VOLUME 15 NUMBER 1
WWW.VENUESTODAY.COM
THE NEWS BEHIND THE HEADLINES : SPORTS : MUSIC : FAMILY SHOWS : CONVENTIONS : FAIRS
Packing the House
JANUARY 2016
The spotlight is on Pacific Northwest venues
PUBLISHER'S PICK: RICK ABRAMSON STADIUMS POPPING UP EVERYWHERE BOX OFFICE STARS TELL ALL
CONTENTS
PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Linda Deckard linda@venuestoday.com
EDITORIAL MARKETING DIRECTOR Samantha Le samantha@venuestoday.com ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER Lisa Brink lisa@designsmorgasbord.com DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS: RESOURCE GUIDES Rob Ocampo rob@venuestoday.com STAFF REPORTER Rebecca Nakashima rebecca@venuestoday.com ACCOUNTING Karmen White karmen@venuestoday.com RESOURCE GUIDES COORDINATOR Nazarene Kahn resourceguides@venuestoday.com
12 The Atlanta Falcons new Mercedes-Benz Stadium opens in 2017
VIDEOGRAPHER/RESEARCH ASSOCIATE Jay Nguyen jay@venuestoday.com CIRCULATION COORDINATOR Kimberly Wolfe kimberly@venuestoday.com
IN EVERY ISSUE 6
8
STAFF CORRESPONDENT R.V. Baugus rv@venuestoday.com
NEWS
CONCESSIONS
FIRED UP
67
BOWL BUSINESS DEPENDS ON LUCK
Western Fairs Association, Anaheim, Calif., Jan.
Timing and teams make or break food and drink
3-6, 2016.
sales, but ingenuity has its place.
STADIUMS STANDING UP TO SCRUTINY
means making the venue a destination.
4
LETTER FROM LINDA
ADVERTISING
VT 2016 STADIUM CONSTRUCTION
5
TALKING POINTS
TEXAS, SOUTHEASTERN AND MIDWEST U.S. Jim McNeil (207) 699-3343 jim@venuestoday.com
UPDATE
69
MANAGEMENT
71
ON THE MENU NORTHEAST AND WESTERN U.S., INTERNATIONAL Rich DiGiacomo (310) 429-3678 rich@venuestoday.com
BOOKINGS 56
JANUARY 2016 HOT TICKETS
58
JANUARY 2016 TOP STOPS
MARKETING DIRECTOR Samantha Le (714) 378-5400 samantha@venuestoday.com
OPS & TECH 60
CONTRIBUTORS Linda Domingo Maura Keller Noelle Leavitt Riley Russ Simons
D E PA R T M E N T S
Multiuse doesn’t mean two teams anymore; it
12
COPY EDITOR Pauline Davis pauline@venuestoday.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS
ASK RUSS
Kimberly Wolfe (714) 378-5400 subscribe@venuestoday.com Annual Subscription Rate: $200 (U.S.)
Russ Simons, managing partner at Venue Solutions Group, looks at what trends facility operations and engineers can expect to see in
EDITORIAL OFFICE
2016.
VENUES TODAY P.O. Box 2540 Huntington Beach, CA 92647-2540
MARKETING 65
DIVERSE DESTINATION
4952 Warner Ave., Ste. 201 Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Anaheim has something for convention attendees and vacationing families. 65 Honda Center adds to Anaheim, Calif.'s diverse offerings.
HAPPENING THIS MONTH >> INTIX 37th Annual Conference and Exhibition, Disneyland Hotel, Anaheim, Calif., Jan. 20-22 >> The NAMM Show 2016, Anaheim (Calif.) Convention Center, Jan. 21-24 >> Stadium Managers Association, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Feb. 7-11
Phone (714) 378-5400 Fax (714) 378-0040 E-mail info@venuestoday.com Printed in the United States ©All materials copyrighted Venues Today 2016 ISSN 1547-4135
CONTENTS
24 Australian Pink Floyd show at McCaw Hall, Seattle. (Photo by Michael Lamb Photography)
S P O T L I G H T S + F E AT U R E S WWW.VENUESTODAY.COM
THE NEWS BEHIND THE HEADLINES : SPORTS : MUSIC : FAMILY SHOWS : CONVENTIONS : FAIRS
INTIX QUARTERLY
BOX OFFICE STARS 15
THE DEDICATED VETERAN
33
Location-based technology growing in use at
Jim Sachs led Intrust Bank Arena’s box office to
venues and festivals in 2016.
VOLUME 15 NUMBER 1
selling out six Garth Brooks shows. Packing the House
18
COOL UNDER PRESSURE
36
JANUARY 2016
The spotlight is on Pacific Northwest venues
PUBLISHER'S PICK: RICK ABRAMSON STADIUMS POPPING UP EVERYWHERE BOX OFFICE STARS TELL ALL
ON THE COVER
20
All eyes are on players in the
ROCK STAR READY
Verizon Center’s Sergio Fresco is the epitome of
Q&A with Ken Lesnik, director of Performing
an unflappable, and accurate, pro.
Arts, Spectra Ticketing & Fan Engagement.
THE GIRL WITH THE GOOD ATTITUDE
38
Debbie Aleff puts the fans first, communicates
40
LETTER FROM JENA HOFFMAN APPRECIATING THE MILITARY Oregon Ducks new verification process assured
on their level and has fun doing it.
Pacific Northwest and venues
GEO FENCING INVADES TICKETING
identity of promotional ticket recipients. such as the Moda Center, Portland, Ore., where basketball fans fill the stands for a basketball game.
24
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
PUBLISHER’S PICK
SELLING TICKETS IS ALL THAT MATTERS
R I C K A B R A M S O N , D E L AWA R E
Pacific Northwest venue managers pamper road
NORTH
crews, promote promoters and add ambiance to
43
FROM VENDOR TO COO
make it happen.
Rick Abramson’s passions are family, Delaware
26
2016 PACIFIC NORTHWEST TOP STOPS
North, sports, food and excellence. His leadership
NEXT ISSUE SNEAK PEAK
28
PACIFIC NORTHWEST BY THE NUMBERS
at Delaware North over a four-decade career
FEBRUARY: UNITING
30
A REGIONAL LOOK AT INDUSTRY
emphasizes client and customer relationships,
TRENDS
company culture and management by walking
UNIVERSITIES
around.
Pacific Northwest venue managers cite video SPOTLIGHT: University Venues,
gaming, direct-from-agent buying and data
Kentucky & Tennessee Venues
analytics as on the rise.
IEBA On Stage
44
AT DELAWARE NORTH 46
Update
ADVERTISING DEADLINE: Jan. 29, 2016
MENTOR AS MENTEE: WHAT ABRAMSON HAS LEARNED
CHARTS: Social Media Power 100, Performing Arts Centers
RICK ABRAMSON ON HOW TO SUCCEED
48
TRAVELING WITH RICK ABRAMSON It’s all about the suit.
FROM THE EDITOR
I LINDA DECKARD EDITOR-IN-CHIEF linda@venuestoday.com
naction is the enemy. Doing things the way we’ve always done them does not produce stars and award winners or Publisher’s Picks. The latter, Delaware North’s Rick Abramson, the 2016 Venues Today Publisher’s Pick, shared his favorite quote from John F. Kennedy, which resonates with me: “There are risks and costs to action. But they are far less than the long range risks of comfortable inaction.” Comfortable inaction is a concept missing in Abramson and our 2016 Box Office Stars, also profiled in this issue. They all take risks. Abramson, who started out vending popcorn at the age of 14 and is now COO of the $3-billion, 100-yearold company, was dubbed keeper of the culture for the firm by the chairman’s son, Lou Jacobs, who has known him all his life. Forty-seven years with the same company sounds, on the surface, like inaction, but there is no time in Rick Abramson’s life that he wasn’t fighting to improve himself, help others and protect the company. Even in the fight of his life, cancer in 2014, he never let go of life and hope. Cohorts wondered if he took a day off; physically of course, but mentally never. Our 2016 Box Office Stars are also ingenious and driven. Sergio Fresco works in the nation’s capital for Verizon Center and Monumental Sports & Entertainment. It’s not uncommon to have the First Family or members of Congress or foreign diplomats in attendance. He will have a totally different view of the upcoming elections, guessing what sports and entertainment might appeal to the new First Family. Jim Sachs, Intrust Bank Arena, Wichita/Select-a-Seat, has spent most of his years in Kansas. Ticketing is in his DNA. His award comes through skill and dedication and relationships. Deb Aleff, Duluth (Minn.) Entertainment Convention Center and Amsoil Arena, travelled as far away as Providence, R.I., and Boston before coming home to her Midwest roots. “I’ve always been a Wisconsinite and a Packers fan,” she said. She headed home to the area after 9/11, starting at the DECC in 2001. That terrorist attack on the U.S. spurred action, and change, in a lot of us, but I had not really thought about how it brought families together and re-rooted the uprooted. Deb, Rick, Jim and Sergio all cited making the customer happy and the client healthy and growing the company as drivers in their personal and professional careers. All are the epitome of taking action and taking care of others. It’s not a new concept. It’s an age-old formula for success, but only some of us can excel at it. My hope is that more of us do than don’t. It’s not a live to work or work to live dichotomy. It’s just plain living. God grant you many years to take action.
Several Venues Today staff enjoyed the
Dana Stoehr, San Mateo (Calif.) County
Some more achievers dedicated to action
Western Fairs Association trade show
Fair, congratulates Lori Marshall on her
and its risks that make our lives better
ing care of clients: Tacoma (Wash.) Dome
held in Anaheim, near our Huntington
pending promotion to manager of the
are Stephen Chambers, WFA executive
gives socks and T-shirts to incoming
Beach, Calif., headquarters. Here Greg
Cow Palace, Daly City (San Francisco),
director; Tim Fennell, CEO of the San Diego road crews, something to make their stay
Stewart, Central Washington State Fair,
Calif.
County Fair, Del Mar, and winner of the
more comfortable and memorable.
Yakima, meets VT’s Karmen White and
WFA Merrill award, and Bob Vice, presi-
(VT Photos)
Nazarene Kahn.
dent of the Friends of the Fair in Del Mar.
4 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
An idea that raises the bar on action tak-
FRONT ROW
^
TALKING POINTS
PETE MCCARTHY SENIOR PRODUCT MANAGER
STEPHANIE CURRAN
VENDINI, SAN FRANCISCO
GENERAL MANAGER
HOMETOWN: Encinitas, Calif.
SPOKANE (WASH.) CONVENTION CENTER
UNIVERSITY: University of California Santa Barbara
HOMETOWN: I was born and raised in Los Angeles,
FIRST JOB IN THE INDUSTRY: I've been involved
but my parents emigrated from a small town in
with technology startups since my first job with
Scotland so, growing up, that is where my family was.
OpenTable in 1999. Last year, I took a position with
UNIVERSITY: Gonzaga University, Spokane, Wash.
Vendini in the ticketing space.
TICKET OPERATIONS MANAGER
FIRST JOB IN THE INDUSTRY: I started in the hos-
HOW YOU GOT YOUR JOB: After attending an iOS
PNC PARK, PITTSBURGH
pitality industry working for the Sheraton
development boot camp, I heard about an opening
HOMETOWN: Long Island, N.Y.
Corporation, but my first venue industry job was
in Product at Vendini through one of my fellow
UNIVERSITY: State University of New York at Cortland
with Centerplate when it was Service America.
attendees.
FIRST JOB IN THE INDUSTRY: Box office manager
HOW YOU GOT YOUR JOB: The old-fashioned way: I
FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB: A portion of our
for the Binghamton (N.Y.) Mets, the New York Mets
worked really hard in every job always preparing
development team is based in Italy, which means
Double-A affiliate team.
myself for when the next opportunity came along. I
semi-annual trips to Umbria and my very own
HOW YOU GOT YOUR JOB: I applied for it via
went from the Sheraton to Centerplate then had an
Vespa while I'm there.
Teamwork Online, which is like an online sports
opportunity to work for the building and became an
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU DIDN’T HAVE YOUR
career network.
event manager. Fortunately my CEO recognized
JOB: Probably WOOFing
FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB: I like winning, but a
something in me and set up a succession plan for me
DREAM SHOW: Pearl Jam playing at La Paloma
close second to winning is training and supervising
to eventually become the GM. It took 20 years but
Theater in Encinitas. My and Eddie Vedder's hometown.
a staff.
every step brought me to where I am today. I can hon-
IF YOU COULD ESCAPE FOR THE DAY, WHERE
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU DIDN’T HAVE YOUR
CASEY BOTH
estly say if I won the lottery, I would not quit my job.
WOULD YOU GO: I'm pretty sure I can and will
JOB: Active duty military.
FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB: Helping people find
escape for more than one day. I don't want to give
MENTORS: Scott Brown, Charlotte Knights; Jim
and develop their strengths.
the specific location, but I know a good spot on the
Weed, Binghamton Mets; and Andrew Bragman,
FREE TIME: Golf
Mexican Riviera with two palm trees perfectly
Washington Nationals.
PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO LEARN: I was
placed for hanging a hammock.
WHEN YOU WERE A KID, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO
a champion Irish Dancer in the U.S. and Ireland.
FAVORITE SONG RIGHT NOW: In homage to David
BE WHEN YOU GREW UP: A bank robber.
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED: Detach from the
Bowie, "Let's Dance."
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAMS: New York Knicks,
outcome of things. Do your best and then let it go.
GUILTY PLEASURE: Happy Cola Gummy Candies
Oakland Raiders, New York Islanders, Georgetown
Letting go is not the same as giving in. I learned
FREE TIME: I like to talk about my dream of a San
Hoyas and Tennessee Volunteers.
this over 20 years of practicing and studying yoga.
Francisco absent of cars.
WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO LEARN
BUCKET LIST ITEM: To play every golf course I can
WHAT WOULD PEOPLE BE SURPRISED TO LEARN
ABOUT YOU: My first name is actually Kevin.
in as many countries as possible.
ABOUT YOU: My career before tech was working as
BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED: It takes a big man
FAVORITE MOVIE: When Harry Met Sally
an adventure camping tour guide in Mexico.
to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.
(509) 279-7048
(415) 693-9463
(412) 325-4753 JANUARY 2016 VENUES TODAY 5
SNAP SHOT
2 3
4
Fired Up! 1 5
7
Western Fairs Association Anaheim, Calif., Jan. 3-6, 2016 >> 1 Chip Holloway, Desert Empire Fair, Ridgecrest, Calif.; Michael Scafuto, The M&M Group; Tom Schmooze, The M&M Group; and Deanna Lukens, Desert Empire Fair, discuss entertainment options on the trade show floor. >> 2 WFA’s “power panel” of CEOs sharing work and life experiences include Greg Stewart, Central Washington State Fair, Yakima; Dane Dugan, North Idaho Fair & Rodeo, Coeur D’Alene; Lauri King, Big Fresno (Calif.) Fair; Ryann Newman, Glenn County Fair, Orlando, Calif.; Tim Fennell, San Diego County Fair, Del Mar; Becky Bailey-Findley, CFSA; and Jerome Hoban, Alameda County Fair, Pleasanton, Calif. >> 3 Kaitlyn Bailey-Findley, second from left, has just been named assistant manager of the San Mateo (Calif.) County Fair, following in her mom’s footsteps. Becky Bailey-Findley is now director of the California Fairs Services Authority. Josh Pickering, right, also the son of a fair manager, is studying music at USC. With them is Dana Stoehr, San Mateo County Fair manager. >> 4 WFA Executive Director Stephen Chambers takes the stage to introduce a session. >> 5 Dawn and Rick Pickering, California State Fair, Sacramento, talk about Rick’s trip to the World Food Expo in Milan in October, where he spoke on food transportation. >> 6 Andrea Thayer and Kent Hojem of the Washington State Fair, Puyallup, say adding the name “state fair” three years ago has helped up sponsorships by 25 percent. >> 7 Marin County Fair CEO Gabriella Calicchio accepts the Merrill Award in recognition of its Healthy Fair Initiative. (Photo by WFA) >> 8 Jim Tucker delivers the keynote address. (Photo by WFA) >> 9 It’s a Girl Thing performs their country melodies for attendees. >> 10 Performer Cale Moon and Nathan Moon visit the Animal Cracker Co. booth where Iain Gunn, right, and stiltwalker Bridget Rountree perform. Animal Cracker Co. has been playing fairs for two years. >> 11 Rey O’Day, NICA, tours the National Independent Concessionaires Association food row at WFA. With her are mime Mark Wenzel and Jon and Lisa Baker, Pima County Fair, Tucson, Ariz. p h o t o s b y V E N U E S T O DAY a n d W FA
9
11
6 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
10
6
8
VENUE NEWS
Arizona State University Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe is undergoing a $250 million renovation.
