Coventry Building Society Arena operations team Wins National Award

Coventry Building Society Arena’s operations team has been crowned the best in the UK at a prestigious national award ceremony.

The venue won ‘Operations Team of the Year’ at the Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards 2024 held at Elland Road in Leeds.

The awards recognise and raise the profile of the commitment of the matchday hospitality and specialist events teams at stadium venues across the UK.

Alongside its win, the Arena was also shortlisted in two other categories - Matchday Hospitality Award – Large Stadium and the Overall Matchday Hospitality Award.

Coventry Building Society Arena’s operations team has been bolstered over the last 12 months, with several new hires including the appointment of Claire Harkness as Operations Director in August 2023.

The team has led on making a range of improvements around the venue and Coventry Building Society Arena has invested in training for the team to ensure excellence in delivery.

This has included the entire operations team completing courses in Health and Safety at multiple levels including IOSH and NEBOSH, Crowd Management and risk project management.

Coventry Building Society Arena’s operations team has also been integral in supporting increased crowds at Coventry City fixtures and pioneered a trial for mounted police at football fixtures with West Midlands Police.

It also led on the delivery of sell-out stadium bowl performances by Harry Styles and Arctic Monkeys in May 2023.

Paul Michael, Managing Director at Coventry Building Society Arena, said: “We are proud to have won this award which recognises the work of our multi-disciplined and highly-skilled operations team who are the beating heart of our venue.

“The Stadium Events and Hospitality Awards are independently judged and recognise the variety in the sector.

“The operations team has been key to the delivery of our extensive sport, entertainment and business event programme. Their flexibility and innovation enable Coventry Building Society Arena to deliver the very best events.

“The success of the team is reflected in the range and scale of events it supports, from football matches to national conferences. Through innovation and adaptability, the team is setting new standards for excellence at the venue and is steadfast in its commitment to deliver unforgettable experiences for fans and visitors.”