AusLeisure

Following last week’s announcement by Western Australian Premier, Alan Carpenter that the Government is seeking private sector expertise to manage the new Perth Arena, venue managers AEG Ogden have confirmed their interest in operating the new $335 million venue.

Speaking this week, AEG Ogden Chairman and Chief Executive, Harvey Lister said AEG Ogden was “definitely interested” in adding the Perth venue to its already stable of managed arenas worldwide, stating “when it comes to experience in entertainment and sports management, AEG Ogden is more than qualified to work in partnership with the State Government to deliver benefits, both financial and quality events, to the people of Western Australia.”

AEG Ogden already operated 17 arenas, convention centres, stadia and theatres in the Asia Pacific region including four on behalf of the Perth Theatre Trust (Perth Concert Hall, His Majesty’s Theatre, Playhouse Theatre and Subiaco Arts Centre).

Lister went on to highlight that through the Perth Theatre Trust and its management team led by Rodney Phillips, AEG Ogden already has an excellent working relationship with the Western Australia Government.

“The Premier, Minister for Sport and Western Australian Sports Commission are to be congratulated for recognising the importance of engaging professional venue management expertise for the Perth Arena.

“Since the closure of the Perth Entertainment Centre, Western Australia has been somewhat hamstrung in terms of being able to attract major tours.

“We look forward to re-linking Perth to the international touring schedule of acts that we secure for our other venues throughout Australia,” Lister added.

In terms of events to be staged at the Perth Arena, the AEG Ogden head envisages the broadest range of events possible, stating “central to this event schedule is the Hopman Cup, supplemented by the other sporting events as well as world concert blockbusters, family events and major arena spectaculars.”

AEG Ogden is understood to have contacted the Western Australian Sports Commission to gain a better understanding of the precise operational needs and requirements to ensure a successful partnership with the State Government, Lister concluding that “we look forward to the opportunity to tender to operate potentially one of the most important stops in the Asia Pacific region.”

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