Matt Blackhouse

Senior Events Manager YTL Arena Bristol

Matt Blackhouse brings 16+ years of experience in the live events industry to his role as Senior Events Manager at YTL Arena Bristol. Matt is a crucial link in our team, ensuring we build the very best back of house facilities for all touring artists, promoters and event organisers as we start our countdown to construction and opening.

Matt started his career in live music as the Events and Entertainments Supervisor for Cardiff University Student’s Union, working with top British bands including Arctic Monkeys, Klaxons, Kaiser Chiefs, Bloc Party and more. He then joined St David’s Hall as Events Coordinator, working to deliver a wider programme of events including orchestral events, comedy shows, and internationally televised operatic singing competitions.

In 2014, Matt joined the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff as Senior Events Manager, leading the events management and technical teams in the delivery of hundreds of events, including live internationally televised boxing, snooker, wrestling and darts events. Matt has managed shows for some of the biggest names in music, including Elton John, Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue, The 1975 and many more.

Speaker Sessions

Wednesday 4th May 2022

Session 5: Projects in Focus - innovative Stadia projects from a design perspective

Part 1 – Sam Wright, Director – WilkinsonEyre

Lord’s Marylebone Cricket Club – from Masterplan to Delivery of the Compton & Edrich Stands

Sam is the architect responsible for delivering the Compton & Edrich Stands at Lord’s, which were brought into use during the 2021 Season. He explains how the stands were designed as part of the fulfilment of a long term masterplan for Lord’s on which WilkinsonEyre have been working for five years and how long term strategic thinking and a focus on adaptability are key components of the firm’s approach to stadium and arena design.

Part 2 – AFL’s approach to innovative stadium and arena design

AFL Architects Senior Associates Marcel Ridyard and Rita Ochoa introduce AFL’s approach to innovative stadium and arena design, and case study several recent projects that evidence how AFL’s expertise in this space has helped clients operating at a community level to the highest profile global stage successfully realise new possibilities.

Part 3 - A new headline act for the South West

Once home to aviation icon the Concorde, the legendary Brabazon Hangars will be retrofitted into YTL Arena Bristol, the South West’s first indoor arena and entertainment complex. Andrew Billingham, CEO of YTL Arena Bristol, will be sharing a project update on the new 17,000 capacity venue.