STADIUMS STANDING UP TO SCRUTINY Multiuse doesn’t mean two teams anymore; it means making the venue a destination by LISA WHITE
S
tadiums are not what they used to be. State-of-the-art technology and sustainable features are a given. Multiuse areas and designs are becoming the standard, as these venues are being built not only to host events, but also as destinations for gathering, dining and shopping. The public has become more discerning, seeking not just a sporting event, concert or show,
8 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
but a unique and memorable overall experience. “There is more diversification of these building types that are being driven by consumers,” said Bruce Miller, senior principal and architect at Populous, based in Kansas City, Mo. The architectural firm’s two biggest growth markets in stadiums are collegiate athletics and Major League Soccer. These days, the design firm is creating facilities with more gathering spaces, as
opposed to seating, for the increasing number of millennials and Gen Ys seeking to network and be seen. Bold yet simple motifs that emphasize sights, sounds, smells and overall appearance are the rule, not the exception. Increasingly, more areas are themed around different food or beverage items, such as at Nashville’s First Tennessee Park, a minor league ballpark, where Populous created an CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 >
REDEFINE
ENTERTAINMENT
U.S. Bank Stadium noun | [yoo es bangk stey-dee-uh m]
1. the country’s newest entertainment destination, located in the heart of downtown Minneapolis 2. home of the Minnesota Vikings 3. the Star of the North
NOW BOOKING FOR 2016! Jerry Goldman | 612-777-8730 | jgoldman@smgmn.com Minneapolis, MN | usbankstadium.com
VENUE NEWS
{
}
“We will see a big change
in how sports facilities are designed and operated, with a decrease of carbon production at its core.” — CHRIS DEVOLDER
STADIUMS STANDING UP... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
outdoor bar with recreational games people can play while watching the ballgame, like corn hole and foosball. In the same vain, the firm also designed a Craft and Draft area at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., that features craft beers and artisan pizza. “We now have the capacity to uniquely theme and position smaller spaces, so fans can experience the game from a different perspective,” said Miller. Technological improvements, such as upgrading Wi Fi and cellular coverage, are more of an expectation with today’s stadium builds and renovations. Fans want to be able to access their mobile devices at all times, whether to watch live replays or see coverage of different sporting events. “Part of staying connected is the LED displays and scoreboards, including entire walls of large video displays, [that are becoming more standard in stadiums],” said Miller. “These are not only compelling to fans, but can be used for anything, from theming the space, broadcasting other sporting events, live coverage of games or promotions.” Recently, IBM announced the formation of the Sports and Entertainment Global Consortium, which brings together the company’s information technology with leaders in construction and design, network infrastructure, wireless and telecommunications. The members are currently working with more than 250 venues to provide an integrated capability spanning design, strategy, technology and data to drive growth and profit. Founding consortium members include HOK Sports + Recreation + Entertainment and AECOM, among others. Arthur M. Blank Sports & Entertainment Group signed on IBM as a founding partner for Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of 10 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
the NFL’s Falcons and United FC of MLS. The venue was designed by HOK and is set to open in 2017. Another recent development in light of the Paris terrorist attacks last year are security stepups, which are quickly becoming a key factor in today’s stadiums. In 2015, Major League Baseball required its 30 teams to implement security screening for fans either with hand-held metal detection or walk-through magnetometers. “This is a newer development for increased vigilance and safety,” said Miller. HOK Sports + Recreation + Entertainment, which has 25 locations throughout the world, has noted requests for stepped-up security at the stadiums it’s designing. “This will continue to be a hot trend, with operators rethinking how to secure buildings,” said Chris DeVolder, project and sustainable design leader for HOK. “Security will continue to be an element we need to stay in front of as designers, since it will continue evolving.” Fortunately, there is more space for these additional security measures. In light of increasing mobile applications, stadiums are now being designed with less space and windows for ticket sales and more gate areas and real estate for added safety measures. Like technology and additional security, sustainability is no longer an option, although it is the building owners’ call whether certification is obtained. “It’s just smart business,” said Miller. “Our goal is to design an efficient building with a small environmental footprint, as this is typically a given with today’s criteria.” HOK’s DeVolder recently presented his views on the subject at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris late last year. “Sports has an interesting platform and is
one part of our culture that brings everyone together,” said DeVolder. “We will see a big change in how sports facilities are designed and operated, with a decrease of carbon production at its core.” As a result of the conference, negotiators from 196 countries approved a landmark climate accord that seeks to dramatically reduce emissions of the greenhouse gases blamed for the earth’s global warming. An increasing number of stadium sustainability packages include LED sports lighting, which has become more affordable and offers an economic payback due to reduced electrical consumption and lower maintenance costs. “In the next couple of years, we’re predicting all sports facilities will go with LED lighting as standard,” said Miller. “Sustainable stadiums, in general, are more efficient and less costly to own and operate.” Like Populous and HOK, San Antonio, Texas-based Pro Sports Developments also has seen an increase in MLS stadium builds in recent years. The firm will soon be renovating Toyota Field in its hometown, expanding seating from 8,000 to 18,000-plus. “The city and county bought the facility, and the expansion is expected to come online within the next few months, with a completion date of 2019,” said Adam Gill, Pro Sports Developments’ project manager/designer. One of the big things Gill has seen in terms of trends in stadium sports facilities is a move to a model of mixed-use developments as opposed to stand-alone venues. These projects incorporate restaurants, bars, retail and clubs. “We’re pushing for these facilities to be urban sports projects, since stadiums have a hard time generating revenue to be selfsufficient,” said Gill. “With the enhanced
VENUE NEWS
designs, there is more opportunity to bring outside tenants in, people can access these spaces from outside the stadium and the building becomes a destination seven days a week.” HOK also has begun looking at buildings as more than four walls and a roof used for 20 days a year and instead considering the neighborhood in context with the facilities. Its Mercedes-Benz Stadium design is about engaging the community and impacting the surrounding neighborhood and district in a positive way. Another HOK project, Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, was the city’s first downtown project in quite a while and consequently created a ripple effect of development in the city. “Last summer, Edmonton had 31 construction cranes operating at one time,” said DeVolder. Building in cities also reduces the amount
of necessary additional infrastructure, such as power, roads and public transportation that are typically required for suburban projects. “One of our projects is the University of Washington’s Husky Stadium, where the athletic department partnered with the medical school to create a rehab clinic within the building,” DeVolder said. “The light rail transit system will be extended to the campus and within 50 feet of the stadium.” Notre Dame Stadium, which is only used for football six days a year, includes multiuse areas, such as five lower levels with a student union and rec center and six levels of classroom and academic space. As a result of HOK’s design, the stadium is used every day as active space. “We will see more of these developments moving forward,” said DeVolder. “This will be on both a small and big scale.” Pro Sports Development has taken the
initiative to identify other types of mixed-use development that can work within a stadium footprint and complement its offerings, while commanding decent lease rates to generate added revenue for the facility’s owner. Although it can be challenging to find the right collaborator and form partnerships, especially with public/private affiliates, it can be worth the extra effort. “Historically, the industry hasn’t gone this route, since the stadium is one element and the sports team is another; the same is true with municipalities, such as cities and counties that just want a stadium,” said Gill. “But we’ve found if a facility is made into a destination and includes elements that generate more revenue, it’s a no brainer, even with an additional upfront investment.” Interviewed for this story: Chris DeVolder, (816) 472-2018; Adam Gill, (210) 496-6611; Bruce Miller, (816) 329-4271
JANUARY 2016 VENUES TODAY 11
VENUE NEWS
Blueprints
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
VT 2016 STADIUM CONSTRUCTION UPDATE SOURCE: 2015/2016 VENUES TODAY INTERNATIONAL VENUE RESOURCE GUIDE and VENUES TODAY DATABASE
CANADA S A S K AT C H E W A N REGINA
design for the venue incorporates a modern steel and glass stadium wrapped in a stone scrim anchoring a 365-day-a-year destination of shops, restaurants and bars.
Architect: David Manica CONTACTS: AEG Contact: Brian Kabatznick, 44 208 463 2190 FEATURES: To possibly include an NBA Club with a restaurant, children’s play area, small gym and retail store.
structure, tier 1 below ground level (put in place during the stadium conversion in 2002-03), expanded South Stand opened in August 2015 adding 6,000 new seats to the stadium, along with 1,500 new pitchside seats.
MOSAIC STADIUM http://newmosaicstadium.com CAPACITY: Stadium—33,000 seats; DOHA 521,000 sq. ft.; Suites: 38 AL RAYYAN STADIUM OPENING DATE: 2017 VA L E N C I A COST OF CONSTRUCTION: $278 million www.sc.qa ARIZONA CAPACITY: Stadium—45,000 seats; NOU MESTALLA STAKEHOLDERS: Architect: PCL info@futuromestalla.com 2 million sq. ft. TEMPE Construction Mgmt., Inc./HKS COST OF CONSTRUCTION: $600 million www.futuromestalla.com ASU SUN DEVIL STADIUM Sports & Ent./B+H Architects/TD FEATURES: One of the 12 stadia to CAPACITY: 75,000 (RENOVATION) Securities OPENING DATE: TBD be built for the 2022 World Cup in 500 East Veterans Way, 85287 CONTACTS: VP of Corp. COST OF CONSTRUCTION: $600 million (480) 965-2381 Qatar, the venue is designed to be Sales/Partnerships for SK STAKEHOLDERS: Owner: Valencia built atop the lower bowl of an CAPACITY: 57,000 seats Roughriders: Steve Mazurak, existing stadium, reusing as much CF; Management: Valencia CF; OPENING DATE: Phase 1: 8/2016; (306) 566-4228 Architect: Reid Fenwick as possible of the previous strucPhase 2: 8/2017; Phase 3: 8/2018 Associates; ArupSport ture. Targeting LEED Gold certifiCOST OF CONSTRUCTION: $256 million FEATURES: Construction began in cation. STAKEHOLDERS: Owner: Arizona AL WAKRAH STADIUM Aug. 2007, and work stopped in State University; Prime Architect: MEXICO CITY www.sc.qa 2009 because of debts. Deal with Gould Evans; Sports Design LOS DIABLOS ROJOS DEL MEXICO CAPACITY: Stadium-45,000 seats; Bankia to reduce the debt and finArchitect: HNTB Corp.; MEP BALLPARK 1.8 million sq. ft. ish the stadium fell through Sept. Engineer: Henderson Engineers; Manuel M. Ponce 87 1er. Piso, Col. COST OF CONSTRUCTION: $750 mil2012, leaving a stadium shell. Concessions: Sodexo; Tickets: Guadalupe Inn, Delegacion Alvaro lion Pac-12 Ticket Sales; Security: Obregon, C.P. 01020, Mexico, D.F. STAKEHOLDERS: Architect: Proem; Housekeeping: Crystal CAPACITY: 13,000 seats AECOM/Zaha Hadid Architects Cleaning OPENING DATE: 2017 FEATURES: One of the stadia CONTACTS: Vice president for STAKEHOLDERS: Architect: Jahn and designed for Qatar’s World Cup University Athletics: Ray ADG; Sport Design Consultant: 2022 bid. The venue is inspired by L I V E R P O O L Anderson;Arizona State presiPopulous ANFIELD STADIUM the Qatari dhow, a traditional saildent: Michael Crow FEATURES: Mexican League Liverpool Football Club ing vessel. The sail features will FEATURES: : The reinvention of Sun Ballpark. Anfield Road, L4 0TH not only provide an automatic Devil Stadium seeks to reinforce 44 151 264 2236 shading device, but also create a the connection from the seating Events.iverpoolfc.com dramatic skyline. bowl and concourses to the desert Stadium: C APACITY : 45,276 seats; SPORTS CITY STADIUM landscape. The elevated bowls in ROME Suites: 32 CAPACITY: Stadium-47,560 seats, the north corners have been AS ROMA STADIUM Owner: S TAKEHOLDERS : Fenway SUITES: 116 demolished to provide direct views Tor di Valle Architect: HKS Inc.; Sports Group; OPENING DATE: 2017 to the buttes, as well as out over CAPACITY: 55,000 Tickets-Primary: In-house; STAKEHOLDERS: Architect: Woods the surrounding campus and valOPENING DATE: 2016 Concessions: In-house Bagot; Owner: Qatar ley. The fan arrival sequence has COST OF CONSTRUCTION: $215 million FEATURES: One of 12 stadiums CONTACTS: MD: Ian Ayre also been designed to provide a STAKEHOLDERS: Architect: Woods F EATURES : Since Liverpool being built for the 2022 FIFA World more organic and integrated Bagot; Owner: ASR SpA; Football Club was acquired by Cup. Qatar plans to spend $57 bilapproach with the landscape to Management: Grupo Parsitalia Fenway Sports Group in 2010, lion preparing for the games. The reinforce the connection of the CONTACTS: AS Roma Pres.: Jim plans have been underway to multipurpose venue is designed to stadium to the desert as well as Pallotta redevelop the 19th century stadibe one of the most sophisticated ASU’s campus. Seating capacity FEATURES: Dan Meis, architect for um into a 60,000-seat venue. in the world, capable of transfor Sun Devil stadium will be Staples Center in Los Angeles, Manchester forming by disassembling and reduced by approximately 10,000 has been given the go-ahead to ETIHAD STADIUM (RENOVATIONS) reassembling into seven various seats in order to eliminate poor design a stadium for Serie A team Etihad Campus, Etihad Stadium, sporting configurations. sightlines and provide for an AS Roma to be based on the M11 3FF improved seating experience. The Coliseum’s design. +44 16 1062 1894 renovation will provide all fans STADIO DELLA ROMA Fax: +44 16 1438 7999 with new concessions and restVia dell’Ippica, 00144 mcfc@mcfc.co.uk MOSCOW rooms, as well as more spacious CAPACITY: 60,000 www.mcfc.co.uk VTB STADIUM & ARENA concourses. The main concourse OPENING DATE: 2017 C APACITY : 55,097 En.vtb-arena.com will now provide for a complete COST OF CONSTRUCTION: $400 million S TAKEHOLDERS : Manchester City CAPACITY: Stadium—33,000 seats; loop around the stadium, providing STAKEHOLDERS: Design: Dan Meis, Council and Manchester City FC Suites: 98; Arena: 12,000 seats; all fans with room to explore the FAIA (Please note, as before, the Etihad Suites: 82 improved food & drink options, as FEATURES: Intended to evoke one Stadium is owned by the Council, OPENING DATE: 2016 well as different locations with of Rome’s most beloved and iconic not the Club) STAKEHOLDERS: Developer: AEG; views to the adjacent buttes, the landmarks, the Coliseum, the F EATURES : Iconic cable stayed roof Owner: VTB Bank, state owned; valley to the North, and campus to
Q ATA R
S PA I N
MEXICO
UNITED KINGDOM
I TA LY
RUSSIA
12 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
U N I T E D S TAT E S
the South. The stadium will also feature a new large video board and dramatically upgraded Wi-Fi experience, providing every fan with in-seat access.
