Venue management group SMG has taken over control of Leeds Arena - a 13,500-capacity indoor facility due to open in July 2013.
SMG was handed the keys to the £65m venue by Leeds City Council following the completion of building work. SMG will now begin the internal fit out of the arena.
The venue will open on 24 July with a special concert headlined by Bruce Springsteen.
When open, the venue will be called First Direct Arena, following a sponsorship deal between SMG and banking an financial services provider FIrst Direct.