Appointed Managing Director of YTL Arena Bristol (planned 19,000-capacity arena) in October 2018, Andrew Billingham has spent 14 years as a senior executive for major sports & entertainment venues and 16 years in sports sponsorship and global events. Andrew has served over 10 million customers across major stadiums: Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol (27,000-capacity); Bet365 Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent (30,000-capacity); St. Andrew’s Stadium, Birmingham (28,000-capacity). Senior global events executive for adidas (FIFA World Cup; Olympic Games; UEFA European Championships).
Andrew was the group CEO of Bristol Sport where he led the team that completed the £50m rebuild of Ashton Gate stadium (27,000 capacity) and facilitated the creation of a new commercial operating business bringing together Bristol City Football Club and Bristol Bears Rugby under one umbrella.
From Premier League football to world renowned brands such as adidas, Andrew’s career has been built through hard work, determination, and a real passion for entertainment.
“At YTL Arena Bristol, we are creating a world stage for Bristol in reimaging the iconic Brabazon Hangars into a truly visionary entertainment complex. In existing UK arena’s there is often a disconnect between the show and the fan experience. Our approach is different. Embracing the innovative and pioneering spirit of Bristol people and celebrating the birthplace of Concorde and supersonic travel we can create an entertainment destination with a difference. We are wholly focused on operational excellence in a state-of-the-art venue, offering visitors, staff, artists and partners a unique customer experience and creating the ultimate night out.
Our vision is to put Bristol on the world stage for live music and entertainment. We are not just building an arena, we’re creating an entertainment community in the heart of the South West.” Andrew has volunteered for the Prince’s Trust for five years and in 2019 was appointed as chair of the South West Development Committee.
Music and sport are his two great loves: at an early age he graduated to a high level in piano and played competitive football. He continues to enjoy playing the piano but is more likely to be found on the golf course in his spare time nowadays.