Utilita Arena Newcastle is excited to announce that in celebration of its 30th birthday this year, it’s having a makeover. £1.75 million is being invested into Utilita Arena as it undergoes a major refresh, set to transform many of the venue’s spaces for all guests to enjoy. Due for completion by the end of 2024, the refresh is designed to enhance the live entertainment experience for fans, staff, crew and artists alike.
Venue operator ASM Global is committed to driving improvements to customer experience across all of its venues, and this latest investment follows the major redevelopment of AO Arena in Manchester, with other venues undergoing improvements including OVO Arena Wembley, Connexin Live in Hull and soon to come, Utilita Arena in Sheffield.
Chris Bray, President of ASM Global Europe said, “ASM Global is transforming the guest experience, reimagining what live experiences look like for everyone who walks through the doors of our venues. We want to make sure that everyone visiting Utilita Arena Newcastle leaves with great memories that last a lifetime – across all of our venues, our role is to make sure those memories are truly unforgettable, exceeding expectations at every moment.”
As part of this significant investment into Newcastle’s premier live entertainment venue (11,500 capacity), the concertgoer bar is getting a makeover, with both style and modern functionality in mind. The new layout has been crafted meticulously to improve the efficiency of service while creating the perfect space for guests to start their evening. All general admission toilets within the arena are getting a refresh, too. Focused on improving comfort and accessibility, as well as the complete look and feel, these upgrades will ensure the guest experience is elevated at every moment. What’s more, the general admission toilets will be getting its very own ‘disco bathroom’ which is set to be a must-see when visiting the arena – watch this space for more information on the launch coming very soon.
Plus, there will be a complete reimagination of the food and beverage offering within the venue, boasting new bars and more selection and variety than ever before. Furthermore, the investment will include the introduction of a new banqueting service specifically designed for conferences and events (C&E). This new offering will allow Utilita Arena to provide a sophisticated dining experience for corporate guests, demonstrating the versatility of the venue and its capabilities for a wide range of events.
All premium suites will be refurbished to elevate the level of luxury and comfort for all Suite Ticket holders. For an even more exclusive experience, there will be enhanced amenities including a new premium bar, sumptuous surroundings and a luxurious atmosphere which will cater to the venue’s premium guests.
Everyone coming through the doors of Utilita Arena Newcastle will experience the makeover. With significant upgrades to the back of house experience, there will be new, state-of-the-art facilities for the artists and crew visiting the venue. This includes a modern new green room kitted out with soft furnishings and fresh decor, upgrades to all dressing rooms – giving them an all-star refresh, and a brand new crew catering set-up for artists and crew alike.
It is confirmed that the redevelopment has been planned to avoid impacting any scheduled shows. By the time the venue commences its 30th year celebration in 2025, the work will be fully completed, ready to welcome fans and artists to a revitalised arena in the heart of the city.
Caroline James, General Manager of Utilita Arena Newcastle said, “We are incredibly excited to invest in Utilita Arena Newcastle as we celebrate this milestone anniversary. We’ve been live since ’95 and our commitment to providing top-tier live entertainment experiences for the North East remains as strong as ever. This investment will not only enhance our facilities but also ensure that we will continue to attract the biggest names in entertainment to our much-loved city. We can’t wait to show you our transformation!”
Utilita Arena Newcastle is the North East’s premier destination for concerts, exhibitions, and world-class events. As the largest venue of its kind in the region, it’s owned and operated by ASM Global, a company dedicated to supporting the local community by employing staff who know the area and sourcing from local suppliers, boosting the regional economy. With a massive 40,000 square metres of space and seating for over 11,500 fans, the arena is a testament to the vision of former Animals star Chas Chandler and his partner Nigel Stanger. Since opening its doors in November 1995, with an inaugural concert by David Bowie just a month later, Utilita Arena Newcastle has become an iconic symbol of the North East, standing proudly alongside landmarks like the Tyne Bridge, the Angel of the North, and Hadrian’s Wall. Whether it’s chart-topping concerts, thrilling sports events, or unforgettable exhibitions, the arena has welcomed millions of visitors, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit venue for top-tier entertainment in the heart of the North East.