For the last 31 years, Showsec has provided the AO Arena with crowd management services, event security, and professional security training services.
Since the venue first opened its doors in July 1995 as the Nynex Arena, we have managed security protocols for thousands of events, welcoming over 30 million visitors through its doors. From global music icons and major sporting fixtures to comedy, family shows, and landmark public events, Showsec has been at the heart of the AO Arena’s operations for three decades.

The relationship with the AO Arena has remained strong throughout the venue’s transformation, including changes in naming rights, ownership, and a recent £70 million redevelopment that has modernised the venue and significantly enhanced the fan experience.

Showsec has partnered with what is now Legends Global since 1995. The current contract covers many of the UK’s main arena venues, with some theatre venues also included.

The contract includes the following venues:

• Wembley Arena
• AO Arena, Manchester
• Bridgewater Hall, Manchester
• First Direct Arena, Leeds
• York Barbican
• Utilita Arena, Newcastle
• Utilita Arena, Sheffield
• Connexin Live, Hull
• P&J Live, Aberdeen

This contract requires us to work in many different areas including:

• Entrances
• Search systems
• Vomitories and aisleways
• Seating areas
• Hospitality areas
• Backstage areas
• Control room and CCTV operations
• Asset protection across the suite of venues.

These positions are standard across all formats of entertainment hosted at the venues, including music concerts, sporting events, diverse cultural events, and conferences and exhibitions. Due to the variety of functions across each venue, it is recognised that there is an important need to have a correctly trained workforce in all areas. This has been a purposeful strategy across the Legends Global suite to ensure added value through efficient deployment and resourcing strategies.