AEG Presents, a division of AEG Europe’s global sports, entertainment and venue operator group, and the City of Wolverhampton Council have announced the opening of the newly-named The Halls Wolverhampton.
Shows are set to open in June 2023 at the new 3,404-capacity The Civic at The Halls Wolverhampton and the 1,289-capacity The Wulfrun at The Halls Wolverhampton.
AEG Presents will operate the venue, with the Council handing over the keys on November 21. The Halls Wolverhampton is set to open in June after a major multi-million pound refurbishment.
The final construction work has been completed and AEG Presents will lead on internal renovations to front-of-house bars, kitchen, and sound and lighting systems.
Sustainability and accessibility have been woven into the refurbishment plans, with visitors able to enjoy more comfortable seats; more bars and space for socialising; revamped toilet facilities; lift access for the new balcony level and better access arrangements for disabled visitors.
There will also be a greater number of accessible viewing points and improved room temperatures through the installation of a new air handling system.
It is hoped that the venue will play a significant role in the city’s economic recovery with a predicted boost of over £10m ($11m/€11m) per year.
The official ticketing partner for the venue will be AEG’s ticketing platform AXS and ASM Global will support AEG with sales, marketing, food and beverages, as well as other services.
AEG Presents chief executive Steve Homer said: “Having hosted artists from The Clash, Bowie and Nirvana to the Manic Street Preachers and Morrissey who debuted his first solo performance post-The Smiths at ‘The Halls,’ it’s incredible to be able to bring an iconic venue back to life and as a local lad, this is all the more special.
“I saw The Clash perform here in 1978 and it was an event that forever cemented my love of music. We can’t wait to open the doors of The Halls Wolverhampton and bring the world’s best artists to the West Midlands stage.”
City of Wolverhampton Council Leader, Councillor Ian Brookfield, added: “A beloved part of our city for multiple generations, it was vital for us to bring on the right partner – a partner that understands and respects the role The Halls play in the hearts of Wolverhampton citizens.
“We’re thrilled to be working with AEG Presents on this, who understand the venue’s rich heritage and share our vision of reimagining an iconic institution that will continue to bring joy to the lives of locals for years to come, helping shape our city centre, creating jobs and boosting local businesses.”
The Halls Wolverhampton will hold an exclusive preview in December, with test events set to take place in spring.