What a joke at the Arena

Two weeks have passed since I used your letters page to ask Simon Bailey, (Sheffield Arena marketing manager), a couple of questions regarding the running of the venue but as I haven't yet received a reply let's look back to a report in The Star in 2013 shortly after the refurbishment of Sheffield Arena when Mr Bailey was willing to speak publicly.

The report stated that the multi-million pound makeover gives the venue the X factor and it retains its crown as the biggest indoor concert venue in Yorkshire with its increased capacity of 13,600 which is 100 more than Leeds Arena.

Mr Bailey added “We have all become used to the fact that all the world’s biggest entertainers come to our city and that’s not a bad thing.

“Following the refurbishment, we will be providing facilities that would be the pride of any city. There is always a honeymoon period attached to the opening of a new venue as event promoters and audiences try out what is new in the market. Our arena has been through this process before as arenas have opened in Manchester, Newcastle, Liverpool and Nottingham”.

The report ended by saying that bosses are confident the changes will ensure the venue,bringing in an estimated £20 million a year to Sheffield’s economy,will not lose business or bigger names to the Leeds Arena.

What a joke!

Dean Hopcroft

Richmond Park Grove, Handsworth, S13