FlyDSA Arena former GM Rob O’Shea passes

Rob O’Shea, the former general manager of FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield died last week following a year-long battle with cancer.

O’Shea successfully managed the arena, formerly Sheffield Arena, for over ten years. In total, the ILMC member accrued 22 years of arena management at the Manchester Apollo and Sheffield Arena, working for Apollo Leisure, Live Nation and Sheffield International Venues.

O’Shea took on the role of general manager at 13,500-cap. Sheffield Arena in 2006. Under his management, the venue hosted Arctic Monkey’s first arena show, BBC Sport’s Personality of the year and Pulp’s final gig in 2012. O’Shea also oversaw the creation of the Steel Hall, a 4,000-cap. venue within the arena.

“Rob was a brilliant venue manager and colleague. He was also a true maverick and innovator”

O’Shea left his position at Sheffield Arena in July 2017, to concentrate on his events promotion company, Manifesto Events.

“Rob was a brilliant venue manager and colleague. He was also a true maverick and innovator. Above all he was my friend who I had the privilege to know and work with over the past 22 years,” says Dominic Stokes, head of Sheffield International Venues Live.

“It goes without saying he touched so many lives in so many ways and will be missed by so many people.”

The funeral will take place at 2pm on Friday 8 February at Hutcliffe Wood Crematorium. O’Shea’s family have requested no flowers but encourage donations to St Luke’s Hospice, where he received treatment and care.

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