SMG Europe Venues Return to Ticketmaster As Ticketing Partner From May

SMG Europe and Ticketmaster, a Live Nation Entertainment company, have announced that SMG's UK venues have signed an agreement to once again make Ticketmaster their official ticketing partner from next month.

SMG Europe's UK portfolio of arenas and theatres - which includes Manchester Arena, first direct Arena Leeds and the new Hull Venue - will be ticketed by Ticketmaster by the end of this summer. The first venue to transfer over will be York Barbican, in May.

Ticketmaster continues to be the global leader in ticketing, with its marketplace providing 500 million tickets to fans across 29 countries in 2017. Through the partnership, SMG will get access to Ticketmaster's industry-leading technology solutions, unrivalled marketing reach and distribution channels, and targeted customer insights. One of the biggest upgrades for fans will be the ability to download etickets to their mobile devices.

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, unrivalled 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."

SMG Europe is a wholly owned subsidiary of SMG, the worldwide leader in venue management, and is the UK's biggest arena venue manager operating Manchester Arena, first direct Arena Leeds and Metro Radio Arena Newcastle as well as a number of theatres and smaller venues.

Later this year SMG Europe will open Hull Venue - a state-of-the-art music and events complex with a capacity of up to 3,500 fans - followed the year after by a new AECC (Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre) which will open at a new location in the city offering greater capacities at a location with improved transport links a short drive from Aberdeen International Airport. Part of the complex will feature a new arena space providing an all-standing capacity of 12,500 plus fixed seating on the second floor.

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