Perth Arena GM David Humphreys Dies

David Humphreys, general manager of Perth Arena, died Sept. 4, two months before the $500 million venue’s opening.

He was recently admitted to a Perth hospital after becoming ill and suffered heart failure. He is survived by four children and five grandchildren.

The news was confirmed by Harvey Lister and Rod Pilbeam, directors of AEG Ogden, who manage the Perth Arena.

Humphreys began his career with the 7 Network Australia, as general manager of the now-demolished Perth Entertainment Centre. He was involved in 7’s other entertainment related entities including the launch of Red Tickets in Perth.

He moved to the Sydney Superdome as GM in 2000. Eight years later, AEG Ogden took over management of the 21,000-capacity venue, later re-branded Acer Arena, and now known as Allphones Arena.

Two years ago, Humphreys returned to Perth set up the launch of the 15,000-seat Perth Arena, which opens Nov. 10 with a performance by George Michael.

Humphreys was also a long-standing member of venue management industry bodies including the International Association of Assembly Managers and the Venue Management Association (Asia and Pacific) Ltd.

“We know that staff at both the Perth Arena pre-opening office and Allphones Arena as well as the broader AEG Ogden family will be devastated at today’s news,” Lister said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with David’s children and
extended family at this very sad time.”