CALIFORNIA INGLEWOOD LA RAMS STADIUM CAPACITY: 70,240 seats, expandable by 30,000 OPENING DATE: 2019 COST OF CONSTRUCTION: $3 billion (projected) STAKEHOLDERS: Tenants: LA Rams; Architect: HKS FEATURES: The venue is set 100 feet into the ground and with a 175-foot above-ground profile. The design calls for a roof with metal borders and an area over the playing field made of a transparent material called ETFE, which is as clear as a car windshield and believed to be strong enough to support the weight of a vehicle. The NFL approved moving the Stan Kroenke’s team from St. Louis back to L.A. on Jan. 12, 2016.
LOS ANGELES L.A. SOCCER STADIUM CAPACITY: 22,000 OPENING DATE: 2018 COST OF CONSTRUCTION: $250 million STAKEHOLDERS: Owner: Los Angeles Football Club; Architect: Gensler; Project Management: Legends; General Contractor: PCL Construction FEATURES: Being built on the site of the existing Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, which hosted its last concert in 2015. To house a Major League Soccer expansion franchise. The project, adjacent to the Los Angeles Coliseum, will also include up to 100,000 sq. ft. of new restaurants, office space, a conference center and a soccer museum.
SACRAMENTO SACRAMENTO REPUBLIC FC MLS STADIUM 2421 17th St., 95818 (916) 307-6100 www.sacrepublicfc.com goal@sacrepublicfc.com CAPACITY: 22,000 seats OPENING DATE: TBD COST OF CONSTRUCTION: TBD STAKEHOLDERS: Client: SAC Soccer & Entertainment Holdings, LLC; Secondary Client: Sacramento
VENUE NEWS
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Republic FC; Prime Architect: the heart of the City Beautiful. than 10 collegiate sports and athHNTB; Project Development letic administration into one cohe- Integrated seamlessly along Manager: Legends sive building which includes a new Church Street’s emerging Sports FEATURES: The exterior appearance indoor practice facility, renovated Corridor, the design is intended to and building structure is based initiate development and activate academic center, football operaupon Republic FC’s logo: the star. the relationship between the city, tions, athletic department spaces, The result is a stadium that could citizens and spectators - both Olympic sport locker rooms, only be home to this team, showlocal and visiting. The stadium Olympic sport training and weight casing the team’s brand to the was designed to become a garden room, and a 27,000 sf High outside and supporting the fans in of activities for its users - on Performance Sports Institute. the stands. The stadium also pays game days and non-game days FORT COLLINS homage to Sacramento’s urban alike. A variety of high-impact forests and famed canopies. From COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY experiences on the stadium site, 101 McGraw Athletic Center, 80523 coupled with an iconic plaza, will the concourses, tree-like steel (970) 491-4666 support structures to support the create a year-round destination Fax: (970) 491-2353 roof canopy and seating bowl, and incredible fan experience for CAPACITY: 40,000 seats grow from the stadium’s perimeOCSC supporters in the heart of OPENING DATE: TBD ter. Materials used to build the the Parramore community. COST OF CONSTRUCTION: $226.5 million stadium will reflect its location STAKEHOLDERS: Architect: within the historic Railyards disPopulous; Contractor: Mortenson trict. The seating bowl rake is Construction AT L A N TA designed to be the steepest in FEATURES: Will serve as an impor- MERCEDES-BENZ STADIUM Major League Soccer (approxi441 M.L.K. Jr. Dr., NW, 30313 mately 32 degrees) providing great tant step in recruiting top athletes and top students from beyond the CAPACITY: 71,000 seats sight lines and a unique and Colorado borders. The design of OPENING DATE: 2017 intimidating atmosphere that puts the open-air stadium embraces STAKEHOLDERS: Architect: HOK; fans close to the action. The Colorado, including the natural Associate Architects: tvsdesign, closed bowl will wrap around the beauty, wilderness and visual con- Goode Van Slyke, Stanley Beaman pitch on all four sides and be con& Sears; Contractor: HHRM JV; tinuous, with minimal breaks, fur- nections to the Rocky Mountains from campus. The plazas on the Structural: Buro Happold / ther enhancing the apparent north and south sides of the stadi- Hoberman; Project Manager: steepness of the stands, and surum provide space to continue Darden & Co. rounding the pitch on all sides important campus traditions and FEATURES: The architects drew with Republic FC fans. The procreate future traditions to reinspiration from the Falcons’ team posed design for Sacramento engage students and fans. Known logo and created a Falcon wingRepublic FC’s stadium will have a for sustainable leadership, CSU like exterior that utilizes the latest roof that will wrap around the has placed importance on achievin innovative and transparent entire stadium, providing shade to ing LEED Gold and the design building materials. With much of the majority of the seats and furreflects this. the exterior skin made up of glass ther capturing and retaining fan or retractable panels, it will allow energy and intensity. abundant natural sunlight to shine through the expanded general MIAMI concourses and premium spaces, SUN LIFE STADIUM (RENOVATION) providing fans with an outdoor BOULDER 347 Don Shula Drive, 33056 UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO feel. The design process yielded a (305) 943-8000 ATHLETIC COMPLEX/ FOLSOM series of iconic fan-focused eleCAPACITY: : 65326 seats FIELD (EXPANSION) ments that will define the strucOPENING DATE: 2016 (phase 2) ture, including flexible capacity CAPACITY: 50,183 COST OF CONSTRUCTION: $181 million COST OF CONSTRUCTION: $400 million that expands up to 75,000 seats, a STAKEHOLDERS: Architect: HOK; COMPLETION DATE: End zone and retractable roof, interior and exteContractor: Hunt Construction rior views, a 360-degree HD video training facility complete in Fall of FEATURES: Renovation upgrades halo board and an exterior fan plaza. 2015; Indoor practice facility and include video boards in each cor- SUNTRUST PARK outdoor practice fields to be comner of the stadium, additional 2675 Cobb Pkwy SE, 30080 pleted in Spring 2016. suites, and an open-air canopy STAKEHOLDERS: Owner: University info@braves.com over the main seating area. CAPACITY: 41,500 seats of Colorado; Architect: Populous; Contractor: Mortenson OPENING DATE: 2017 ORLANDO FEATURES: Three new seating secCOST OF CONSTRUCTION: $672 million ORLANDO CITY SC DOWNTOWN STAKEHOLDERS: Owner: Cobb tions were added to Folsom Field; STADIUM County; Tenant: Atlanta Braves; 40 private loge boxes and 550 club (855) ORL.CITY Architect: Populous; Contractor: seats with a new indoor club in Fax: (407) 480-4729 American Builders the end zone, and a new corner www.orlandocitysc.com FEATURES: SunTrust Park is the seating section with associated CAPACITY: 19,000 seats new home for the Atlanta Braves. VIP indoor club. This was the OPENING DATE: 2016 It will bring together a classic largest renovation in the history of COST OF CONSTRUCTION: $115 million ballpark feel, modern amenities Folsom Field and Dal Ward STAKEHOLDERS: Owner: City; and southern hospitality, creating Athletic Center. It will significantly Tenant: Orlando City SC; a fan experience unlike any other. improve the student- athlete expeArchitect: Populous; Contractor: An intimate seating bowl will maxrience by providing 380,000 square Barton Malow imize sightlines and a canopy will feet of enhanced amenities and FEATURES: Orlando City SC’s new enhance fan comfort. The ballpark state-of-the-art resources for studowntown stadium will create a will be the first of its kind - a dents to train, develop and study. world-class soccer experience in lifestyle destination that seamThis facility will connect more
GEORGIA
COLORADO
FLORIDA
lessly integrates with an engaging, multi-use development that will be vibrant 365 days a year.
ILLINOIS CHICAGO U.S. CELLULAR FIELD (RENOVATION) 333 W 35th Street, 60616 (312) 674-1000 CAPACITY: 40,615 OPENING DATE: 2016 COST OF CONSTRUCTION: $7.3 million STAKEHOLDERS: Architect: HOK FEATURES: Ongoing renovations to be completed in 2016 include three new video boards, including one about 8,000 square feet above center field.
E VA N S TO N LAKEFRONT ATHLETIC RECREATION COMPLEX Evanston, 60201 OPENING DATE: 2018 STAKEHOLDERS: Architect: Perkins & Will in association with HOK FEATURES: The consolidation of athletic facilities on the main campus allows for direct adjacencies of the new Sports Performance Facilities for Football and Olympic Sports, a new Sports Medicine and Athletic Training Center and a student athlete Training Table. The Natatorium will see significant improvements, including varsity locker rooms, lounges and dry and wet land training areas. NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY ROCKY & BERENICE MILLER PARK Evanston, 60201 (847) 491-3205 OPENING DATE: March 2016 PROJECT COST: $15 million CONTACTS: Deputy Director for Athletics and Recreation Development: Travis Goff, travis.goff@northwestern.edu FEATURES: A new press box (2,300 sq. ft.), clubhouse (6,000 sq. ft., featuring locker room and player's lounge), chair back seats, expanded dugouts, concessions and restrooms facilities, artificial turf and scoreboard. Providing baseball student-athletes with a state-ofthe-art facility and home, as the clubhouse structure will serve, and a surface that maximizes playability was at the heart of the project. The new artificial surface will allow more home games earlier in the year and will also provide community use in the offseason.
INDIANA NOTRE DAME NOTRE DAME STADIUM (RENOVATIONS) Moose Krause Cir, South Bend, 46616
(574) 631-7356 CAPACITY: 84,000 seats OPENING DATE: 2017 COST OF CONSTRUCTION: $400 million STAKEHOLDERS: Architect: HOK as consultant to architect of record S/L/A/M Collaborative; Contractor: Barton Malow FEATURES: Once the Campus Crossroads project is complete, an additional 3,000 to 4,000 fans will be able to cheer on the Fighting Irish. Enhancements to Notre Dame Stadium include outdoor club-level seating within the east and west buildings. Additionally, terraces will adorn each of these buildings, allowing for a view of both campus and the playing field. The most visible change will involve the addition of a video board at the top of the south end of the venue, along with ribbon boards along the east and west sides of the stadium. Just as at Purcell Pavilion and the Compton Family Ice Arena, there will be no advertising or commercials associated with use of the video boards. Seating improvements will include the addition of vinyl-clad benches throughout the stadium, replacing the wood bench seats, as well as an increase of the average space available for each fan from 16 inches wide to 18 inches. The additional video boards will allow for the removal of the north scoreboard in order to enhance the view of the Word of Life mural on the Hesburgh Library. Other enhancements include improvements to the Wi-Fi network and existing sound system within the stadium; renovation of restrooms, concession stands, lighting and signage; and an increase in the number of women's restrooms. The existing press box will be completely removed and replaced by additional seating. The press box will move to the east side of the stadium. NBC Sports will continue to broadcast home football games from the west side of the stadium, however. Enhancements to the south side of the stadium include a redesigned Frank Leahy Gate, creating a grand entrance to Notre Dame Stadium. No clublevel seating is currently planned for the south side of the stadium.
IOWA IOWA CITY UNIVERSITY OF IOWA KINNICK STADIUM (NORTH EDZONE REPLACEMENT) 825 Stadium Drive, 52240
CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 >
JANUARY 2016 VENUES TODAY 13
VENUE NEWS < CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 press/media facilities and coaches sporting events, including baseoffices. A grass terrace and berm ball and soccer. The new stadium (319) 335-9320 seating will be located along the can also accommodate large trade www.hawkeyesports.com outfield. A new team facility that shows and concerts as well as CAPACITY: 70,000 seats will include team locker rooms smaller intimate events in the staOPENING DATE: TBD and a new lounge, a sports medidium’s six state-of-the-art club COST OF CONSTRUCTION: TBD spaces and locations throughout STAKEHOLDERS: Client: University of cine area, an equipment room, a 40-person meeting room, 5 batthe building. With approximately Iowa, Prime Architect: Neumann ting/pitching tunnels and a full 60 percent of the stadium’s roof Monson Architects; Sports Design indoor practice facility with a made up of transparent ethylene Architect; HNTB baseball infield and drop-down tetraflouroethylene (ETFE), the FEATURES: Still in the early stages new stadium will give fans an outof design and planning, the Univ. of batting cages. door feel in a climate-controlled Iowa is looking to replace the curenvironment. One of the key rent north endzone seating section design elements of the iconic stawith new, upgrades seats as well M I N N E A P O L I S dium, is glass walls that offer fans as new concessions and restTARGET FIELD (CENTERFIELD views of the Minneapolis skyline rooms. Design details for the projSEATING AREA) and make up the five pivoting ect are still under development Twins Way, 55403 1 glass doors that open to the stadiand confidential. (612) 659-3400 um’s west plaza. http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/ min/ballpark/ Capacity: 39,504 KANSAS CITY S A I N T LO U I S Opening Date: 2016 US SOCCER NATIONAL TEAM NATIONAL CAR RENTAL FIELD Cost of Construction: N/A TRAINING COMPLEX St. Louis, 63101 STAKEHOLDERS: Tenant: PROJECT COST: $75 million Capacity: 64,000 STAKEHOLDERS:: Wyandotte County; Minnesota Twins; Architect: Opening Date: 2019 (proposed) Populous; Contractor: Mortenson City of Kansas City, Kan.; Cost of Construction: $1.1 billion FEATURES: Reconfiguring Target Architects: Populous; Tenant: Stakeholders: Architect: HOK; Field’s center field seating area U.S. National Team Contractor: HCKL (Hunt, Clayco, into multi-level fan gathering FEATURES: New national training Kai and Legacy Building Group) spaces featuring great sightlines complex for US Soccer that will as well as signature food and bev- Features: National Car Rental house the National Training and erage options. The enhancements Field is expected to be an openCoaching Development Center, an elite athlete training and perform- will be the most extensive renova- air, 64,000-seat stadium on the edge of the Mississippi River. ance analytics campus and nation- tions at Target Field to date and are designed to activate and ener- Plans include various fan amenial youth soccer development proties, tailgating areas and the gize a previously underutilized grams. The high-performance incorporation of trails, natural portion of the ballpark. campus will be the first of its kind habitat and park space on the St. and will introduce a vertically inte- U.S. BANK STADIUM 1010 S 7th St, 55415 Louis riverfront. The venue would grated system of intelligent, data(952) 918-8599 replace the Rams current home, driven training. www.vikings.com/stadium/newthe Edward Jones Dome, which stadium.html opened in 1995 and would help in CAPACITY: 65,000 seats; 1,500,000 preventing the Rams' return to sq. ft. Los Angeles. L E X I N GTO N OPENING DATE: July 2016 UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY NEW COST OF CONSTRUCTION: $1 billion BASEBALL STADIUM CAPACITY: 4,500-plus seats, includ- STAKEHOLDERS: Owner: State of LAS VEGAS Minnesota; Architect: HKS Inc.; ing chairback seats, loge seats, UNLVNOW Contractor: Mortenson club seats, suite seats and grass University of Nevada-Las Vegas Construction; Concessions: berm seating P.O. Box 450003, 89154-0003 Aramark; Management: SMG OPENING DATE: Feb. 2018 www.unlvrebels.com CONTACTS: MFSA Exec. Dir.: Ted PROJECT COST: $31 million Mondale; Asst. GM: Jerry Goldman Capacity: Multi-Purpose StadiumSTAKEHOLDERS: University of 52,000 seats FEATURES: The venue will replace Kentucky Prime Architect: RossOpening Date: 2017 the Metrodome and is owned and Tarrant Architects; Sports Design Cost of Construction: $800 million operated by the Minnesota Sports Architect: HNTB Stakeholders: Owner: Majestic Facilities Authority, a local govCONTACTS: HNTB: Gerardo Prado, Realty; Architect: Woods Bagot ernmental unit of the State of (816) 527-2600 Minnesota. While the major tenant Features: This venue is the start FEATURES: The new facility will of a campus-type property, includin the stadium is the Minnesota include a 360-degree, wraparound concourse enabling fans to Vikings, the building was designed ing housing, entertainment and retail near UNLV. The university to provide a wide array of events walk around the entire stadium. will provide the land but the for the community and state. It An elevated level contains club school and its students will not be will host high school and college seating and lounge, suites,
M I N N E S O TA
KANSAS
MISSOURI
KENTUCKY
N E VA DA
providing funds. A 100-yard-long video screen will be featured.
