Bonus Arena - Hull based business announces long-term sponsorship of city’s new arena

Published: 22 June 2018

The 3,500-capacity arena on Myton Street – formerly known as Hull Venue - will now be known as the Bonus Arena, Hull. 

Founded by Eric Boanas in 1962, Bonus has been a huge part of the Hull business community for more than five decades. Indeed their former city centre offices are just a stone’s throw away from the new arena.

Bonus Arena is a state-of-the-art, music and events complex that will allow Hull to attract large corporate conferences, exhibitions and trade tours as well as major touring concerts, stand-up comedy, family shows and sporting events. 

Open days and test events will take place next month, with further details and announcements to follow on the opening programme. 

Bonus Arena is owned by Hull City Council and is managed by SMG Europe. It has been built by BAM Construction.

Shaun Boanus, Chief Executive Officer for Bonus Group, said: “Having been involved with so many things ‘Hull’ over the years it seemed an obvious partnership from both sides - the location being literally where the Bonus Group started almost 60 years ago. That said, the scale of this partnership with SMG is huge for Bonus and to be involved from day one is a great honour. It will undoubtedly be a huge success for the city and the people of Hull.”
Gigs announced so far at Bonus Arena include Van Morrison, George Ezra, Madness, Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals, Jack White, Bill Bailey, Rick Astley, Boy George and Culture Club and The Harlem Globetrotters.

John Sharkey, Executive Vice President, European Operations at SMG Europe, said: “Following an incredible year with City of Culture, we are delighted to be operating the 

Bonus Arena in Hull. The arena is a huge legacy for the city and will do fantastic things for tourism, catapulting Hull on to the UK map in a big way as a destination experience. 

“We are looking forward to welcoming people through the doors and to bring tens of thousands of people to the city each year.”

Councillor Stephen Brady, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “The naming of the arena is a significant milestone in the ongoing journey of this fantastic build, and we look forward to witnessing some of the incredible talent this venue will attract. 

“The Bonus Arena is absolutely essential to making Hull a top visitor destination and to secure a long-term legacy from our year as UK City of Culture, and will allow us to continue to attract events capable of delivering a big economic impact beyond that.
“2017 has been incredibly successful, but it is just the beginning for Hull.”

A brand new website will also be launched today at www.bonusarenahull.com