LONDON (CelebrityAccess) SMG Europe has announced it is shifting its entire portfolio of European venues to Ticketmaster, if those venues are not already part of the TM system.
The UK portfolio of arenas and theatres, including Manchester Arena, first direct Arena Leeds and the new Hull Venue, will be ticketed by TM by the end of this summer. The first venue to transfer over will be York Barbican in May.
Ticketmaster provided 500 million tickets to fans across 29 countries in 2017. Through the partnership, SMG will get access to Ticketmaster’s technology solutions, marketing reach and distribution channel, according to a statement.
John Sharkey, Senior Vice President for SMG Europe, said: “As the largest operator of sports and entertainment venues in the UK and Europe, SMG Europe requires the best in ticketing services. Ticketmaster’s world class, industry-leading technology solutions, unrivaled marketing reach and distribution channels, and customer insight are a true match for the worldwide leader.”
Andrew Parsons, Managing Director of Ticketmaster UK, added: “Ticketmaster is thrilled to welcome SMG back on board. SMG operates some of the best venues in the world. By partnering with Ticketmaster, they will gain access to our industry-leading products to sell more tickets, more effectively. From Paperless, to restrict resale, to easy-to-use digital ticketing, we will be working closely with SMG to ensure the best possible experience for fans when attending events.”
The 3,500-capacity Hull Venue is expected to open later this year and the SMG-managed AECC (Aberdeen Exhibition Conference Center) will open at a new location nearer Aberdeen International Airport next year.