NEW YORK FLUSHING MEADOWS
UNITED STATES NATIONAL TENNIS CENTER (GRANDSTAND STADIUM, SOUTH CAMPUS RENOVATIONS), ARTHUR ASHE STADIUM (ROOF) Flushing Meadow-Corona Park, 11368 (718) 760-6200 Fax: (718) 592-9488 CAPACITY: Grandstand Stadium – 8,000 seats; South Campus – 5,000 seats; Arthur Ashe Stadium – 22,500 seats OPENING DATE: Grandstand Stadium + South Campus Renovations, August 2016; Arthur Ashe Stadium Roof, August S O U T H C A R O L I N A 2017 COST OF CONSTRUCTION: Grandstand C O L U M B I A Stadium — $80 million; South SPIRIT COMMUNICATIONS PARK Campus Renovations — $60 milBull Street lion; Arthur Ashe Stadium Roof — CAPACITY: 8,000 seats $100 million OPENING DATE: 2016 STAKEHOLDERS: PROJECT COST: $37 million Owner/Management: United STAKEHOLDERS: Architect: States Tennis Association; Populous; Contractor: Barton Designer/Architect: Rossetti; Malow Construction: Hunt FEATURES: Spirit Communications Construction/AECOM; Structural Park will be a minor league ballEngineer: WSP; LEED Consultant: park and state-of-the-art entertainEcoEvolutions; Concessions ment venue – considered the most Consultant: Levy Restaurants significant project to take place in CONTACTS: COO: Danny Zausner, the city in decades. When complete, Zausner@usta.com; Managing the ballpark will serve as a public Director, Corporate gathering space with uses for both Communications: Chris Widmaier, indoor and outdoor events, as well (914) 689-7284, as a design that creates connectiviwidmaier@usta.com ty between the venue and surFEATURES: The strategic transforrounding development currently mation, which began construction being conceptualized. in 2014 and is slated for 2018 completion, will cement the US TEXAS Open’s reputation for marrying S A N A N TO N I O history with innovation,The new retractable roof over Arthur Ashe ALAMODOME (RENOVATION) 100 Montana Street, 78203 Stadium will be complete for the (210) 207-3663 2017 US Open, and the grand CAPACITY: 72,000 seats finale, a new Louis Armstrong OPENING DATE: 2017 Stadium, is on the books for a PROJECT COST: $41 million 2018 opening. STAKEHOLDERS: Architect: Populous, Marmon Mok OREGON FEATURES: Renovation to the C O R VA L L I S Alamodome will make the facility OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY – in San Antonio ready for the 2018 VALLEY FOOTBALL CENTER NCAA Men’s Final Four basket(RENOVATION) & RESER STADIUM ball championship, and allow (NORTH END ZONE) San Antonio to compete with CAPACITY: 43,400 seats major cities to attract marquee OPENING DATE: August 2016 events.
SOURCE: 2015/2016 VENUES TODAY INTERNATIONAL VENUE RESOURCE GUIDE and VENUES TODAY DATABASE
To purchase your copy of the 2015/2016 International Venue Resource Guide, visit www.venuestoday.com or contact our office. Pay only $89 for over 4,000 listings. That’s just two cents per contact!
Contact Rob Ocampo to reserve 2016/2017 advertising space! P: 714.378.5400 rob@venuestoday.com
14 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
COST OF CONSTRUCTION: $35 million STAKEHOLDERS: Client: Oregon State University; Prime Architect: HNTB, Structural Engineer: KPFF FEATURES: The project scope includes new North End Zone premium seating above field level team locker room, sports medicine area and equipment area. The new North End Zone provides pedestrian connections east and west sides over field access ramps. The project will also add new loading dock areas and new team auditorium as well as renovation of existing Valley Football Center building, which includes Hall of Fame, coach’s locker room, team meeting rooms and football administration.
2016 BOX OFFICE STAR AWARDS The Dedicated Veteran Jim Sachs led Intrust Bank Arena’s ticketing to selling out six Garth Brooks shows by REBECCA NAKASHIMA
“For Wichita, it was something that’s never been done before. It was a lot of prep with our backend of Tickets.com. My team handled pretty much everything, except we had to rely on them to help us with the phone room, because the requirements for what they needed, we as a smaller ticketing agency couldn’t handle.” JIM SACHS DIRECTOR OF TICKETING INTRUST BANK ARENA, WICHITA, KAN.
YOU DON’T SELL 75,000 TICKETS IN AN HOUR WITHOUT A LOT OF WORK ON THE PART OF THE BOX OFFICE.
Thankfully, it was all in the capable hands of Jim Sachs, director of Ticketing, and the rest of the box office team at Intrust Bank Arena, Wichita, Kan. In less than 72 hours, six Garth Brooks shows were completely sold out, earning Sachs recognition from Venues Today readers as a 2016 Box Office Star. “For Wichita, it was something that’s never been done before,” said Sachs. “It was a lot of prep with our backend of Tickets.com. My team handled pretty much everything, except we had to rely on them to help us with the phone room, because the requirements for what they needed, we as a smaller ticketing agency couldn’t handle.” As ticketing director for the arena and Select-A-Seat, Sachs led the coordination between the two agencies. A big piece was reeducating the public to use the Tickets.com CONTINUED ON PAGE 16 >
JANUARY 2016 VENUES TODAY 15
2016 BOX OFFICE STAR AWARDS THE DEDICATED VETERAN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15
website rather then the Select-A-Seat site they were used to going to for tickets. “We basically created any of those pages that people could possibly go to on the SelectA-Seat website to automatically redirect them to the right place, so if somebody went to the wrong page they could still get there and get tickets. It was thinking of all the possibilities of how someone would possibly buy a ticket, whether it was the phone number or the web address, and making sure it all came back together to the same spot.” Sachs found his love for ticketing while in grad school at Wichita State University, where he interned with the athletics ticket office. After graduating, he stayed with the university for a few years, then went to Arkansas State University as ticket manager for five years before heading back to Wichita.
16 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
Sachs has been with SMG and Intrust Bank Arena since it opened five years ago and, before that, worked with Select-A-Seat and Kansas Stadium. “Having him there to open the building was a big asset,” said AJ Boleski, general manager of Intrust Bank Arena. “He’s extremely dedicated to our industry and very passionate about ticketing. He’s very wellversed in the market and tries to really provide some valuable feedback for promoters as it relates to ticketing and scaling and pricing and those sorts of things so the shows are successful.” Though this Garth Brooks run may be the most memorable event Sachs has ever worked, it wasn’t his first experience with the country superstar. And being able to compare both runs has really illuminated the ways the business has changed.
“About 18 years ago, I did him at the Kansas Coliseum and you didn’t have the internet back then and you had lines of people at the outlets and at your building and you still sold out five shows,” said Sachs. “Now, it took a little longer, but the way that the internet and the social media have come as far as being a part of that is the biggest change that I’ve seen. I date myself saying that, but it was really noticeable coming back and doing this latest series of Garth Brooks concerts where it’s phone and internet only.” Though the business has changed, Jack Lucas, president, TicketsWest, was there at the beginning when he and Sachs were on the same Select-A-Seat software in the 80s. “I was chairman of the users group and we used to always huddle together at every INTIX conference and figure out what kind of update we wanted to do,” said Lucas. “Life was different back then. Customers dictate to us today what kinds of services they want us to provide. Well back then, a ticketing software company would say here’s what we’re giving you this year and we’d all say, oh that’s wonderful! Here we are almost 30 years later and we’ve maintained that friendship and that bond. Some people have moved on or dropped out, but there’s a handful of us who got this in our DNA and we never let go.” And Sachs’ DNA is definitely infused with ticketing. He even admitted he could never do a regular, 9-5 job. He’s addicted to the ever-changing nature of the job. There are always new events and new things happening. “Jim has always had a love affair with this business,” said Lucas. “When he ended up there in Wichita, he fell in love with the area, and I think it’s been good to him. He’s the type of guy you can reach out to when you have a problem, have a question or just want to talk. Jim is one of my dear friends and one of the first people I really became friends with in the ticketing business. We’ve had a lot of adventures over the years, that’s for sure.” Along with his love for the business comes the ability to roll with the punches, a trait that Sachs said is imperative for any ticketing professional.
2016 BOX OFFICE STAR AWARDS “You never quite know what you’re going to get when a show moves in,” said Sachs. “I’ve always learned that as a ticketing person you have to be flexible and adjust as it goes and go with the flow and make it work.” Beyond the excitement of the environment, Sachs said the thing that first endeared him to ticketing is the thing that he still loves most about it today. “I felt like I was helping people and really being able to take care of them and let them have a good time,” said Sachs. “I enjoyed that aspect. Anytime that you can make somebody enjoy an event or have a great experience it fuels you and helps you take care of those off times when nobody likes you at all.” Interviewed for this story: Jim Sachs, (316) 440-9007; Jack Lucas, (509) 981-6557; AJ Boleski, (316) 440-9015
“Jim has always had a love affair with this business. When he ended up there in Wichita, he fell in love with the area, and I think it’s been good to him. He’s the type of guy you can reach out to when you have a problem, have a question or just want to talk. Jim is one of my dear friends and one of the first people I really became friends with in the ticketing business. We’ve had a lot of adventures over the years, that’s for sure.” — JACK LUCAS
CONGRATULATIONS Jim Sachs, Director of Ticketing for Select-A-Seat / INTRUST Bank Arena from all of your fans at INTRUST Bank Arena
2016 VENUES TODAY BOX OFFICE STAR
JANUARY 2016 VENUES TODAY 17
2016 BOX OFFICE STAR AWARDS
Cool Under Pressure Verizon Center’s Sergio Fresco is the epitome of the unflappable, and accurate, pro b y L I N DA D E C K A R D
“At the end of the day, we have to make sure everyone is happy, clients to patron and the organization. Keeping things in check while keeping that same consistent, positive experience for everyone involved, does involve a lot of juggling.”
SERGIO FRESCO ASSISTANT DIR. FOR CLIENT SERVICES VERIZON CENTER AND MONUMENTAL SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT, WASH.
IN 25 YEARS IN TICKETING, HE’S SEEN IT ALL, but finessing the needs of the private
100th anniversary Iglesia Ni Cristo celebration in a sold-out, general-admission, digital-onlyducat arena was among the most challenging. Sergio Fresco, assistant director for client services, Verizon Center and Monumental Sports Entertainment, Washington, always looks at events a little differently because the arena is on Pennsylvania Avenue, just blocks from the White House. He’s adept at going with the flow, saying no if necessary, but always putting the client and customer first. For that accomplishment, Fresco won a 2016 Venues Today Box Office Star award. Those who know him best, like current Verizon Center GM Dave Touhey, say the Filippino religious anniversary celebration is 18 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
“just one example of how great he is. He does it all.” Remarking on the way Fresco’s fingers just dance over the keyboard, Touhey said that might be because he also plays the accordion. With clients, he’s calm and effective. Best of all, “he’s an all around nice guy.” With Verizon Center since it opened in 1997, Fresco started in the business with the same organization in a way — with the now defunct Capital Center, Landover, Md., that the late Abe Pollin used to call home for his Washington Bullets. He started with the organization in 1991. After a brief stint with Ticketron, he joined Ticketmaster, which became the master of ticketing. When Ted Raper was ready to retire in 1999, after Pollin announced he was
selling his Ticketmaster franchise and offering a year’s pay versus new-owner uncertainty, Raper picked Fresco as his successor. He handpicked Fresco because “he was at work every day on time; he was cheerful and he knew his job.” “I took him under my wing and in three weeks, I taught him everything I’d learned at Ticketmaster in 25 years,” Raper said. “I thought he could do it. He prospered.” Iglesia Ni Cristo is an example of how well Fresco knows the business. It was not a traditional event in any way, but he had to manifest each and every seat in the arena, although it was a general admission event. “But the best part was the event wanted to be completely digital and they wanted a ticket delivery system as well,” Fresco recalled. “It had its unique features.” The arena used Ticketmaster AccessManager, “but they provided us with the barcodes rather than us creating the event,” he said. “We had to import from the outside in.” And then there were unusual security concerns. “There were some people they wanted to keep out for the security of the overall event,” he said. “So we had to, at a moment’s notice, be able to block certain barcodes, which they provided in advance, from coming in at all. The trick was to do it within a live event where doors were open. We had to find the barcode they wanted us to stop quickly without inconveniencing thousands of people.” Ultimately it had no glitches. Over 16,000 attended the July 26, 2015, celebration. “It was a team effort,” Fresco said. It is part of Fresco’s life, as it is anyone at Verizon Center, to host events that think they CONTINUED ON PAGE 22 >
2016 BOX OFFICE STAR AWARDS
The Girl with the Great Attitude Debbie Aleff puts fans first, communicates on their level and has fun doing it b y L I N DA D E C K A R D
“You have to multitask. You have to know a lot of everything, but if you don’t know the technology and you’re not on top of it, you can go way back really quick.”
DEBBIE ALEFF DIRECTOR OF TICKETING DULUTH (MINN.) ENT. CONV. CENTER AND AMSOIL ARENA
FROM FANS FIRST COALITION ADVOCATE TO SOCIAL MEDIA MAVEN, Debbie
Aleff has never ceased expanding her job and responsibilities. As director of ticketing for the Duluth (Minn.) Entertainment Convention Center (DECC) and Amsoil Arena, for 14 years, her primary job is ticketing … added to marketing … topped with customer service. As her current boss Dan Russell, venue executive director, puts it, Aleff “never loses track of the fact this is fun. In my 26 years here, nothing has changed more than the ticketing part of your operation.” Aleff has cheerfully changed with it and 20 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
shares the perspective, having started out in college, working nonprofits, expanding into performing arts and even advertising and marketing before finding her way home to “the Milwaukee area.” Her advocacy with the Fans First Coalition, a natural because the Lieutenant Governor and a state senator are on the DECC board; her creation of a second box office in Amsoil Arena, which opened four years ago, and her social media moxy, taking on five Facebook pages to get a consistent message out, won Aleff her 2016 Venues Today Box Office Star Award.
