New GM For UK Sheffield Arena

Rob O’Shea has left Yorkshire, England’s largest entertainment venue, Sheffield Arena, after 11 years, to focus on his own promotion company Manifesto Events. 

– Joe Waldron
new Sheffield Arena GM

His successor is Joe Waldron.

O’Shea started promoting as a DJ / Club promoter at Funkymunky, a night he started with two friends at the West Indian Centre in his hometown of Bolton, UK.

He’s been running venues for the past 22 years, starting as deputy manager at the Manchester Apollo before joining Sheffield Arena. His successor, Joe Waldron, has been working at Sheffield Arena for a total of 18 years, 11 of which as O’Shea’s right-hand man.

Waldron’s experience will “ensure a seamless transition,” according to a statement from Sheffield International Venues (SIV), which operates the arena.

Sheffield Arena, which can host between 3,000 and 13,600 people, is No. 17 in Pollstar’s mid-year arena rankings.

It attracted more than 16 million people and brought generated more than £500 million for Sheffield’s economy since opening 26 years ago, according to the Yorkshire Post.

O’Shea said: “I am sad to be leaving colleagues who have become friends, but after 11 years of running Sheffield Arena the time is right to concentrate all my efforts on Manifesto Events and promoting shows in Sheffield.”

Waldron said he was “delighted to be taking over as GM of the arena,” highlighted his “great team of hard working, experienced and talented staff,” before adding: “I look forward to maintaining and developing our relationships with all of the stakeholders who continue to make the arena the success story it is for Sheffield.”