Center

New York

USA

barclayscenter.com

40

Bell MTS Place

Winnipeg Canada

tnse.com

27

Brisbane Entertainment Centre

Brisbane Australia

brisent.com.au

10

Cairns Convention Centre

Cairns Australia cairnsconventioncentre.com.au

11

Coca-Cola Arena

Dubai UAE

coca-cola-arena.com

11

Em Live

Bangkok

Thailand

asmglobal.com

10

Gabisom

Sao Paulo

Brazil

gabisom.com

39

International Convention Centre Sydney

Sydney Australia

iccsydney.com.au

11

Jeunesse Arena

Rio de Janeiro Brazil

jeunessearena.com.br

20

Movistar Arena

Buenos Aires Argentina

movistararena.com.ar

19

Movistar Arena

Santiago Chile

movistararena.cl

2

Newcastle Entertainment Centre

Newcastle Australia

nec.net.au

11

Qudos Bank Arena

Sydney Australia

qudosbankarena.co.au

11

RAC Arena

Perth Australia racarena.com.au

11

Rod Laver Arena

Melbourne Australia

rodlaverarena.com.au

15

T4F Brazil

Various Brazil

t4f.com.br

16

Ticketpro Dome

Johannesburg South Africa

ticketprodome.co.za

29

China

Website

Page

asiaworld-expo.com

4 10,11 9

Sun Arena 38 | WORLD'S BEST ARENAS FOR LIVE MUSIC | AN AUDIENCE REPORT | December 2019

www.audience.uk.com

THANK YOU TO ALL THE ARTISTS, PROMOTERS, AGENTS AND MANAGERS WHO CREATED MEMORIES WITH US IN 2019.