She actually got into the business by accident, a tale she’s heard many times from her peers. “I was in theater and loved it. I started acting. One of my first mentors, the late John Munsell, professor and advisor at the University of Wisconsin Superior, “pretty much told me his opinion about my acting skills. He told me, ‘you may want to try something else, maybe the front of house’.” Possibly, he just wanted a skilled assistant, because she started working in the box office, marketing shows and then “John gave me assistant to the artistic director, which he was, and I helped him teach and evaluate the students in his theater management class.” That lasted three years. “It’s very rewarding. I found exactly where I wanted to be. I didn’t know anyone really in the business,” Aleff recalled, but this validated ticketing as a career and she began expanding her skills. She worked summer stock and several nonprofits before meeting Donna Santos from the Providence (R.I.) Performing Arts Center. “When I started working there, she showed me more about the ticketing system. She got the keycodes, because we manipulated that system like crazy. On the box office side, we made it work for us,” she said of those early lessons. Santos, VP of ticketing in Providence, recalled Aleff as “ a very hard worker, competent and detail oriented, but what made her special was her cheery disposition. She was always ready to look for the amusing side of
2016 BOX OFFICE STAR AWARDS everything, which in the box office can truly come in handy.” Santos was a “really cool mentor” to Aleff, because, in this job, “you have to multitask. You have to know a lot of everything, but if you don’t know the technology and you’re not on top of it, you can go way back really quick.” From working with Professional Facility Management, which ran Providence, Aleff took a sojourn as advertising and marketing manager for the New England Jeep Dealers. They were bigtime sponsors with tickets and perks at multiple sports and entertainment properties. Aleff managed it all, honing her marketing skills along the way. She recalled one Jeep Owner Appreciation Days promotion where they booked 14 ski resorts and touted bring your Jeep and ski for free. “And I got to go to the Ryder Cup with my boss. It was a very fun job.” Two coinciding events, a downturn in the economy and the terriorist attacks on New York City, prompted Aleff to go back home. “I’d decided if I ever moved back I’d work for the DECC and sure enough there was an ad in the paper.” It was Dec. 7, 2001. Since arriving at the DECC, Aleff has continued to expand her job. Working with Fans First Coalition was a natural, because “the whole mission statement is to change and improve the ticketing purchase for fans by fighting for access to face value tickets for fans.” As a ticketing pro, she has seen the impact software robotic programs have on the fans ability to buy a ticket to a show in their own backyard. “It makes me angry,” admits the usually-fun-loving Aleff. “The old way of doing things was trying to get two tickets out at a time, maybe four, and you had to be really quick at it, but I did get fans some really good seats,” she recalled. “Now fans are sitting at home buying online and these software programs just suck everything up. There is a solution out there from both sides I think, but it’s a matter of getting people together and talking about it instead of fighting in court. We just have to make sure it’s the fan who comes first.”
Aleff’s career has been about educating the fan and the industry. Everyone has a personal tale of woe and hers is the elderly couple who attended an Elton John concert for their 75th wedding anniversary with fraudulent tickets a friend had bought online. “Of course, we fix these people’s problems,” she said, but it’s not ideal. They had seats on the suite level of the sold-out show. “I put a reserved sign on two chairs up there, we walked them up and let them sit up there. I don’t think she really grasped her tickets were fraudulent. But her experience was the best and that’s what we do.” A ticketing professional has to be aware of everything that’s going on and Aleff has spent a career preparing herself to be a little psychiatrist, a little educator and a total professional. Fraudulent tickets are “my problem because these are my fans. They live here. They live in Duluth, they live in Superior. They’re not just
coming to one concert. They’re coming to a hockey game next week, the ballet, or a homeshow/sports show. “They are my fan.” Her mentors have helped. Russell made it clear when Amsoil Arena was built five years ago that it would be designed by the users, so she was able to name sections, number seats and curate ADA issues. Santos taught her technology so she could go further in her career. And Munsell? “He saw something in me I could do.” That’s why her best advice today is to send people to acting class instead of speech. “You become a character. You become somebody,” she said. As the sign in her office proclaims: “It’s all good.” Interviewed for this story: Debbie Aleff and Dan Russell, (218) 722-5573; Donna Santos, (401) 421-2997
CONGRATULATIONS!! CON GR A TUL A TION S!! To T o our “BOX “BOX OFFICE STAR” STAR” STAR
Deb Aleff From your friends at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center
Home ttoo AAMSOIL MSOIL Arena Arena (Cap. (Cap. 8000) Home DECC AArena rena ((Cap. Cap. 6500) DECC Duluth Symphony Symphony Hall ((Cap. Cap. 2400) Duluth Bayfront Festival Festival PPark ark ((Cap.12,000) Cap.12,000) Bayfront decc.or .org g decc.org JANUARY 2016 VENUES TODAY 21
2016 BOX OFFICE STAR AWARDS COOL UNDER PRESSURE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18
can do the exact same thing they did at another arena. They do not fathom “we are in the heart of the capital. It is Washington, D.C.,” Fresco said. “At the end of the day, we have to make sure everyone is happy, clients to patron and the organization. Keeping things in check while keeping that same consistent, positive experience for everyone involved, does involve a lot of juggling,” Fresco said. Gary Handleman, former GM of Verizon Center, concurred. “Sergio juggles a lot of balls,” said Handleman, who is now retired other than a weekend gig selling T-shirts. “He rarely gets ruffled. And he’s completely accurate.” Visits from the President, First Lady, First Kids, Vice President, Senators and Congressman are run-of-the-mill for Fresco. “You don’t get much notice,” he noted, but
22 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
when a visit is planned, several things escalate and go into motion. No problem for the unruffable Fresco. He is forever grateful he got a chance to advance in the job he loves. His best advice: “Make sure you sell the seats and not the wrong seats and configure the building correctly. You have to be accurate. You have to focus.” The pressure today is much different than
20 years ago, Fresco noted. The deadlines are much shorter. “Ted and Gary prepared me for being trusted and being trustworthy They never had to worry about it. They knew I’d take on the position and they left it in good hands.” Interviewed for this story: Sergio Fresco, (20) 628-3200 (x6632); Gary Handleman, (443) 805-1859; Dave Touhey, (202) 661-5060; Ted Raper, (919) 410-1111
“Sergio juggles a lot of balls. He rarely gets ruffled. And he’s completely accurate.” — GARY HANDLEMAN
ADVERTISE NOW FOR YEAR-ROUND VISIBILITY! 2016 FAIRS & FESTIVALS RESOURCE GUIDE THE INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL'S LEADING RESOURCE WITH OVER 2,600 LISTINGS OF FAIRS, FESTIVALS, CARNIVALS, BOOKING AGENCIES AND FOOD CONCESSIONAIRES!
Take advantage of the opportunity to promote your organization in the 2016 Fairs & Festivals Resource Guide! This guide offers updated statistical information on fairs and festivals including: main contact information, upcoming 2016 event dates, and attendance figures.
GUIDE WILL BE SEEN BY: • • • • • • •
Promoters Producers Booking Agents Venue Managers Concessionaires Ticketing Executives And more!
ACT NOW TO RESERVE PREMIUM AD SPACE! AD DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 26, 2016 Contact Rich DiGiacomo to reserve advertising space! P: 310.429.3678 | E: rich@venuestoday.com
(Clockwise from top left) Exterior of Kreielsheimer Promenade at Marion Oliver McCaw Hall, Seattle (Photo by Jeff Miller); the marquee at Portland'5 Centers for the Arts Arlene Schnitzer Hall (Photo by Jim Lykins); Tacoma (Wash. Dome at night; The Scorpions perform at ShoWare Center, Kent, Wash.
SELLING TICKETS IS ALL THAT MATTERS Pacific Northwest venue managers pamper road crews, promote promoters and add ambiance to make it happen b y R .V. B A U G U S
Venue managers in the Pacific Northwest would like to remind you that the postcard beauty that the region is famous for is not just relegated to whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outside their facilities. Come inside, they say, and take in the ambiance and attention to detail for patrons and artists alike and you will quickly understand why these venues are must-play destinations. > 24 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
VT SPOTLIGHT
Boise State Men's Basketball vs. University of Oregon on Dec. 12, 2015 at Taco Bell Arena, Boise, Idaho.
One common thread for top stops, not just in the Pacific Northwest but anywhere, is the ability to sell tickets and provide excellent service. “The reality is agents, managers and artists look at venues who sell tickets,” said Dean Clarke, Spectra Venue Management’s vice president director of business development in Western Canada and general manager responsible for the SOUTH OKANAGAN EVENTS CENTRE in Penticton, British Columbia. “They understand the professionalism they will get with our venue. Those are the two biggest things.” It is no secret that agents, managers and artists also all talk to each other. Word travels fast and the reputation of top spots can be made or broken in many instances because of past experiences. Venue managers know it is their responsibility to provide the absolute best experience for every act entering their buildings to ensure repeat business. In the case of the TACOMA DOME, size matters to go along with top-rate service. “The Tacoma Dome can accommodate nearly 23,000 for a concert, making it the largest indoor venue in the Seattle metropolitan market,” said Kim Bedier, director, City of Tacoma, Public Assembly Facilities including the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center/Tacoma Dome. “It can also effectively host a show in an intimate setting due to our extensive rigging grid and curtaining system.
“We provide a standard of event service second to none from the minute our booking manager Tom Alexander picks up the phone to the attention to detail provided by seasoned event managers John McClees and Jeff Brown to the socks and T-shirts we provide the road crew as they get off the bus to start a long concert day. We care about delivering the best live entertainment experience to show personnel, artists and patrons.” Alexander said that he and his team put themselves in the shoes of the traveling musicians and crew members. In addition to the black socks and T-shirts, there are a vintage arcade and pinball games as well as a basketball hoop backstage. “Any opportunity that we can seize where the crew or artist will tell the next city what a great experience they had at the Tacoma Dome, we want,” he said. “Michael Marion from the Verizon Arena in Little Rock, Ark., even called to tell us he had heard about our socks and shirts from tour personnel at a stop in his venue. They were raving about them.” Bedier cited a huge loading area with extensive truck and bus parking. Despite not having a tenant team, attendance at the Dome has averaged more than 500,000 for the last three years. In 2015, five event nights grossed more than $1 million. In that same time span, CONTINUED ON PAGE 26 >
JANUARY 2016 VENUES TODAY 25
VT SPOTLIGHT
TOPSTOPS
PACIFIC NORTHWEST | 2016
Based on concert and event grosses from Nov. 1, 2014 – Oct. 31, 2015, as reported to Venues Today. VENUE, LOCATION
NO. OF SEATS
TOTAL GROSS
ATTENDANCE SHOWS
> 15,001 AND MORE CAPACITY 1. Rose Quarter, Portland, Ore.
20,580
$23,588,606
393,558
2. Rexall Place, Edmonton, Alberta
18,500
$21,679,326
327,112
67 36
3. Tacoma (Wash.) Dome
23,000
$12,370,981
190,660
25
59
> 10,001-15,000 CAPACITY 1. Spokane (Wash.) Veterans Memorial Arena 12,638
$11,237,750
255,369
2. Taco Bell Arena, Boise, Idaho
13,390
$4,805,147
96,201
12
3. Ambleside Park, West Vancouver, B.C.
15,000
$631,765
10,145
1
58
> 5,001-10,000 CAPACITY 7,600
$4,105,385
122,848
2. South Okanagan Events Centre, Penticton, B.C. 5,200
1. ShoWare Center, Kent, Wash.
$2,729,206
66,389
22
3. Abbotsford (B.C.) Centre
$2,188,985
64,768
30
1. Marion Oliver McCaw Hall at Seattle Center 2,953
$18,465,833
295,791
138
3,034
$13,108,868
247,256
108
3. Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland, Ore. 2,808
$12,259,236
263,187
133
8,500
> 2,001-5,000 CAPACITY 2. Keller Auditorium, Portland, Ore.
> 2,000 AND FEWER CAPACITY 1. Portland (Ore.) Center for the Perf. Arts
1,372
$2,984,714
66,981
45
2. Newmark Theatre, Portland, Ore.
922
$1,980,515
56,682
110
$459,887
17,552
96
3. Dolores Winningstad Theatre, Portland, Ore. 330
Compiled by Whitney Clements, HotTickets@venuestoday.com
SELLING TICKETS... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25
the venue has averaged 51 percent occupancy or an average of 187 days of building use. “Quite simply, we sell tickets,” Bedier said. “A lot of tickets.” Clarke’s venue in Penticton opened in 2008 and seats 5,500 and enjoyed its best year in 2015. The Junior A hockey Penticton Vees anchor the facility with some 60 event days a year between September and April, while the calendar fills out with RV shows, NHL young star hockey tournaments and another 12 to 16 events including concerts and the Harlem Globetrotters. “I believe history helps make a place a top spot,” Clarke said. “It’s the relationships you have with the promoters and the agents and the artists. Does your venue sell tickets? Does your venue make the artists and the agents and the promoters money? If it does then you’re going to be a top stop. If your venue is concerned about making all those people money, 26 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
you will then start to make money. But if you have an attitude where you want to make sure the venue makes money on its shows, you probably have got it backwards. You need to make sure they make money and your money will follow suit. “I don’t know how many times they have come in and said to us, ‘You’re a breath of fresh air to put us first versus the venue first.’ It’s just good due diligence and it is long-term thinking for our clients. Anyone can do any show once. Any building can make money once. Can you be consistent over the long term? The only way you’re going to do that is if your partners who come into your building make money. If they lose money they’re not coming back.” The ROSE QUARTER in Portland is one of the busiest venues in the region with scheduling requirements working around the Portland Trail Blazers’ NBA regular season and playoffs as well accommodating the
Portland's Newmark Theater (Photo by David Barss)
venue’s two other tenants. That hectic schedule does not and cannot result in short-changing other events that play the 19,980-seat MODA CENTER. “We focus not just on delivering a four wall box, but on making a tour’s experience with us as seamless as possible,” said Adam Cook, general manager of the Rose Quarter. “Our dedication to ensuring that a show day runs without difficulty has made us one of the favorite stops for most production crews. “At the same time, we thrive with our attention to the little extra details. Whether it’s putting down our basketball sport court so the crew can shoot around during down times or working with our partners to provide local delicacies in addition to standard catering, we go the extra mile to make Portland feel like home. From a ticket sales side, we can provide a constant flow of our own comprehensive data and CONTINUED ON PAGE 28 >
SIX EXCEPTIONAL WEST EXCEPTIONAL NORTH WE ST VENUES POSSIBILITIES UNLIMITED TOUR POSSIBILITIES
est
encana
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR VENUES AND SERVICES VENUE VE NU E MANAGEMENT MANAGEME NT
FOOD SERVICES FOOD SE RVICES & HO HOSPITALITY SPITALIT Y
TICKETING TICKET IN G & FAN ENGAGEMENT FAN EN GAGEME NT
SPECTRAEXPERIENCES.COM
VT SPOTLIGHT
SELLING TICKETS... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26
analytics to help with a promoter’s marketing plans. We also tie in our own digital assets to help ensure the success of our shows.”
