Qudos Bank Arena and Starlight Children’s Foundation grant a life changing Christmas wish in partnership together

Qudos Bank Arena, managed by ASM Global and owned by TEG, is thrilled to announce the continuation of its long-term partnership with the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Known for bringing fun, joy and laughter to sick kids and their families, Starlight has been a beacon of hope since 1988.

Qudos Bank Arena initiated its collaboration with the Starlight in 2017, and over the past six years, the Arena has proudly donated a total of $110,000, contributing to various events and positively impacting the lives of 2,820 children.

On Saturday 16 December 2023, the organisations continued to join forces and fulfilled the heartfelt wish of 2-year-old Harry and his family, from Regional NSW, for a fully catered VIP experience at The Wiggles concert. The family also enjoyed an exclusive meet-and-greet session with The Wiggles and Qudos Bank Arena’s diamond partner, Accor, generously provided 3-night’s accommodation for the family at the Pullman Sydney Olympic Park.

Steve Hevern, General Manager of Qudos Bank Arena, stated that, “This initiative brings pride to what we do at the Arena and connects back to our core values of being the venue of choice by creating memorable experiences for everyone that enters our building. This partnership brings me great joy, and I can’t wait to see how we continue to help Starlight fulfil wishes.”

This partnership exemplifies the shared commitment of Qudos Bank Arena and Starlight to creating cherished memories, uplifting spirits, and spreading joy while supporting the Starlight Foundation’s Christmas appeal.

Louise Baxter, Starlight CEO said: “Qudos Bank Arena is a spectacular Venue with a wonderful team who are passionate about creating exceptional experiences. Seriously ill Starlight children and their families have enjoyed the joy and happiness of so many wonderful events and entertainments at Qudos Bank Arena.

We are so thankful to the amazing Qudos Bank Arena team for their ongoing support of Starlight – helping us to brighten the lives of sick kids when they need it most and create lasting happy memories. Because happiness in childhood truly matters.”

Qudos Bank Arena looks forward to the future and the ongoing impact of its partnership with Starlight Children’s Foundation, creating more moments of joy and hope for seriously ill children.

ABOUT ASM GLOBAL
ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management – delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention, and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Visit asmglobal.com

ASM GLOBAL (ASIA PACIFIC)
From its Asia Pacific regional headquarters in Brisbane, Australia, ASM Global operates a network of venues that includes:

  • Entertainment and Sports Arenas – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney; RAC Arena, Perth; Brisbane Entertainment Centre; Newcastle Entertainment Centre; Aware Super Theatre at ICC Sydney; BCEC Great Hall, Brisbane; Cairns Arena: Bangkok Arena and EM Live Theatre, Bangkok (under development), Coca Cola Arena, Dubai; Kai Tak Sports Park Indoor Arena (under construction), Hong Kong; Axiata Arena, Kuala Lumpur; and Jeddah Arena, Saudi Arabia (under development),
  • Live Performance Theatres – Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Sydney, Kuala Lumpur and Bahrain,
  • Convention & Exhibition Centres – Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Newcastle, Sydney, Christchurch, Kuala Lumpur, Shenzhen, Bahrain (under construction), and Jeddah (under development), and;
  • Stadiums – Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, National Stadium Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur, Kai Tak Sports Park Main Stadium, Hong Kong (under construction) and a significant ownership of VenuesLive, the operator of Accor Stadium, Sydney; CommBank Stadium, Parramatta; Optus Stadium, Perth and Central Coast Stadium, Gosford.

For more information, visit asmglobal.com

ABOUT TEG
TEG is a global leader in Live Entertainment, Ticketing and Technology. Every day TEG connects fans to experiences and customers with brands. We are proud partners of some of the world’s largest and most iconic venues as well as leading event promoters globally. TEG operates worldwide out of seven country offices and includes Ticketek, Ticketek Marketplace, Ticketek UK, Ticketek New Zealand, Ticketek Malaysia, Ticketek Philippines, Eventopia, Softix, TEG Live, TEG Dainty, TEG Sport, TEG Van Egmond, Laneway Festival, Handsome Tours, SXSW Sydney, TEG Theatrical, MJR Presents, TEG Lifelike Touring, TEG TES Live, Brickman, TEG Rockefeller, Rugby Live, TEG Europe, Propaganda, TEG USA, Qudos Bank Arena, FAN+, VIP NOW and Ovation.

