Global Spectrum To Run Villeurbanne Arena

Global Spectrum Europe will run France’s new 15,000-capacity Lyon-Villeurbanne Arena, which is expected to open in 2014.

The project will be developed in partnership with the city of Villeurbanne, a suburb of Lyon, the second-largest city in France.

It is expected the multipurpose arena will be part of a development including a public plaza, team practice facilities and a public cultural and sports hall.

GSE’s deal is with Société De Projet Salle Multifonction, which is running the project.

The company will provide SPSM with consulting services regarding design, event sales, marketing, event content and programming, as well as helping to procure support services such as ticketing and catering and commercial rights.

SPSM is a subsidiary of Gones & Sports, which owns Asvel Basket Lyon-Villeurbanne, the professional basketball team that’s won the national league a record-breaking 17 times.

GSE is a collaboration between the U.K.’s NEC Group and U.S.-based Global Spectrum.

Global operates more than 90 public assembly venues worldwide, including 35 indoor arenas, 12 outdoor stadiums, 26 convention centres and seven performing arts centres.

NEC operates four major venues in Birmingham, England, the LG Arena, The National Indoor Arena, The National Exhibition Centre and The International Convention Center. It also runs The Convention Centre in Dublin, Ireland.