Recoil 3, featuring the Tacoma Dome, is promoted on Times Square in New York.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST VENUES BY THE NUMBERS 2.6 MILLION – Guests who have visited ShoWare Center in the six years the arena has been open
410,000 – Approximate total attendance for all 214 events in 2015 at ShoWare Center 2009 – Year the ShoWare Center opened as North America’s first sports and entertainment arena to achieve LEED GOLD certification
7,000 – Number of tickets sold at ShoWare Center in just over an hour as Florida Georgia Line became the quickest show to sell out in December 2013
210,000 – Number of cars that drive along Interstate 5 every day to pass the Tacoma Dome marquee
RECOIL 3 – Video with stunt driver BJ Baldwin shot in and around Tacoma and featuring the Tacoma Dome for a huge indoor jump of 175 feet, just 25 feet short of a world record longest indoor jump
1.8 MILLION – Number of times the jump has been viewed on YouTube since November 10, 2015
24,541,382 – Cubic feet volume of the Tacoma Dome 95,000 – Square feet of meeting space and three ice sheets comprise the South Okanagan Events Centre complex
$20 MILLION – Amount spent on Moda Center renovations the past three years 1,753,556 – Pounds of waste diverted at the Moda Center in 2014, or equivalent to 219,194 basketballs
2025 – Year in which the Moda Center looks to reach its goal of having all food in the arena become local, organic and/or sustainable
26 – Number of Electric parking spots at Moda Center, the largest concentration of EV stations in the state
3 – Number of conversions to Ticketmaster at Boise State University’s three major campus venues including Taco Bell Arena, Albertson’s Stadium and Morrison Center for the Performing Arts
30,144 – Tickets converted at Taco Bell Arena $1,499,348 – Dollar value of those converted tickets 5 – Theaters under the care of Portland’5 Centers for the Arts 879,335 – Total attendance at the five Portland venues in 2015 970 – Total performances in 2015 at Portland’5 Centers for the Arts 9 – Broadway productions at Portland’5 Centers for the Arts 344 – Number of events held at McCaw Hall in 2015 378,691 – Annual attendance at McCaw Hall 104 – Days in which event-related activities (event days plus load-in, load-outs, rehearsals, etc.) took place at McCaw Hall
28 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
COLLEGIATE TOP SPOTS As with their counterparts who house professional sports teams, venues set on college campuses also earn top stop reputations, including the TACO BELL ARENA on the campus of Boise State University in Idaho. “It boils down to building solid relationships and delivering exceptional experiences for clients and fans,” said Lisa Cochran, the venue’s executive director. “We’re in a great route between Salt Lake City, Portland and Seattle, so we have fantastic artists coming through. We have to deliver on primary tour expectations in a secondary market, which means solid ticket sales and grosses, very knowledgeable and proactive box office staff, a creative marketing team that delivers results, a production team focused on client service and attention to details, and a professional security and guest service culture that creates a safe yet inviting environment for the artist, their touring families, and fans.” It is obvious the venue answers the call on all of the above as evidenced by it averaging between 15 to 20 commercial tours, 45 Boise State athletic games and 15 to 20 campus and community events in the arena space. Cochran said that 2016 will be even busier than the previous year that saw 18 touring shows come through. Another 10 concerts will take place as part of the Idaho Botanical Garden’s Outlaw Field Summer Concert Series exclusively promoted by CMoore Live. The SHOWARE CENTER in Kent, Wash., is managed by SMG and is the newest entertainment venue in the Puget Sound region. The venue seats up to 7,000 and is home to the WHL Seattle Thunderbirds. Located just 15 miles south of downtown Seattle and 15 miles north from Tacoma directly off Interstate 5, the venue offers free parking and easy access to the facility from all directions. “Staff members take great pride in delivCONTINUED ON PAGE 32 >
THE
WARMEST HOT-SPOT IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST.
Let our HOSPITALITY make things positively memorable for your artist and crew. From stadium superstars to legendary comedians, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve hosted them all. TACOMADOME.ORG For booking information, contact Tom Alexander at 253-593-7627 or talexander@tacomadome.org
VT SPOTLIGHT
A Regional Look at Industry Trends Pacific Northwest venue managers cite video gaming, direct-from-agent buying and data analytics b y R .V. B A U G U S
The Wolf Hometown Holiday 2015 plays ShoWare Center, Kent, Wash.
W
hat is visible to venue managers in the Pacific Northwest when it comes to discussing trends in the industry may or may not be privy
to the public eye. Visible: Talk about a trend of hosting video game tournaments and you have a subject to pique the interest of patrons, especially those who are into video games. Invisible: Talk about a trend whereby the venue deals more directly with agents rather than promoters and the topic is one hidden from public view. But both are among trends cited by venue managers who are either already here or have the possibility of appearing in the near future. “I’m keeping my eye on the competitive video game tournaments happening in arenas right now,” said Robyn Williams, executive director of Portland’5 Centers for the Arts. 30 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
“This is pretty exciting stuff in my mind. I’m not sure how that will play out for performing arts centers yet but I’ve learned over the years to never say, ‘That will never be done in a PAC.’ We’re breaking rules all the time. “I’m also waiting for the next megamusical to come to fruition. Book of Mormon was the last biggie to come out of New York. Maybe Hamilton? I haven’t seen it yet but it appears to be breaking all sorts of traditional rules and people seem to like it. But, as they say, will it play well in Poughkeepsie?” Maybe not in Poughkeepsie, but as long as Williams is in charge in Portland with her creative skill set, never, as she says, say never. Dean Clarke is Spectra Venue Management’s vice president and director of business development in Western Canada and general manager responsible for the South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton, British Columbia. In Canada he sees the tide changing
toward more direct agent contact for booking shows at his 5,500-seat venue. “Typically over the last 20 years it has been more heavily promoter-driven so most of the general managers in Canada have relationships with promoters,” he said. “What we’re seeing now is much more agent-driven. It is still absolutely driven by the promoters, but you won’t survive in Canada unless you have a good relationship obviously with a Live Nation or a unique, boutique promoter like Invictus Entertainment Group. If you don’t have a good relationship with those guys you’re probably not going to survive. “I believe the shift is due to a heavier influence from our American counterparts and is a trend we are seeing more and more of here in Canada. That is more prominent in the States but growing here. Where it once was maybe 10 percent of the time we were talking to an agent it’s now creeping into the 30-percent range that we talk to agents.” CONTENT IS KING The most successful websites like to boast that content is king, and it really is no different when it comes to what takes place on the floor of a venue. “Buildings need content, and our clients are looking at us to make that happen,” said Ryan Hart, director of sales and marketing of the 7,000-seat SMG-managed ShoWare Center in Kent, Wash. “The trend we’ve noticed and seen success with is partnering with local businesses to create our own events, such as our own festival called Bikes, Brews, and Tattoos, working with the local Harley dealership. “Additionally, as we are located in a very culturally diverse part of the region, we have had great success with Mexican/Hispanic shows as well as Middle Eastern/Indian con-
VT SPOTLIGHT
certs and other cultural-based events. Our goal is to fill every dark day with an event and contribute to the economic impact for the city of Kent.” Lisa Cochran, executive director of the Taco Bell Arena at Boise State University in Boise, Idaho, noted a trend of coexistence between outdoor venues and those such as her 14,480-seat arena. “Many arena managers are lamenting the impact of festivals and amphitheaters on indoor touring activity,” Cochran said. “Outdoor venues facilitate a social experience with fans connecting with one another and celebrating a lifestyle via a lineup of artists. “Indoor venues provide a more intimate setting for fans to connect to artists directly through the artist’s creative production and music. There is room for and a need for both types of fan experiences in an artist’s career
development and progression.” Of course, no discussion of trends can take place without introducing numbers, statistics and data into the chatter. Savvy venue managers rely heavily on such metrics to help make future decisions and identify current and upcoming trends. “With all the information now available at the fingertips of any agent or promoter, the biggest trend that’s going to impact the way we do business centers around data analytics,” said Adam Cook, general manager of the Rose Quarter in Portland. “We’re seeing it right now with professional sports. With the right data sets, a good analyst can predict within a few percentage points how many tickets will sell for a given game. “As the data sets around entertainment events grow, this same process will be able to be applied to concert touring. The venue with the
right information will be able to tell a promoter, with reasonable certainty, exactly how successful a show will be. This has the potential to dramatically change the way we operate.” While some trends push the envelope others seem to be a trend to be adhered to year after year. “Safety and security issues are first and foremost,” said Kim Bedier, director, City of Tacoma, Public Assembly Facilities including the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center/Tacoma Dome. “All venues are examining their policies and procedures with the goal of a safe and enjoyable event experience every time.” Interviewed for this story: Kim Bedier, (253) 573-2554; Dean Clarke, (250) 490-2460; Lisa Cochran, (208) 4262546; Adam Cook, (503) 235-8771; Ryan Hart, (253) 8566705; Robyn Williams, (503) 248-4335
JANUARY 2016 VENUES TODAY 31
VT SPOTLIGHT
{
}
“The venue has to understand
that the days of just being a rental venue are over. A successful venue serves as a partner to both the promoters and the production crews that come to their market.” — ADAM COOK
SELLING TICKETS... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28
ering first-class customer service for all of our guests,” said Ryan Hart, director of sales and marketing. “Our food selection and catering options are considered the best in the region. Those are a few of the reasons our guests buy tickets and keep coming back for all of our shows. Our ability to build seating configurations from 2,000 seats to 7,000 seats gives both the artists and our guests an intimate setting for any performance.” The building finished construction on Jan. 2, 2009, and last year recorded a record 214 events including hockey, concerts, indoor soccer, Legends Football League, community and catering events, graduations and more. Respected industry veteran Robyn Williams, executive director of PORTLAND’5 CENTERS FOR THE ARTS, acknowledges that there are “fancier, newer, slicker performing arts centers out there but no one has a better staff than we do.” It is that professionalism that makes her venue a must-stop and will continue to do so. “We spend a considerable amount in training and professional development and it’s the last thing we cut in a budget crunch,” Williams said. “We never stop training and retraining through all levels of the organization. I believe a venue is only as good as its people. Market size, location and reputation can make a difference but I ultimately think it boils down to how well did you take care of the artist/agent/promoter/audience member?” The OLIVER MCCAW HALL in Seattle is yet another performing arts venue where superior customer service ensures it remains a top stop. It will host more than 300 public events in the various event spaces at the venue in any 32 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
given year, a testament to its staying power. “We believe that strong customer service makes both artists and guests feel welcome and the continued care of the physical spaces always provides for an extraordinary experience,” said Ryan Davis, senior event sales representative. “We have grand and elegant spaces, outstanding acoustics, stellar food and beverage options all located in the heart of Seattle Center.” SUNNY OUTLOOK All of the top stops in the Pacific Northwest expect continued success as 2016 is now underway. All also know that the success enjoyed in 2015 is just that—something to be savored but now must be duplicated. “With five shows of Garth Brooks, NCAA March Madness and several other high profile shows, 2015 was one of the best years ever for entertainment at the Moda Center,” Cook said. “Rolling into 2016, we haven’t seen a major slowdown in touring traffic and are anticipating an equally strong year. As we continue to improve our guest amenities and enhance our data analytics and digital marketing, we also anticipate stronger attendance for all of our events.” Davis at McCaw Hall expects 2016 to be one of the strongest in the venue’s 12-year history. “With performances by Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Opera, Seattle Men’s Chorus, and a growing list of one-off shows as well as various corporate meetings and conferences, we are very excited about our outlook and prospects,” he said. Williams believes that diversifying her offerings serves as a lynchpin to future success. “Our arts group’s attendance is holding
steady and in some cases growing,” she said. “We started presenting last year and have had some strong success with that. We’re trying to diversify our business base so we don’t become overly dependent on any one type of show. The economy has been a tad slow to recover in Oregon but our ticket sales seem to be consistently strong.” Seattle/Tacoma has 20-plus venues in a 50-mile radius of ShoWare Center, so competition is keen for live entertainment. “We have seen an increase in ticketing events and touring shows every year since we opened in 2009,” Hart said. “Working with SMG, AEG and Emporium Presents and all independent promoters, we have created a full partnership for most shows. We are confident our business will continue to grow as we have seen 14 successful concerts in 2015, up from eight in 2014. We are proof of the saying that success begets success.” Cook has some advice for any facility, regardless of type, that wants to become a top stop. “The venue has to understand that the days of just being a rental venue are over,” he said. “A successful venue serves as a partner to both the promoters and the production crews that come to their market. This means providing amenities that are available and creating a unique experience for the touring crews. It also means taking a vested interest in the success of the show and leveraging all available resources to ensure its success.” Interviewed for this story: Tom Alexander, (253) 2723663; Kim Bedier, (253) 573-2554; Dean Clarke, (250) 490-2460; Lisa Cochran, (208) 426-2546; Adam Cook, (503) 235-8771; Ryan Davis, (206) 684-7103; Ryan Hart, (253) 856-6705; Robyn Williams, (503) 248-4335
JANUARY
APRIL
J U LY
OCTOBER
Geo Fencing Invades Ticketing Location-based technology growing in use at venues and festivals in 2016 by REBECCA NAKASHIMA
estivalgoers, concertgoers, sports fans and others are encountering location-based technology at an everincreasing number of events. Most commonly through Bluetooth low energy or Apple’s iBeacon technology, venues and festivals are reaching their fans earlier, more often and in more targeted ways. “We are past the bleeding edge,” said Pete McCarthy, senior product manager, Vendini. “You see iBeacons and these types of devices have been out there in the marketplace for a couple years, and we’re starting to get into the second generation of them, which is always a very good place to be.” In some ways, though iBeacon technology has been around for a
F
few years, consumer devices may not have had the capacities to really take advantage of it. If location-based promotions were deployed a few years ago, very few devices would have been enabled to do the things they’re doing today. Now, around 90 percent of the devices are enabled. “In terms of consumers devices, each new generation uses less battery and can broadcast a little farther,” said McCarthy. “We’re getting into that sweet spot. Everything before this has been kind of deploying things in the lab and getting an understanding of how we can use this. You haven’t seen this really used on a large scale yet. This is the year you’re going to see a lot more of that.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 34 >
JANUARY 2016 VENUES TODAY 33
I N T I X Q U A R T E R LY
GEO FENCING... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33
More and more festivals especially are beginning to adopt the technology. Because of that, small devices and streamlined installation and upkeep are important factors to consider. “The nice part is we really do try to stay away from having really complex infrastructure, because of the nature of these events and how they take place over a couple days,” said McCarthy. “Anything we can do to minimize the deployment of the infrastructure or make it self-service where you don’t have to have technical staff to deploy it really goes a long way. There are a number of iBeacon solutions on the marketplace that are just a small device, easy to employ with a battery that can easily last multiple days and even a week, so you don’t have to worry about setting up power for these things.” These devices give festivals the ability to create a large circumference to target, but some are finding success with installing them in their sponsor areas and targeting fans who are in specific vicinities. “We can basically give them a small device that they put in their booths so that it only triggers the information when someone comes into a very small window of space,” said McCarthy. “You can actually control that window down to as little as a foot. So it’s not like you’re going to just be walking around and getting bombarded by all these different messages. You have to actually be in the tent or booth where you’re trying to get the information and then it’ll pop up.” McCarthy believes one of the most valuable pieces to location-based technology is the data and tracking ability that comes along with it. Trends and patterns can be observed and used to make appropriate changes to the next year’s installment. “What we’re really looking to do is create a heat map for a venue or festival where we can show them to see where people are in a particular area and at a particular time,” said McCarthy. “So next year when they’re planning their festival they can see how many porta-potties they need to have. What was the wait time when they were in line for a food truck or a vendor? They can look at real data and understand how 34 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
that will impact festivalgoers.” Though there is tracking happening, McCarthy said it’s important to assure people that it’s not happening on an individual level but as an aggregate group. And because your patrons are giving you something, namely the ability to track and target them, they will often expect something in return. “People are very sensitive to being tracked, so you have to be very clear that this is not tracking anyone but is really about giving them location contextual information when they need it,” said McCarthy. “They also always have the opportunity to opt out of those services even if they download the app. It’s never an all or nothing approach. They have to hunt around and find things and it’s a little more work, but they can opt out.” Lynn King Smith, CEO of TicketForce, has been looking into an alternative model to geo fencing employed by Ticketek in Australia. Rather than installing iBeacon technology at each individual venue, the geo fencing capability is built into the ticket software and pushes out information using satellite technology. “When you build the venue, you actually put in the address and put in coordinates of the latitude and longitude for that venue,” said Smith. “When the fans walk by the arena, they’re not beaconing out to them. It’s set up in the Tickettek software. So when they set up the venue, the technology allows them to put in those coordinates and then you can create a circumference for how far you want it to go around that venue.” They are primarily using the technology to go after people coming to an event who haven’t yet purchased a ticket and are seeing a good return. “You have all these people coming to a big sports event and a lot of people don’t have a ticket yet,” said Smith. “So with this geo fencing technology when they get within a certain range, they’re sent a pop up on their phones about getting tickets on your phone and bypass the line. They’ve seen a really good response rate on that and a really good conversion rate with those fans who are walking up who need to be reminded they can just get a ticket on their phones.” Beyond targeting fans at the venue, the
satellite technology also allows venues to target transportation hubs with notifications, expanding its reach far beyond that of an iBeacon. “They can take a major train station that people are getting off or a subway station or bus station, because they know a lot of people are coming on public transportation. They can then make that station part of the range where they’ll get push notifications,” said Smith. “It doesn’t have to be just building focused because they’re using the latitude and longitude.” The technology allows earlier audience engagement and interaction on an event day and can even be used to push out offers or ticket information to foot traffic on nonevent days. “Usually we have to wait until they get stamped in before presenting them an offer, but this is something where before they’re even scanned into the building you can try to get them to participate in something you have going on or purchase something,” said Smith. “These large venues have a lot going on outside the event, and people could be hanging around out there before they get scanned into the event and sit down. So it’s starting the interaction earlier and focusing on the whole event experience.” One of the most common ways the technology is currently used on a daily basis is through Google Wallet and Apple Pay. When you purchase an airplane ticket or concert ticket that way, you can geo tag it and once you’re within a short distance of the venue it will pop up on your lock screen. Simple implementations such as that are what McCarthy sees as the real game changers to increase efficiency and enhance the experience. Both Smith and McCarthy expect to see location-based technology being adopted on a larger scale this year. “Anything that sells more tickets and connects you to your buyer is fabulous,” said Smith. “You just have to overcome the two hurdles of how to beacon out, if you’re not going to use that Ticketek model, and then somebody to manage the app and push notifications. And those are hurdles that venues of every size are definitely able to overcome.” Interviewed for this story: Lynn King Smith, (866) 7263581; Pete McCarthy, (415) 693-9563
I N T I X Q U A R T E R LY
Q&A > KEN LESNIK > DIR. OF PERF. ARTS, SPECTRA TICKETING & FAN ENGAGEMENT
Rock Star Ready by REBECCA NAKASHIMA
With over 30 years of experience in the live event and ticketing industry, Ken Lesnik was the perfect fit as Spectra Ticketing & Fan Engagement’s new director of Performing Arts. After almost 15 years in sales and marketing for Ticketmaster’s eastern region, then six years as vice president of Business Development at ScoreBig, Lesnik describes his new position as the culmination of his career. With a client base of over 80 performing arts centers, he is looking forward to growing and retaining the company’s PAC and theater business from New York, in between Springsteen concerts, of course.
