Christopher BarrettThe Swansea Council owned and ATG Entertainment operated Swansea Building Society Arena has appointed Matt Blackhouse as venue director.
Blackhouse will take on the role from 2 June at the 3,500-capacity venue, which opened in March 2022. He takes over from Lisa Mart, who in March was hired by AEG Presents as regional general manager of indigo at The O2 and the Watford Colosseum.
Blackhouse was previously senior events project manager at YTL Arena Bristol, where he was involved in development plans for the yet-to-be-opened entertainment district. Other previous roles include deputy GM and senior events manager at Utilita Arena Cardiff (cap. 5,000).
ATG said Swansea Building Society Arena has welcomed nearly 750,000 people through its doors since it opened. Artists to have performed there include Fontaines D.C., Manic Street Preachers and Katherine Ryan.
Blackhouse said, “The arena has quickly established itself as an important venue in the South Wales landscape. The recent publication of visitor numbers since opening, confirms that audiences and event hirers have embraced the flexibility of the building, as demonstrated by the range of events that have been hosted in the first three years. I look forward to continuing to build on the excellent work that has been done in the opening years.”
“Matt brings with him a wealth of experience in live entertainment and venue management, and we are thrilled to welcome him into the ATG family,” said ATG Entertainment business director of UK Venues Claire Dixon.