The University of Wolverhampton has been announced as the new naming rights holder for The Halls, one of the most iconic live events venues in the Midlands, which has hosted world-class artists like Blur, McFly, Robert Plant and Leftfield since it re-opened in May last year.

The iconic venue, which will now be known as University of Wolverhampton at The Halls, sits at the heart of Wolverhampton’s artistic landscape, bringing live entertainment to the local community for more than 85 years. Since re-opening last year, the venue has gone from strength to strength, with Liam Gallagher and John Squire, Tom Odell, OMD, John Cooper Clarke and The Stranglers all performing this week.

Another constant in the area, with nearly 200 years of history and deep roots in the local and regional communities, the University of Wolverhampton is the perfect partner for the venue.

The University, which was ranked 29th in the country for student positivity in the National Student Survey (NSS) last year, will use the partnership to further enhance the experience of both its students and staff. A development programme and training opportunities will be the cornerstone of the partnership providing real life industry experience for its students. As well as this every University of Wolverhampton student will also have the chance to stand on the hallowed stage, with graduations moving to the venue for the first-time next week.

Through the partnership, live entertainment lovers amongst students and staff will have access to a 24-hour pre-sale period for shows, giving them early access to tickets for their favourite artists.

Professor Ebrahim Adia, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “We are excited to partner with a venue that attracts high-profile artists and speakers to the city, further enriching the cultural and economic landscape of Wolverhampton and its night-time economy. 

This partnership is a show of commitment to enhancing the experiences of our students and staff and to our role as a civic university.”

Will Dowdy, Vice President of Global Partnerships at AEG Europe, said: “We’re delighted to bring together two stalwarts of the local community through this partnership, which will benefit students and staff. We’re excited to see how the partnership will develop over the years.”

Find out what's coming up at University of Wolverhampton at The Halls at thehallswolverhampton.co.uk.