What’s the biggest way you’ve seen the business change over the years? The internet now plays such a dominant role in ticket selling. I remember back in the 90s when we were high-fiving ourselves when one or two percent of our total business was coming in through the internet. And now, most of our client’s business comes in that way. What are you most excited for in your new role? I’m excited to be joining this incredible company that I’ve known a lot of the executives of for a long time. I knew they were rock stars, and the more I’ve gotten to know my new colleagues the more I’m convinced every day that it’s a company of rock stars. The client base is a tremendous group. My focus is on the performing arts side, and many of them I knew from my previous gig. But you’re talking about the cream of the crop of performing arts venues across the U.S. The Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Playhouse Square in Cleveland, The Smith Center in Las Vegas, I could go on and on. These are tremendous venues and really great clients and people. Those two things are probably at the top of the list. You started working with concert promoter Ron Delsener and then as a booking agent with Associated Booking Corporation in New York. How was it
36 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
making the switch to ticketing? It was kind of a natural progression. I was hired by Ticketmaster as the director of Marketing in New York and was working with the outfit they had at that time trying to sell more tickets for the clients, not unlike what I’m doing here. A lot of what I’m doing is obviously acquisition and retention of our clients. But I’m also working with our incredible team of marketers and client partners to help our clients sell more tickets. You learn a lot about the business and you develop a lot of relationships, and you never know where those relationships take you. Some of those relationships took me to Spectra. How did you get involved with performing arts centers and theaters? While I was at Ticketmaster I had several performing arts clients. I was in New York so I dealt with Ticketmaster’s Broadway clients. That was kind of my intro to the performing arts and theater world. I remember Adam Kanner, who is the founder of ScoreBig, saying to me when he first met me he didn’t want me for my relationships with sports and music, he wanted me to come in and build a business around performing arts and theater. So that’s what I did for almost six years. It’s a fun world to be around and play in. I always liken the performing arts subscriber to a season-ticketholder for a sports
team. There are a lot of similarities and differences, but at the end of the day the goal is to sell more tickets and provide our clients with the tools and technology to do that. You’re a fan of classic rock. What would your dream show be? Boy would I have loved to see The Beatles or Hendrix. Those two stand out. I’ve been really fortunate and have seen some great stuff. I was at Live Aid in 1985 and that was amazing. I’ve seen scores of Springsteen concerts. But I would say if I go back in time, I would love to see The Beatles, and I would absolutely love to see Jimi Hendrix play. What advice do you have for someone just starting out in this industry? Follow your heart. Pursue your passion. That’s the greatest thing I could tell anyone. Be passionate about things you want to be passionate about, and if you’re lucky enough to get a career in that area, it never feels like work. If I went with my parent’s decision, they would have forced me to go to law school, and I didn’t want to. That job all those years ago with Ron really propelled me into this world. I had no plan and never in a million years would have thought I’d be all this time in the ticketing business. But it happened, and I couldn’t be happier. Contact: (949) 531-0434
Spectra is a full-service entertainment, hosting, and hospitality firm, in the business of creating experiences to remember. With our Ticketing & Fan Engagement services, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll continue to deliver industry-leading ticketing, fundraising, and marketing solutions, backed by the power of Comcast.
VENUE MANAGEMENT
FOOD SERVICES & HOSPITALITY
TICKETING & FAN ENGAGEMENT
LEARN ABOUT THESE SERVICES PLUS MORE AT SPECTRAEXPERIENCES.COM
I N T I X Q U A R T E R LY
LETTER
FROM JENA HOFFMAN P re s i d e n t /C E O, I n te r n a t i o n a l Ti c ke t i n g A ss o c i a t i o n
ntertainment ticketing professionals are moving from management to leadership. The director of ticketing in your venue is responsible for a considerable amount of revenue, represents the face of your venue to the public and creates the customer experience. How connected is your ticket office to the purpose and the values of your venue? What resources are you providing so your ticketing office drives revenue and excels at customer service? How are you supporting them to elevate your venue? Increasing revenue, raising customer quality, improving operations and spending time with peers and business partners to learn, share and celebrate work experiences are offered through the International Ticketing Association (INTIX). Providing professional development for your ticketing staff gives them the opportunity to advance your business. It also gives them a network of peers to gain insights and new ideas that solve challenges and address strategic initiatives within your venue. Encourage your ticketing team to join INTIX and participate in the 37th Annual Conference & Exhibition, Strong Leaders Create Magical Results! to be held Jan. 20-22, 2016 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim, Calif. Management, Leadership, Marketing, Technology and Revenue are the core learning tracks. Conference participants will learn best and
E
next practices from over 70 thought leaders presenting educational sessions and facilitated breakouts by type of organization. Futurist Martin Clarkson will take us Beyond 2020 during the opening keynote to gain clarity on key trends in the entertainment industry and how to use them to remain relevant while addressing consumer influence and needs. International City Theatre Artistic Director/Producer, caryn desai, will discuss unleashing the success of your team in the closing keynote From Ticket Purchase to Post-Event – The Magical Potential of Your Team. The INTIX Exhibition is the marketplace for the latest and greatest ticketing products and services. Open all three days of the conference, the exhibition is filled with premier companies featuring innovations and technological advancements. The opportunities to network with peers and business partners throughout the week are endless. Register to join us at the world’s largest gathering of entertainment ticketing professionals and service providers! Additional information, including the schedule of events, is available on the website at www.intix.org. Visit www.intix.org or call +1 212.629.4036 for information on becoming a member and INTIX’s 37th Annual Conference & Exhibition including registration, sponsorship, exhibiting and advertising.
INTIX 9Pb :]WPLY^
2017
38th Annual Conference & Exhibition
January 24-26, 2017 Hilton New Orleans Riverside U New Orleans, Louisiana
+1 212.629.4036 38 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
Join and Register!
www.intix.org
I N T I X Q U A R T E R LY
Appreciating the Military Oregon Ducks’ new verification process assured identity of promotional ticket recipients by MAURA KELLER
The Oregon Ducks' home turf, Autzen Stadium. (Photo by Eric Evans)
P
romotional ticket giveaways are often the classic sticky wicket. If you do it right, you will fill seats while building your brand in the minds of your fans or attendees. If not, it can leave many seats unscanned or unused, or worse yet, used by unintended recipients. Not so for the University of Oregon Athletics Department. During the 2015 season, the University of Oregon used SheerID’s eligibility verification services to distribute lastminute return tickets and extra visiting team tickets to verified members of the military community. About 78 percent of the promotional tickets given to military families were scanned on game day, which was 28 percent higher than the average scan rate for promo tickets. As Terry Smith, the director of ticket sales for the University of Oregon Athletics Department, explains, eligibility verification technology instantly confirms whether or not a
40 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
patron qualifies for a promotional ticket. “Venues determine who is eligible for their promotional offer, and verification services like SheerID prevent fans who aren’t eligible from accessing that promotion,” Smith said. The University of Oregon uses this technology to make sure that only military families can receive promotional tickets to Ducks games that would otherwise go unused. SheerID is the creator of the technology used to transform existing, protected private data into an omnichannel service that benefits commercial enterprises and the public, while still keeping the information safe and secure. By acting as a bridge between secure databases, SheerID allows commercial enterprises to accurately, instantly verify whether or not their customer qualifies for a special offer like student, alumni, or veteran offers — protecting the exclusivity of the offer and eliminating fraud. SheerID’s verification services can be
configured for any e-commerce website, internal customer sales/support system, mobile application, or POS. “After the first promotion was successful, we expanded our military appreciation program,” Smith said. “When opportunities arose for two other games later in the season, setting up our military promotions took less than an hour because we already had a SheerID-hosted eligibility verification platform in place. During the games we also took a moment to publicly recognize our military fans and thank them for their service.” And while the University of Oregon is not the first organization to create a military appreciation program, adding eligibility verification to the program allowed them to offer a high value reward to a very specific audience. The verification process is quick and straightforward, but it does require patrons to fill out a short form in order to access the promotion. Approximately 43 percent of unique page visitors to the Ducks military appreciation page submitted the verification form. The verification process not only prevented fraud, it also helped the Ducks connect with a highly engaged military fan base that truly intended to attend the game. “Adding verification not only reduces fraud, it increases the legitimacy of affiliationbased offers and creates more relevant and personalized messaging which subsequently increases scan rates,” said Smith. “Plus, the verification is smooth and conveniently takes place online instead of in-person, which improves the scan rate by allowing our fans to get their tickets before game day without hassle.” Interviewed for this story: Terry Smith, (971) 212-8312
1954 Born in Milwaukee, Wis.
A young Rick Abramson getting his start in vending in Milwaukee; Abramson, COO of Delaware North, with Dennis Szefel, strategic advisor and former CAO at Busch Stadium in St. Louis; "buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks" comes true with Sportservice; Delaware North merchandise operation at Busch Stadium where it provides concessions, retail and fine dining services.
Delaware Northâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rick Abramson: Custodian of the Culture S t o r i e s b y L I N DA D E C K A R D
42 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
Named general manager of the Curtis Hix Convention Center in Tampa, Fla.
1975
Created Stadium Secret Sauce for Milwaukee Brewers baseball games
1974
Worked at the World's Fair in Spokane, Wash., for half a year
1974
Took cut in pay to become management
1973
Moved from vending popcorn to selling novelties
1970
First job as food vendor at Milwaukee County Stadium
1969
From Vendor to COO
1983 Married wife, Sylvia, whom he met at Tampa Convention Center. They have two daughters.
Rick Abramson’s passions are family, Delaware North, sports, food and excellence
F
rom creating Secret Stadium Sauce to Taste of the City concept tours, Rick Abramson’s passion for food is a given. His contributions to the industry over 47 years at Delaware North, first as a teenage vendor at the old Milwaukee County Stadium to his current role as COO and executive VP of the Buffalo, N.Y., hospitality company go far beyond the concessions side of the business. Those who know him best cite his passion for the business and the firm, his ingenuity, his people skills and his management style (he calls it ‘management by walking around’) as reasons Abramson is a standout. “Great choice,” said Mark Lamping, president, Jacksonville (Fla.) Jaguars, when told Abramson is the 2016 Venues Today Publisher’s Pick, joining the ranks of such gamechangers in this industry as family show producers like the Feld family, sports and venue impresarios like the Leiweke brothers and promoters like the Beckers of Pace Entertainment fame. Delaware North’s Lou Jacobs, of the founding family, calls Abramson the “custodian of the culture” of the hospitality company. He keeps the firm on course. “It’s blocking and tackling, the fundamentals. We can get too
caught up in strategic thinking and forget the fundamentals and Rick is a constant voice reminding us of that,” Jacobs said. Every associate interviewed lauded Abramson’s passion for the business and the firm. He has reached a pinnacle as COO and executive vice president, Delaware North, a promotion announced in March of 2015. But his lifelong career in the business is about excellence in motion. It’s about friends, innovations, improvements and changes he’s made along the way. “My life is about steps and trying to achieve. When I was a vendor all I wanted to do was sell programs because that was big money. When I became a program seller I wanted to sell novelties. Then I went to college and went into management, which everyone does when they get older, but of course I took a cut in pay,” Abramson begins his life story. He started at the old Milwaukee County Stadium as a popcorn vendor for Sportservice. The business runs in his blood, with several in his family formerly or still in the concessions business. Abramson loves the ballpark and the concessions business, and he has ambition. From the get-go, he intended to be president of Sportservice, and he was. “Rick’s an ingenious guy,” said Dennis Szefel, former chief administrative office and
still a strategic advisor to Delaware North. “He has a great innate sense of ingenuity. You think, I wish I had thought of that.” Then he adds that Abramson predates him by a year or two with Delaware North “because I didn’t lie about my age on my application. When he started as a vendor in Milwaukee, you had to be 16 to start working. He was 14. I tell him that’s still grounds for termination.” Jacobs recalls Abramson stepping up 22 years ago when Sportservice needed someone to integrate a new acquisition, Australia Venue Services Catering, into the Delaware North family. Abramson relocated to Melbourne while Jacobs moved to Sydney. “Rick was helicoptered in to be CEO (in Melbourne) and I was responsible for the parent company in Sydney. His ability to go in and duplicate the Sportservice Delaware North culture and values, not by telling people what to do but by walking the walk, was essential,” Jacobs said. He recalled how line employees marveled when Abramson picked up trash and jumped behind concessions stands to expedite lines to facilitate customer service at the company’s first Australia Open. “That’s a culture driver,” Jacobs said. “The fabric of the business there is very much CONTINUED ON PAGE 44 >
JANUARY 2016 VENUES TODAY 43
RICK ABRAMSON ON HOW TO SUCCEED AT DELAWARE NORTH When indoctrinating new employees or counseling existing staff, Rick Abramson, COO, has some basic advice on how to succeed at Delaware North: “I tell them there are three things you have to do in this company; it’s a three-legged stool, and it doesn’t work on two legs,” Abramson said. 1. You have to satisfy your customer/client. Whether it’s the person through the turnstile or
Named president of Delaware North Sportservice
2004
Earned the Dr. Kurt H. Debus Award from the National Space Club Florida Committee for his role in educating and inspiring the visitor complex’s millions of guests.
