The launch of Global Spectrum Europe, the collaboration between The NEC Group, Birmingham and Philadelphia’s Global Spectrum Ltd, will manage the iconic Spaladium Arena in Split, Croatia as its first contract, it was announced today. Abigail Parkin (Nov 3). 

The management contract covers the brand new 12,000 seat multi entertainment and sports arena currently under construction. The arena is part of the Spaladium Centar, which is scheduled to open on December 27. 

Located in the heart of Split, The Spaladium (pic below) will be the largest sport resort in the area and its iconic business tower will be the tallest office building in the region. It will host the most important sporting, entertainment, and business events, that were previously unheard of in Split, the biggest Croatian coastal city. 

The Spaladium Arena  features eight luxury suites, 500 club box seats, an additional practice facility and two club lounges. Global Spectrum Europe will manage the Spaladium Arena for Sportski Grad TPN, a consortium consisting of two construction companies – Konstructor and Dalekovod – and IGH, the civic engineering group.  

Sportski Grad has a contract with the local government for 30 years to manage and develop the Spaladium Centar which will also include an office complex and parking garage as part of phase one of development. 

Paul Thandi, Chief Executive, The NEC Group said: “The cultural fit of our organisations is great. The early win of the Spaladium Arena underlines both our credentials and importantly our joint capability.

“The Spaladium will be an agenda setting venue for the region of Split and indeed Croatia, our existing customers are very keen to discuss opportunities together with the existing live events market in the region. This is yet another groundbreaking project and opportunity for customers of The NEC Group.” 

Phil Mead, Director of Arenas, The NEC Group said: “It's great to announce our first venue contract working with Global Spectrum so early in our collaboration. 

“This iconic arena in the beautiful city of Split will present an attractive new proposition to the live concert and events industry and we look forward to putting this new venue firmly on the European touring circuit.”

“This is a great opportunity for Comcast-Spectacor,” said Comcast-Spectacor President Peter Luukko. “We’re very excited to bring three of our entities into Europe and establish a presence for our company. We look to expand on this opportunity and create new and exciting endeavors for Comcast-Spectacor abroad.” 

“We are very excited to land our first venue with The NEC Group Birmingham,” said Mich Sauers, Comcast-Spectacor Senior Vice President and Global Spectrum Europe President.  

“Once the Spaladium opens, it will immediately become an important and popular attraction in the city of Split attracting thousands to the region and establishing an economic impact in and around the facility.”  

The World Men’s Handball Championships will be the first official sporting event for the Spaladium Arena, which it hosts from January 16 to February 1, 2009.

 RK  _________________________________________