Tender for the Operation of the Utilita Arena, Sheffield
Sheffield City CouncilEstimated Value
Up to £257,000,000
Deadline
Not specified
Published
12 March 2025
Type
services
Overview
The Council is seeking to procure an experienced and qualified operator to manage the Utilita Arena in Sheffield. This is an exciting opportunity for an organisation to partner with the Council to manage a key venue in the UK entertainment landscape.
Since the c13,600 capacity Arena opened in 1991 it has hosted over 2,700 events that have been watched by over 14.5 million customers averaging 122 event days & 650,000 customers every year. The Council is seeking to secure a long-term operating partner: to run a commercially successful venue for up to 15 - 25 years in order to maximise the commercial return to the Council; on a lease basis if possible, but the Council will consider alternative structures; and to provide a commercially successful programme that will enhance the profile of Sheffield as an events city, attracting the maximum number of events and attendees.
The Council has provisionally secured c£5.7m of capital funding to invest into the Arena. The Council is seeking to procure an experienced and qualified operator to manage the Utilita Arena in Sheffield.
Additional details
The Council’s preferred deal structure is a long-term lease arrangement. This is an exciting opportunity for an organisation to partner with the Council to manage a key venue in the UK entertainment landscape, and the home of world class entertainment.
Since the c13,600 capacity Arena opened in 1991 it has hosted over 2,700 events that have been watched by over 14.5 million customers averaging 122 event days & 650,000 customers every year. The Council is seeking to secure a long-term operating partner: to run a commercially successful venue for up to 15 - 25 years in order to maximise the commercial return to the Council; on a lease basis if possible, but the Council will consider alternative structures; and to provide a commercially successful programme that will enhance the profile of Sheffield as an events city, attracting the maximum number of events and attendees.
The Council has provisionally secured c£5.7m of capital funding to invest into the Arena. This provisionally funding has been earmarked to invest in the facilities to enhance the customer experience, operational profitability, and maximise the Council’s operating objectives. Please note that the estimated contract value is based on the estimated venue turnover (excluding VAT) across the maximum contract term.
AI AnalysisMembers
Requirements, key tasks and tips for reading this tender — included with Tendarix membership.
£4.99/month after a 7-day free trial. Cancel anytime before it ends and you pay nothing.
Award Details
SMG UK Limited, trading as ASM Global
£257,000,000
Likely incumbents
Suppliers who won similar work from this buyer in the last 5 years.
- 1
SMG UK Limited, trading as ASM Global
1 contract wonlatest 11 Mar 2025£19m
total awarded
SMG UK Limited, trading as ASM Global is the most likely incumbent based on recency and category match. To win, bidders typically need a clearly differentiated proposition or a price advantage.
Before you bid, buyers check
two years of filed accountsyour financial standingturnover vs contract valueyour Companies House recordcash flow for 30-day termscredit scores and ratios
Actions
Start free trialto open noticeCreate an account and start a 7-day free trial to open the buyer’s own notice and tender documents, plus fit scoring and the Bid Writer. Then £4.99/month — cancel anytime.
Open Bid WriterIndependent software, web & cloud studio. We design, build and grow digital products that quietly outlast their category.
How to Apply
Step-by-step submission guide
Submission Portal
Find a Tender
Open the original notice
Click the button below to view the full notice on Find a Tender Service (FTS)
Check the procedure type
The "Procedure" section tells you if it's Open (one stage) or Restricted (SQ then ITT). This changes how you apply
Access the eSourcing portal
FTS notices link to the buyer's eSourcing platform — register there to access documents
Complete the Selection Questionnaire
Higher-value contracts often require an SQ first — this pre-qualifies you before the full bid stage
Submit electronically
Upload your completed response through the eSourcing platform before the closing date and time
FTS contracts are above UK procurement thresholds. Late submissions are strictly rejected — submit at least 24 hours before the deadline to avoid portal issues.
Buyer Profile
Sheffield City CouncilKey Dates
Published
12 March 2025
Submission deadline
Not specified
Notice type
award
Source
find a tender
Related Tenders
Biodiversity net gain and nutrient neutrality: assessment of opportunity and delivery roles for nort
North York Moors and New Forest National Park Authorities (NYMNPA and NFNPA respectively) are responsible for conserving and enhancing two of England's most distinctive protec
Grounds maintenance including sports pitches
Grounds Maintenance Contract 2027-2032 SOUTH ROAD The Council is responsible for a number of public open spaces and parks within the town and is committed to ensuring that these ar
Grounds maintanence
Grounds Maintenance Contract 2027-2032 The Council is responsible for a number of public open spaces and parks within the town and is committed to ensuring that these areas are mai
Servicing & maintenance of fire suppression systems framework agreement
Servicing & Maintenance of Fire Suppression Systems Framework Agreement South Ayrshire Council (The Council) has a requirement to establish a multi provider, multi-lot Framework Ag