The National Arenas Association (NAA) has appointed Steve Sayer as chair.
Sayer is senior vice president & general manager at AEG venue The O2.
His policy vision in the role includes continued advocacy for the NAA within government on policies that directly impact arenas, as well as fostering a culture of collaboration and the sharing of best practice among members, and working closely with the LIVE (Live Music Industry Venues & Entertainment) Association to help shape the future of the sector in the UK.
Steve Sayer said: “I’m deeply honoured to have been selected as chair of the NAA, and to lead this powerful industry body in representing and advocating for the interests of arenas in the UK. The O2 has been a proud and active member of the NAA for over 18 years, and we’ve truly valued the sharing of knowledge and best practice, and the significant impact that the NAA can have as a collective on the issues that matter to our industry. I’m excited to build on the NAA’s recent work alongside the government and DCMS on policy and legislative issues, from business rates to ticketing, and to continue championing the critical contribution that arenas make to the UK economy.”
I’m deeply honoured to have been selected as chair of the NAA, and to lead this powerful industry body in representing and advocating for the interests of arenas in the UK
Steve Sayer
Serving a three-year term, Sayer succeeds OVO Arena Wembley’s vice president & general manager, John Drury, who has now taken on the role of deputy chair.
Under Drury’s leadership, the NAA worked closely with LIVE on the establishment of a fundraising mechanic to support grassroots venues, which is becoming embedded in the live ecosystem and supported by NAA members.
Drury’s tenure also saw the establishment of the NAA’s ED&I working group, and the launch of the NAA Green Guide, a resource to help arenas across the country operate more sustainably.
John Drury added: “It’s been a privilege to chair the NAA, which is well established as a vital part of our live music ecosystem. I’m pleased to be able to hand over to Steve Sayer, who will bring a pair of safe hands and much-respected experience to the role.”
Research commissioned by the NAA found that 14.5 million people attended arena events in 2024, across 2,159 performances. NAA arenas generate £1.85 billion in economic activity, of which £648 million is spent in the local economy outside the venues.
Further to this, analysis shows that each arena event in the UK creates spend on the high street of around £350,000 in restaurants, pubs, hotels, transport and shops.
The NAA brings together the UK and Ireland’s Arena network Established in 1991, it acts as a forum for event and concert venue managers with a minimum seated capacity of 5,000.
National Arenas Association Members:
3Arena, Dublin
Alexandra Palace, London
AO Arena, Manchester
Bournemouth International Centre
BP Pulse Live, Birmingham
Brighton Centre
Co-op Live, Manchester
Coventry Building Society Arena
First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds
M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool
Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
Olympia, London
OVO Arena Wembley, London
P&J Live, Aberdeen
Royal Albert Hall, London
Scottish Event Campus/OVO Hydro, Glasgow
SSE Arena Belfast
The O2, London
Utilita Arena Birmingham
Utilita Arena Cardiff
Utilita Arena Newcastle
Utilita Arena Sheffield
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