About Starlight
Starlight Children’s Foundation brightens the lives of seriously ill and hospitalised children and young people by replacing pain, fear and stress with fun, joy and laughter. Since its establishment in 1988, Starlight has expanded to become the broadest reaching children’s charity in Australia and was awarded the number one most reputable children’s charity in Reptrak’s 2022 Charity Reputation Index. Starlight was also recently endorsed as a 2023 Great Place to Work. There is a Starlight Express Room in every children’s hospital across Australia and over 140 Captain Starlight’s nationwide, who made 186 trips to remote communities in 2022. Starlight created over 1,303, 775 positive Starlight experiences for children, teenagers, and their families in 2022. Last year, Starlight granted 507 wishes and this year, Starlight will grant its 13,000th Starlight Wish. www.starlight.org.au

Qudos Bank Arena have your Christmas wish list sorted with a stack of upcoming events

Each year, Christmastime rolls around and our collective shopping carts — if they aren’t completely empty — are filled with all the obvious staples. In between nondescript vouchers, books and bon-bons, it can be tricky to find a truly memorable gift for friends and family; one that isn’t destined for the back of their closets or dusty shelves.

With such an excess of choice, the best gift-givers know that the ultimate present is not a pair of pyjamas, but a truly memorable experience. Gifting a loved one tickets to their bucket list concert or sporting match spreads far more holiday cheer than a traditional stocking stuffer, and thankfully Qudos Bank Arena has a calendar stacked enough to account for all of your loved ones’ passions — with more exciting events yet to be announced. 

From starry and much-anticipated concerts to hilarious comedy sets, family friendly affairs, and sporting events there’s something for everyone to enjoy within Qudos Bank Arena’s upcoming events schedule. Spanning events for the remainder of the year and beyond, we’ve filled out your Christmas wish list with an array of experience-based gift ideas, so that your loved ones don’t have to bemoan a new pair of socks this festive season.

Music: Iron Maiden, Louis Tomlinson, Jonas Brothers 

Where else to watch your favourite musician than at Qudos Bank Arena? This year has already seen the world’s biggest musicians grace the stage at the iconic venue, but there’s still time to snap up tickets to remaining 2023 shows and beyond. The rock fans in your life will surely want to revel in the shows from Iron Maiden (12 – 13 September), while the boy band fanatics can eat their heart out with Louis Tomlinson (2 February) and Jonas Brothers (1 – 2 March). 

For their part, iconic girl group TLC will bring smash hits like No Scrubs to Qudos Bank Arena on 5 March 2024. While that roster is starry enough to warrant its own constellation, it’s only the tip of the iceberg. Grant the music lovers in your life their ultimate wish with Qudos Bank Arena’s full concert schedule here.

Comedy: Jerry Seinfield

They say laughter is the best medicine, and Qudos Bank Arena is giving you and your loved ones a much-needed dose with their upcoming comedy schedule. Jerry Seinfield — you know, the namesake of history’s most beloved sitcom — will bring his riotous set to the venue on June 16, after selling out his previous comedy tours in 2017. The very nature of a stand-up show means this gift is destined for smiles-all-round. Find more information here. 

Fun for the family: Marvel, Hot Wheels and Monster Truck Mania.

Gift-giving for kids is its own beast, with the hottest toys often selling out or quickly becoming last week’s news (remember Tamagotchis?). Thankfully, parents can breathe a collective sigh of relief, as Qudos Bank Arena takes the guesswork out of childrens’ wish lists with an array of family friendly events. 

With a gift that’ll win you the parent of the year award, Qudos Bank Arena will host Marvel Universe LIVE! next April. An immersive live show of cutting-edge special effects, aerial stunts and video projection, the event will feature beloved heroes like Spider-Man, Thor and Hulk, and is sure to earn you big points for the little superheros in your life. Find more information here.

Later, Hot Wheels will bring its famous trucks to life with the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party in August. Little revheads can bear witness to real-life versions of their favourite toy trucks, which will compete in outrageous competitions and battles. The Glow Party also features a dazzling dance party, spectacular laser show and Hot Wheels toy giveaways. Find more information here. 

Hot Wheels is one of two truck shows for your family to enjoy at Qudos Bank Arena next year, with the venue also set to host Monster Truck Mania in early-May. Roaring into the venue are Australia’s biggest monster machines, from the beloved ‘Raptor’s Rampage’ to the kids’ favourites ‘Buddy’ and ‘Miss Mayhem’. Back-flipping, flame-throwing and Freestyle Motocross abound. Find more information here.

Sports: Sydney Kings and Harlem Globetrotters

Qudos Bank Arena has long been the home base of the sporting world’s most coveted events, and they’ve got you covered yet again with a starry basketball program. As the home of the Sydney Kings, the venue will host the team’s matches for the remainder of the year, promising courtside entertainment with games against the Illawarra Hawks and Cairns Taipans. The Kings will dribble into the new year with matches slated until mid-February. Find more information here.

