VenuesLive signs stadium operator contract

Sydney firm VenuesLive will officially run the new Perth Stadium when it opens in 2018, after an agreement to operate the venue was signed with the state government today.

VenuesLive, formerly known as Stadium Australia Operations, will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the new stadium and its surrounding sports precinct including catering, securing event content, event management and ticketing.

The company also runs the former Olympic stadium in Sydney, known as ANZ Stadium.

Sport and Recreation Minister Mia Davies said as part of its bid for the contract, VenuesLive proposed on average 40 different events each year.

“The state government is focused on ensuring this world-class Perth Stadium and its surrounding sports precinct delivers a year-round event schedule comprising a mix of large and small events across the precinct facilities,” Ms Davies said.

“One of the operator’s first priorities will be to undertake a recruitment search for key operational personnel ahead of employing about 70 full-time operational staff and an additional workforce of 1,750 for event days.

“The recruitment process for the chief executive officer will commence today.”

VenuesLive is contracted for an initial five years, while the state government will have the option to extend the contract for a further five years.

Ms Davies said the operator would now enter into negotiations to finalise user agreements with football and cricket, while talks would also progress with other potential users such as Australian Rugby Union and Football Federation Australia, English Premier League clubs, concert promoters and a range of community arts and smaller sport event owners.

“VenuesLive will also now progress key contracts for ticketing and security, while working with Tourism WA and VenuesWest to secure a range of exciting events for Perth Stadium,” she said.

VenuesLive was named preferred bidder for the contract in February; a revelation that disappointed the WA Football Commission, which had also bid for the contract.