Great gig coming your way Adelaide people.  Hope you guys will enjoy it.

History

The AEC was established by the Government of South Australia in response to demand from the people of South Australia for a suitable venue for international and local popular entertainment. Apollo Stadium, which had been Adelaide’s primary venue for indoor attractions since 1969, was increasingly considered to be too small to meet this need. The AEC was built at a cost of $44 million, and was officially opened on 20 July 1991^[3] by John Bannon, the then Premier of South Australia.

The South Australian Government assigned responsibility for the management of the AEC to the Grand Prix Board in 1989. In August 1998, the Government established the Adelaide Entertainments Corporation. The first Board of Directors for the AEC was formally appointed on 9 February 1999. The current Board consists of seven Directors.

In 2007, the Rann Government announced plans to renovate the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. The State Government released the statement: “The State Government is committed to the vision of creating a vibrant entertainment and media precinct on the Adelaide Entertainment Centre Site”. On 6 August 2007, the renovation plans were passed^{[by whom?]} and construction began on the $52 million upgrade. Tourism Minister Jane Lomax-Smith said: “the upgrade comes on the back of a record-breaking last 12 months, with more than 370,000 passing through the centre’s doors, and record profits recorded.”^{[citation needed]}

The renovation included: major upgrades of the foyer, backstage area and corporate facilities; creation of additional car parking; new staging and curtains; renovation of administration areas; and restoration of the heritage-listed Revelations Chapel for use as a wedding and function venue. 8000 new seats were also installed.

Centre features

The footprint of the site is 28,900 square metres, (approx 3 ha or 7 acres), and includes a large foyer area, a 2,680 square metre event arena, seven function rooms, car parking, logistic facilities and administrative offices. The arena is the largest auditorium in South Australia.

The centre it is capable of operating in several different modes, including an ‘intimate’ mode (2,000-4,500 patrons), end stage mode (4,500-7,500 patrons) and ’360 degree’ mode. With a general admission floor and Corporate level seating, the maximum capacity of the AEC is 12,000.

The AEC has a complete in-house catering operation that provides for audience food and beverage requirements, as well as banquet, function, seminar, tradeshow, corporate suites and backstage requirements. The AEC also provides corporate hospitality in the form of 31 suites that are leased on a 2 – 5 year basis.

Car Parks

On site parking is available for approximately 700 cars, however, early arrival is recommended for concert goers and the normal cost is $10. Park & Ride is now operating from 6:30am to 6:30pm, 7 days a week, for minimal charge of $2 per day and free tram ride to the City.

Transport

A Taxi stand is situated on Port Road directly adjacent to the main entrance of the AEC. Bus stops are located on Port Road and Manton Street (rear of the AEC) within close walking distance. The Bowden Train Station is located within a minute’s walking distance from the main entrance of the AEC. The completion of the new tram extension, which stops at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre Station, allows further access to and from the City and Glenelg.

Ticketing

All tickets for concerts or events at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre can be purchased through Ticketek on 132 849 or online at www.ticketek.com.au.