Taking basketball enthusiasts international, Qudos Bank Arena will also welcome back the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters as part of the beloved teams 2024 world tour. In what promises to deliver out-of-this-world trick shots, dunks, and insane plays, the Harlem Globetrotters will face-off against their rivals the Washington Generals on July 7, securing the game as the ultimate gift for the sports fans in your life. Find more information here.    

Qudos Bank Arena Sydney named in the top ten live music venues in the world

Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, a TEG owned venue that is proudly operated by ASM Global, has solidified its standing among the global elite of live music venues, recently securing an impressive spot in Billboard’s prestigious top ten list.

Notably, it is the sole venue from the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region to achieve this distinction. 

In the recently released 2023 year-end box score charts, Qudos Bank Arena claimed the 7th position globally for top honours among venues with a capacity of 15,000 or more (excluding stadiums).

This achievement places the Sydney-based arena in solid company, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with iconic venues such as New York’s Madison Square Garden, London’s O2 Arena, Manchester’s AO Arena and Brooklyn’s Barclays Centre.

During Billboard’s tracking period from November 2022 to September 2023, Qudos Bank Arena boasted a substantial $79.4 million in ticket sales. Impressively, the venue played host to over 785,000 guests across 75 shows during this timeframe, further solidifying its reputation as a powerhouse in the live music scene. 

“As the proud owner of Qudos Bank Arena, we at TEG are delighted to see the venue ranked so highly on the world stage alongside some of most iconic venues on the planet,” said Geoff Jones, CEO, TEG.

Qudos Bank Arena’s remarkable success underscores its pivotal role in the global music landscape, showcasing its ability to draw massive crowds and contribute significantly to the industry’s economic landscape.

Emerging onto the scene during the spirited Sydney Olympics in 2000, this monumental arena, with a colossal capacity of 21,389, has become a powerhouse on the international entertainment stage. 

From hosting out loud comedy extravaganzas to mind-blowing musical performances, Qudos Bank Arena has earned its elite status as one of the world’s premier music venues. 

Billboard’s recent recognition only confirms what fans already know—this arena doesn’t just host a show; it commands the spotlight on a global scale. 

Diversity is the name of the game at Qudos Bank Arena, with a line-up as eclectic as your meticulously curated Spotify playlist. The spectrum ranges from Gabriel Iglesias to The Wiggles, and Sam Smith’s phenomenal Gloria tour to the grand finale of 50 Cent’s ‘Final Lap Tour’ that’s about to hit on December 8 and 9. 

Billboard’s nod extends beyond mere acknowledgment; it’s a recognition of Qudos Bank Arena’s role as the stage of preference for some of the highest-selling artists of 2023. 

“Qudos Bank Arena being recognised as the seventh ranked venue worldwide and the only Arena in the APAC region in the top ten is a huge achievement. This is a testament to the resilience of the live entertainment industry in the post-Covid era and our team’s professionalism and devotion”, said Steve Hevern, General Manager, Qudos Bank Arena.

Qudos Bank Arena has long shone a spotlight on the crème de la crème of the music industry. The roster reads like a who’s who of global music icons, including Prince, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Madonna, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Lady Gaga, Motley Crue, Kendrick Lamar, Bruce Springsteen, Dua Lipa, Andrea Bocelli, The Rolling Stones, Metallica, Billie Eilish, and Justin Bieber. 

Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney stands as a true gem, having witnessed pivotal moments in history. For millennials, it’s akin to connecting the dots between the awe-inspiring Sydney 2000 Olympics and the record-breaking gigs featuring stars like P!NK, Bruno Mars, and Justin Timberlake.

A resounding shoutout is due to the diligent crew at Qudos Bank Arena. Billboard’s recognition isn’t just a feather in their cap; it’s a high-five to their unwavering dedication and a celebration of the electrifying vibe that they inject into the live music scene.  

This Arena has been the canvas for countless memorable Aussie moments, creating shared experiences that resonate across generations. 

As Qudos Bank Arena gears up for its next chapter, anticipation lingers in the air like a prelude to a symphony.  

We find ourselves perched on the edge of our seats, eagerly awaiting the next wave of jaw-dropping performances that will undoubtedly etch new memories into the annals of this iconic venue. 

