Adelaide Entertainment Centre’s Sally Arch retires

FANS of US rock band The Killers entertained a packed house at the Entertainment Centre in May this year - and all it took was one call from a woman who has spent the past 25 years building Adelaide’s live events reputation.

Adelaide Entertainment Centre (AEC) General Manager, Sally Arch.

FANS of US rock band The Killers entertained a packed house at the Entertainment Centre in May this year — and all it took was one call from a woman who has spent the past 25 years building Adelaide’s live events reputation.

When The Killers announced their Australia and NZ 2018 tour, Adelaide was not on their list, like their thousands of fans in Adelaide, venue manager Sally Arch was also disappointed.

She put in a call to Frontier Touring’s Michael Gudinski.

“Michael took up the charge, convincing the artists to come to Adelaide. It was a fantastic night and a sold-out show,” she said.

Standing at the doors of the centre that night, it was another night of goosebumps to add to the many in her tenure at the centre.

In May this year, she received the Venue Management Association’s inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award.

“I just love the entertainment industry and its people who take such risks to bring happiness and fun to people.

“Adelaide does punch above its weight with getting artists here, but it’s a give and take.

“People need to keep byuisjgn tickets and these amazing performers will keep coming.”

In August this year, Ms Arch will retire to a life full of travel and other pursuits.

“I have loved seeing the venue totally empty and totally full. It’s like the two faces of the venue — when she is asleep and when she is awake.

“But it’s full on and rewarding at the same time. I have always wanted to retire at the right time and this feels perfect.

“In any case, I will most likely be falling into retirement after an amazing July where we have three nights of Katy Perry and seven Swan Lakes on top of everting else.”

Her favourite show will always be The Wiggles for the generations of audiences it has drawn to the venue.

Managing a team of 650, Ms Arch made the most significant contribution to the success of the Adelaide Entertainment Centre since it opened in 1991.

Under her leadership, the venue has been a commercial success.

Affectionately known as “Adelaide’s Queen of Venue Management” in the industry, she was acknowledged for ensuring that Adelaide continues to remain on the national touring circuit for major international tours to Australia.

She is also recognised for her mentoring efforts nationally and remains among a few within the industry that have the breadth of knowledge and experience that she does.

Her extensive knowledge, commitment and professionalism has seen her become one of the industry’s most respected figures.

“It has been an incredible journey, which has helped me grow and thrive with every challenge. I will miss the people but I know the next chapter will be as exciting.” she said.