BRISBANE, Australia (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — AEG Ogden, which already has business interests in Western Australia, today, July 22, 2008, confirmed its interest in operating the new $335 million Perth Arena.
This follows the weekend announcement by Western Australian Premier, Alan Carpenter that the Government is seeking private sector expertise to manage the venue.
Chairman and CEO, Harvey Lister said AEG Ogden was “definitely interested” in adding the Perth venue to its already impressive stable of arenas worldwide.
“And 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,” Mr. Lister said.
Mr. Lister said AEG Ogden already operated 17 arenas, convention centres, stadium 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).
Arenas under AEG Ogden management include the 21,000 seat Acer Arena in Sydney, the pivotal venue for touring acts to Australia and New Zealand; the 13,500 seat Brisbane Entertainment Centre; the 6,500 seat Newcastle Entertainment Centre and the 4,000 seat Great Hall at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Mr. Lister said through the Perth Theatre Trust and its management team led by Rodney Phillips, AEG Ogden 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 recognizing 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,” he said.
Mr Lister said AEG Ogden envisaged the Perth Arena being used for the broadest range of events possible.
“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.”
Mr Lister said he would be contacting the Western Australian Sports Commission today (Monday) to gain a better understanding of the precise operational needs and requirements to ensure a successful partnership with the State Government.
“We look forward to the opportunity to tender to operate potentially one of the most important stops in the Asia Pacific region,” Mr Lister said. –by CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