ABOUT ASM GLOBAL

ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management – delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention, and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.  Visit asmglobal.com 

ASM GLOBAL (ASIA PACIFIC)

From its Asia Pacific regional headquarters in Brisbane, Australia, ASM Global operates a network of venues that includes:

  • Entertainment and Sports Arenas – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney; RAC Arena, Perth; Brisbane Entertainment Centre; Newcastle Entertainment Centre; Aware Super Theatre at ICC Sydney; BCEC Great Hall, Brisbane; Cairns Arena: Bangkok Arena and EM Live Theatre, Bangkok (under development), Coca Cola Arena, Dubai; Kai Tak Sports Park Indoor Arena (under construction), Hong Kong; Axiata Arena, Kuala Lumpur; and Jeddah Arena, Saudi Arabia (under development),
  • Live Performance Theatres – Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Sydney, Kuala Lumpur and Bahrain,
  • Convention & Exhibition Centres – Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Newcastle, Sydney, Christchurch, Kuala Lumpur, Shenzhen, Bahrain (under construction), and Jeddah (under development), and;
  • Stadiums – Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, National Stadium Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur, Kai Tak Sports Park Main Stadium, Hong Kong (under construction) and a significant ownership of VenuesLive, the operator of Accor Stadium, Sydney; CommBank Stadium, Parramatta; Optus Stadium, Perth and Central Coast Stadium, Gosford.

For more information, visit asmglobal.com 

ABOUT TEG

TEG is a global leader in Live Entertainment, Ticketing and Technology. Every day TEG connects fans to experiences and customers with brands. We are proud partners of some of the world’s largest and most iconic venues as well as leading event promoters globally. TEG operates worldwide out of seven country offices and includes Ticketek, Ticketek Marketplace, Ticketek UK, Ticketek New Zealand, Ticketek Malaysia, Ticketek Philippines, Eventopia, Softix, TEG Live, TEG Dainty, TEG Sport, TEG Van Egmond, Laneway Festival, Handsome Tours, SXSW Sydney, TEG Theatrical, MJR Presents, TEG Lifelike Touring, TEG TES Live, Brickman, TEG Rockefeller, Rugby Live, TEG Europe, Propaganda, TEG USA, Qudos Bank Arena, FAN+, VIP NOW and Ovation.

50 Cent to celebrate 20 year anniversary of ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’ with landmark show at Qudos Bank Arena

1 December 2023

Now two decades on from its release, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ gets its long-awaited return to the spotlight with 50 Cent’s landmark ‘Final Lap Tour’ at Qudos Bank Arena on 8 and 9 December.

2023 marks the 20-year anniversary of 50 Cent’s studio album Get Rich or Die Tryin’. While the news might make some hip-hop fans feel old (including this writer), we’ll at least get to revel in the landmark project later this year, when the rapper overtakes Qudos Bank Arena for his ‘Final Lap Tour’ in celebration of the ever-iconic debut.

Now two decades since its release, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ remains a seminal album for early-naughties hip-hop, ushering in 50 Cent as the voice of his generation while shedding light on the stories and struggles behind his braggadocious persona. With a list of collaborators so starry it warrants its own constellation, Get Rich is home to killer bars from rap greats like Eminem and Snoop Dogg, and boasts singles that deservedly maintain their place on playlists to this day.

The now-ubiquitous “go shawty” lead single In Da Club remains an earworm for the ages, and the sultry R&B groove of 21 Questions is just as infectious as it was two decades ago. Those Billboard chart-toppers alone are enough to make a case for 50 Cent’s imminent anniversary tour, but hip-hop fans don’t need too much convincing when it comes to the rapper’s sustained eminence and the legacy left by the Grammy award-winning Get Rich or Die Tryin.

Luckily for audiences, 50 Cent finds an equally momentous spotlight to host his anniversary tour courtesy of Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena. The rapper joins a pantheon of iconic acts to grace one of Australia’s most iconic music venues, but this isn’t his first time around the block.

50 Cent first made his Qudos Bank Arena debut in 2003 — the same year of Get Rich’s release — with the stadium hosting some 15,300 concertgoers who no-doubt embraced their P.I.M.P status throughout a no-skip setlist. That show saw 50 Cent enlist support acts G-Unit and Obie Trice in what remains one of Qudos Bank Arena’s most memorable shows.

Meanwhile, 50 Cent’s most recent show at Qudos Bank Arena, in December of 2006, brought in over 13,000 attendees, as part of a broader worldwide tour in support of Get Rich or Die Tryin. With such strong attendance across his last two Sydney shows, and with Qudos Bank Arena’s proven hosting capacity, Sydney no-doubt remains a coveted tour stop amid 50 Cent’s worldwide domination.

With so many years since his last Australian appearance, 50 Cent’s imminent ‘Final Lap Tour’ at Qudos Bank Arena is an unmissable event some two decades in the making. Taking to the stage on December 8 and December 9, the rapper will enlist special guest and Birthday Sex crooner Jeremih, with an anniversary setlist including the bonafide hits of Get Rich or Die Tryin.

So, what are you waiting for? Find remaining tickets to 50 Cent’s ‘The Final Lap Tour, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ – 20 Years Later’ at Qudos Bank Arena here.