The First Direct Arena was the venue for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year event, stewarded by more than 400 of the event security company Showsec’s staff.
The BBC chose Leeds for the live broadcast of the 60th Sports Personality of the Year show where tennis player Andy Murray claimed the top prize after becoming the first British male to win the Wimbledon title for 77 years. Receptions were also held at Leeds Civic Hall and Leeds Town Hall as part of the night. Julian Kumah, Showsec’s Area Manager in Yorkshire, said afterwards: “We have received some excellent feedback in recognition of our planning for the event, our professional approach and our delivery of service across what was a massive operation.
“Logistically and professionally, this was a unique event which presented many challenges, not least the fact that it featured so many celebrities. There was also the added fact that this is one of the biggest live television events of the year. The complexities of the operation and variety of the roles across all the locations meant that we brought in staff from other areas, including Sheffield, Nottingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle, to deal with specific requirements.
“While the operational and senior staff may have led each venue’s operation, the high standard of service at such a large event comes down to the individual members of staff. They should all be proud of the part they played.”
The Sports Personality of the Year show was attended by 12,000 people and included a red carpet arrival for many of the 200 celebrities.
