August 26, 2022 | By Bronwen Largier
ASM Global is revelling in its market-leading position on the arena front in Australia and New Zealand as new metrics from global concert data business Pollstar show venues in the global venue management giant’s portfolio have taken out four of the top five spots in the list of the highest grossing arenas in the region.
Between August 2021 and July 2022, Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena topped the list, pulling in almost twice as much ticket revenue as the second ranked arena – Rod Laver Arena, the only one in the top five not managed by ASM Global – with Newcastle Entertainment Centre in regional NSW coming in third, Perth’s RAC Arena in fourth and Brisbane Entertainment Centre rounding out the top five.
“Since operations commenced in 2006, we have taken great pride at being an inclusive, safe and well-operated facility, renowned for hosting the greatest artists and events in the country,” said Qudos Bank Arena general manager Steve Hevern.
“To be named as the top grossing arena of Australia and New Zealand is a testament to that fact.”
Altogether ASM Global arenas in the top five raked in over $20.78 million over the year, despite the two top venues spending the first two and a bit months in lockdown.
Added to this, Aware Super Theatre at ICC Sydney topped the list for theatre ticket sales, selling more than three times the number of tickets of the second highest grossing venue on the list, St Paul’s Entertainment Centre in Adelaide.
“These results prove that in times of uncertainty artists, promoters and audiences seek support from their trusted loyal partners, such as ASM Global, to maximise guest experience,” said ASM Global CEO and chairman, Harvey Lister AM.
“We have been managing venues across the Asia Pacific region for more than 40 years. It is an honour and a privilege to host the world’s premier artists and to have our venues selected as the promoters’ first choice.”
The success for ASM Global comes off the back of a difficult few years with the pandemic stifling most business and seeing venues turn to non-traditional uses, such as film shoots and mass vaccination centres, in addition to hosting indoor sports.
The company says it “reassessed all areas of its operational practices”, increasing client engagement, identifying new revenue opportunities and streamlining operations for cost-effectiveness.
“Collectively, we’ve had to rethink our marketing, increasing our direct customer engagement, further enhancing customer experience at our venues, and looking at more compelling and innovative ways to pursue commercial partnerships,” said ASM Global’s group director of arenas Tim Worton.
“In this business, nothing stays the same, being nimble and adaptive to change is pivotal to success.
“2023 is shaping up to be the biggest year ever. In addition to the tours and shows rescheduled multiple times, there is a plethora of new tours booked throughout next year, giving us all a sense of heightened optimism for the future.”