AEG Presents, a leader in global events, to manage the iconic Watford Colosseum

AEG Presents has been appointed to operate the much-loved Watford Colosseum when it reopens in 2024, placing the venue firmly back on the live music and entertainment map

London, 14 March, 2023: AEG Presents, the live events division of AEG Europe’s global sports, entertainment and venue family, announces today that it has been appointed by Watford Borough Council to manage the Watford Colosseum when it reopens in 2024, following an extensive multi-million programme of improvements and refurbishment.

The appointment, which was the outcome of a rigorous procurement process run by Watford Borough Council, follows on the heels of AEG Presents’ partnership with the City of Wolverhampton Council to revive the historic The Halls Wolverhampton, which will re-open its doors on June 1^st following a comprehensive regeneration programme.

Watford Colosseum and The Halls Wolverhampton join AEG’s global network of over 350 owned, operated and affiliated venues.  In the UK, these include the Eventim Apollo London, indigo at the award-winning The O2arena in London and the new live music venue at Olympia London set to open in 2024.

AEG Presents CEO, Steve Homer, says: “We are delighted to bring live music and entertainment back to the stage at this much-loved venue in the heart of Watford. As AEG Presents continues to expand its network of mid-sized venues around the world, we see great potential for this historic venue that has hosted a long list of big names over the years. From live music and dance to comedy, we’re excited to bring world-class artists back to Watford for the local community to enjoy.”

The appointment of AEG Presents to operate the Watford Colosseum, together with Watford Borough Council’s extensive refurbishment plans, revives a key part Watford’s heritage and history. It also creates new jobs and volunteering opportunities, and supports local restaurants, bars and businesses.

Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “This is very exciting news for Watford.  AEG has a worldwide reputation for great venues and fantastic live performances. This is a big vote of confidence in Watford and our multi-million investment in the iconic venue.  I know how much local people have missed the Colosseum and so, like me, will be looking forward to next year. With our new partner on board and much-enhanced facilities, the Colosseum will be better than ever before, with plenty of big names and performances heading to Watford.

“Our commitment to the Colosseum’s long-term future has not only protected a vital part of Watford’s heritage and history, it also paves the way for new jobs, volunteering opportunities and a boost to local restaurants, bars and town centre businesses.”

With many original art deco features, the 10,210 square foot space can accommodate 2,000 people standing or 1,392 people seated.

ENDS

For more information, please contact: communications.team@aegeurope.com

About AEG Europe

AEG Europe creates communities, places and spaces that deliver memorable moments through live entertainment and sports, giving the world reason to cheer.

AEG Europe is a subsidiary of AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company. AEG Europe’s extensive portfolio of live entertainment and sports assets across the region includes: an array of best-in-class venues, such as The O2and Eventim Apollo in London; Barclays Arena in Hamburg; Mercedes-Benz Arena, Uber Platz and Uber Eats Music Hall in Berlin; and Accor Arena in Paris; as well as renowned music festivals, including American Express presents BST Hyde Park in London and Rock en Seine in Paris. Our venues host some of the world’s best sports events and are home to prestigious sports franchises, including AEG’s own Berlin Eisbären ice hockey team at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.

Colleagues across Europe work together to create world-class live entertainment and sports experiences. AEG’s venue teams develop and operate best-in-class arenas and districts; AEG Presents promotes and manages concerts and tours, oversees renowned venues and produces some of the world’s leading music festivals; AXS Ticketing connects fans to events through specialist technology solutions; and AEG Global Partnerships links corporate brands into the company’s world-leading network of assets.