2002
Awarded the NASA Public Service Medal
2002
Named president and COO of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, initiating a $130-million redevelopment
1996
Served as president Australian Venue Services (AVS) in Melbourne, Australia, for Delaware North
1993
“Rick has passion for the business like no one else. And he has a passion for the company. It defines his personality.” — Jim Houser
FROM VENDOR TO COO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 43
like Delaware North here at home now. Geographically it couldn’t be further away and more different, but he transformed it.” He was next tapped to run Kennedy Space Center in Florida for the company’s parks and resorts division. Szefel was starting up that division and Kennedy Space Center was the first big account. He recalled the actual center itself was pretty pedestrian, almost like a static museum despite the excitement of the country’s adventure in space. Abramson was brought in to run it, helping introduce elements such as the Saturn V Center, and, working with NASA, “turned it into a world class place to learn the story of man’s exploration in space,” Szefel said. “He’s still revered down there, over 20 years later.” And then he became president of Sportservice, Delaware North’s concessions division. Abramson has always had a passion for ballparks. “I liked being there,” Abramson declared. “He brought a passion for food that drove the extent of offerings further than ever,” said Barry Freilicher, Delaware North Sr. VP of Business Development. “He created venue and region specific products. At Target Field [Minneapolis], he manifested his vision with local products. We got a bus and took the client and did a food tour of the city. Then we created items around that.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 46 >
the client, they are giving you the opportunity to have the contract. You have to make sure they are happy. They have to be satisfied they have the right company – Delaware North. The customer walking in the door let’s you know how we’re doing at every event. 2. You need to protect the company’s assets, from pencils on the desk to money in the safe but, most importantly, you have to protect our people, our associates, by making certain they’re working in a great work environment. You have to be conscious of putting the right people in the right place and treating them the right way. 3. Plan. We do a budget. We do a plan. You have to hit those. If you do those three things on a yearly basis, you, too, can go from a vendor to COO.
44 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
“My first impression of Rick? That this guy needs a sedative.” — Mark Lamping, Jacksonville Jaguars
Congratulations Rick.
Delaware North congratulates Rick Abramson for being honored as the 2016 Venues Today Publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pick. We are extremely proud of Rickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision, passion and dedication to our company and the hospitality industry around the world.
Named Executive Chairman - Australia and Asia, President - Parks and Resorts
2013
Instituted Taste of the City tours, beginning with the Minnesota Twins for Target Field
2009
Expanded retail operation with stores such as Chicago Sports Depot outside U.S. Cellular Field
2008
FROM VENDOR TO COO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 44
“Rick is a culture perpetuator. He perpetuates the culture of our business and keeps us very grounded as to the importance of the basics of our business.” — Lou Jacobs MENTOR AS MENTEE: WHAT ABRAMSON HAS LEARNED There is no typical day for Rick Abramson at Delaware North except, perhaps, Monday, when he meets with the chairman, Jeremy Jacobs, and division presidents. He finds meeting with the chairman, among his mentors and a most intuitive executive, is “like sitting in on an executive program at Harvard” where he is challenged with questions for
Jim Houser, president, Delaware North Parks & Resorts/Australia and Asia, concurs. “Rick invented the Taste of the City. He rented a minibus, put us and the client on it, and we’d start at 10 in the morning and eat until 7 at night. There are people who think that sounds fun. He picks out the places, all iconic, and they serve some phenomenal food.” That was six years ago and is still relevant today. It is part of Abramson’s drive to create food destinations. Abramson said the only thing that amazes him about his career is the people who have helped him — employees, clients, peers. For Abramson, it’s all about relationships. “To become COO of a $3-billion company is remarkable for me.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 48 >
which he has to find the answer. His first mentors, his father and mother, taught him the value of hard work. “My father always had two or three jobs. He was always trying to provide for the family. It’s always about the family. In my heart, I’m doing this for the family. Everyone wants their family to be in a better position than they are. You want every generation to take the next step,” Abramson said. Bud Selig, commissioner emeritus of Major League Baseball, is a mentor. “I was working with Bud before he had a team.” He recalled one World Series where he was sandwiched between Selig and the chairman for a photo op. Selig commented he gave Abramson his start in the business in Milwaukee. Jacobs retorted, “But I had to work with him for the next 40 years.” Dennis Szefel, former CAO, gave Abramson a big break when he put him in charge of Kennedy Space Center. “He was very strong in my development,” Abramson said. Abramson will admit that when Delaware North first moved him from sports to parks in the reorganization prior to his current role, he was devastated. But then he realized Chuck Moran, president of Delaware North, and the Jacobs family had a plan. “They wanted me to grow my portfolio and make sure it was not just about sports. The success I had with parks helped them make the decision for me as COO. At least, that’s what I’m telling myself.” He took the bull by the horns and honed the parks division into a moneymaking, efficient and growing subsidiary. Parks were doing okay, he added, but he wanted it to be extraordinary. “There are risks and costs to action. But they are far less than the long range risks of comfortable inaction.” “I would have been blessed to be regional VP of sports my whole life. I was at a pinnacle when Lou Jacobs asked me to go to Australia, but the Australia experience I wouldn’t have traded for the world.” Maybe he had become too complacent, too comfortable, Abramson muses. “It was a shock at first, but heck it was a challenge.”
46 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
“Outside of the Jacobs family, he is the best client relations person we have. He knows most of our clients and can deal with them well. He’s honest and straightforward. He’ll know their wife’s birthday, where their kids go to school. It comes naturally. He has terrific people skills.” — Dennis Szefel
CONGRATULATIONS
RICK ABRAMSON 2016 PUBLISHER’S PICK HONORABLE RECIPIENT
FROM YOUR BIGGEST FANS IN BOSTON
Named COO and Executive Vice President of the $3-billion, 100year-old Delaware North
2015
Mother, Joan, retires from her longtime post as concessionaire at Miller Park, Milwaukee
2013
TRAVELING WITH RICK ABRAMSON
“Rick is focused. He knows everything, not just the big things.” — Brad Mayne, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J. FROM VENDOR TO COO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 46
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SUIT Decades of being a road warrior have added to the legend of Rick Abramson, COO of Delaware North. And it doesn’t matter who outranks who, because Abramson has his own way of traveling. Lou Jacobs, company co-CEO and a member of the founding family, recalled his most recent trip with Abramson. “We were going to London because one of our clients, the New York Jets, were playing at Wembley Stadium, also a client. We also had a game that day at our other client, Emerates Stadium, home of Arsenal Football, and the Rugby World Cup was at the former Olympic Stadium outside of town. And Rick was hellbent that we were gong to visit every stadium that day,” Jacobs said. They couldn’t take a taxi or car because of crowds and security, so they took the Tube. “Picture two guys from Buffalo in the London subway trying to make it from one event to another. We didn’t see any sports that weekend, but we saw each of our clients that day, let them know we were on it and we cared. “At the end of the day, he had one of those fitness measurements that said he’d gone 12 miles. I was so mad. He shamed me into it.” Jacobs is amazed no one ever says, ‘hey mister, you can’t go there,’ to Abramson. On opening day for Major League Baseball’s Milwaukee Brewers, Abramson and Jacobs were in the club and Abramson decides the buffet is not up to Delaware North standards. He heads to the kitchen and brings the chefs out to see. They were not offended, because Abramson helped fix it. “He has that unassuming, unabashed willingness to roll up his sleeves and connect with the line personnel responsible. They couldn’t have been more appreciative of his interest and his attention to detail. It’s very contagious.” Jim Houser, president of Delaware North Parks & Resorts, has traveled extensively with Abramson and admits they are opposites. Houser believes in getting to the airport in plenty of time and not having to worry about making it on the plane. Abramson likes to think he can get through security in record time and, many times, he is the last person on the airplane. “He jokes that he sacrifices when he gets to the airport an hour and a half early with me. I think I’m doing him a favor; he doesn’t miss the flight,” Houser said. On one trip from headquarters in Buffalo, N.Y., to Tampa, their flight was delayed on takeoff and they arrived in Atlanta with just 10 minutes to get from Terminal E to Terminal T. Houser is taller and faster, but Abramson was keeping up until he got a phone call. He’s talking on the phone and falling further and further behind. Houser is not going to miss that plane. When he got to the gate, they said get on now, we’re leaving. He said my buddy is 100 yards back. He got on trusting Abramson would talk his way on, but he didn’t. He had to take a later flight. “Of course, he blamed it on the person who called. I wish I could be more like him; he doesn’t worry about that kind of stuff,” Houser said. Dennis Szefel, former CAO and still strategic advisor, said Abramson was famous for bringing a steamer trunk on trips. “He would take three suits for each day. He also used to travel with a coffee maker. He’d take these big bulging bags,” Szefel said. “There is a uniqueness about him — maddening and endearing,” said Szefel of his traveling companion.
48 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
THE JOURNEY TO THE TOP Hard work and fiduciary judgment come naturally, and came young, to Abramson. “I remember when I was a kid, a lot of guys would go out for New Year’s Eve and have a date and go out for some high-priced dinner. I looked at it a different way. “We used to work the Harlem Globetrotters in the Milwaukee Arena on New Year’s Eve. I’d make $100 there and it would have cost me $50-$100 for the dinner. So it was a $150 night. I can’t tell you how many New Year’s Eves I spent with the Harlem Globetrotters.” Abramson was paid by the piece as a vendor and hard work paid off. When he went into management, “I probably made about the same amount of money but my hours doubled or tripled.” His first management gig was assistant manager at the ballpark in Milwaukee. Then he discovered if you wanted to work yearround, you had to travel, so he took time off from college and worked the racetrack in Detroit for Sportservice. “It was very exciting for me. I was a kid from Milwaukee. My dad was one of those 15miler guys. He went to school, got his first house and worked his whole life, all within 15 miles,” Abramson recalled. The family owned a grocery store and didn’t travel much, even for vacations. After Detroit, he went to Chicago and then he worked the World’s Fair in Spokane, Wash., in 1974. He went to work every day for six months. “I was within walking distance of the fairgrounds. My work was my hobby; my work was my passion. Everything wraps around work.” “He’s still very involved,” Houser said of the day to day even though Abramson is now CONTINUED ON PAGE 50 >
THE BIGGEST STARS PLAY METLIFE STADIUM CONGRATULATIONS TO ONE OF THEM, DELAWARE NORTH’S OWN
“Rick is very passionate about what he does. He’s not dissuaded. He’s not going to let someone say you can’t do it. That’s not a good answer. Everything is doable.” — Barry Freilicher FROM VENDOR TO COO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 48
COO of the entire company. “If you have the passion he has, it’s hard to not get involved. He tries to take a bigger view but still gets into the day-to-day stuff. It’s good to have people that involved.” Abramson wouldn’t necessarily recommend a passion for work as strong as his. “You have to find your own way in life. There are things I wish I would have done better. I don’t have regrets, but I wish I had done some things better. I didn’t get married until late in life because I was working and traveling. My wife was very patient. We dated for eight years. She’s been along for the ride. I’m not so sure she always enjoyed it as much as I did.” Abramson and his wife, Sylvia, have two daughters and they’re both foodies, he said. “They both like to see concepts and take pictures and send them to me.” But neither is in
the business, one being in film, the other retail. “I steered them away from this. You want to make sure your kids are more than one dimensional,” Abramson said. He well remembers dinner table talk back in Milwaukee, when most of his family was in the business, at least on a part time basis. “We’d have Sunday dinners and we were talking stadiums.” His mom, Joan, retired from working concession stands in Milwaukee only two years ago. THE BUSINESS IS HOSPITALITY Abramson’s career was about the ballpark, but now he thinks of his Sportservice days as “one concept in the food court and now I have the whole food court, so I can get my fill of ballpark if I want to, but I pay attention to our gaming business a lot because it’s a big part of our business, a big part of our future. I gravi-
Congratulations
RICK ABRAMSON on being Venues Today Magazine’s 2016 “Publisher’s Pick”
GREEN BAY PACKERS
50 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
tate toward the venue business because that’s where I have most of my relationships, friends and experience.” Developing great bonds with clients, bringing back the personal touch, is among Abramson’s oft-cited strengths. “My first day coming to MetLife Stadium, Rick and Jerry Jacobs came in to congratulate me,” recalled Brad Mayne, CEO of that E. Rutherford, N.J., venue. “That’s the type of company Delaware North is, all the way to top. They want to do the right thing and be partners in the business as opposed to being a contractor.” Abramson personifies that trait. Delaware North is in the hospitality business, Abramson points out. “Our platform is built on maintaining good relationships. We have very strong relationships. We aren’t trying to be the biggest in the world. We never CONTINUED ON PAGE 52 >
“Outside of the Jacobs family, he is the best client relations person we have. He knows most of our clients and can deal with them well. He’s honest and straightforward. He’ll know their wife’s birthday, where their kids go to school. It comes naturally. He has terrific people skills.” — Dennis Szefel
“It’s not easy to have 70,000 people all wanting to eat and drink at the same time. So much of what we do is about execution and delivering. It’s about looking after our customers and Rick is nothing if not customercentric.” — Lou Jacobs FROM VENDOR TO COO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 50
wanted to. Business is based on relationships. Business is personal.” Five years ago, Abramson told Venues Today that the biggest change in the business was premium seating.
Today, he says it’s crafting for your customer — craft food, craft beer, craft location, craft experience. “You want to craft the experience for everyone who comes — the 20-yearold fan or the young father and mother with a child to his first game. Not every customer is
the same. You have to customize. We need to make unique experiences in our venues and around our venues.” The subject is near and dear to his heart. Delaware North has an analytics department that can “slice and dice our customer,” discovering what they like, what they don’t like, what their habits are, where they go “so we have the right mix of products, pricing, and stands open. That’s a great part of our program,” Abramson said. Analytics is not new, but it’s just evolving. He noted that 75 years ago, “the chairman’s father came up with a daily sales report, with everything from what the weather was, what the attendance was, what the turnstile was, ticket sales, who they played, how long the game was. He was using analytics, slicing and dicing, 75 years ago.”
CONGRATULATIONS RICK ABRAMSON WE VALUE OUR MULTI-DECADE RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU AND DELAWARE NORTH
52 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
CONTINUED ON PAGE 54 >
Congratulations
Rick Abramson on being named Publishers Pick From Your Partners at the Minnesota Twins
JANUARY 2016 VENUES TODAY 53
FROM VENDOR TO COO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 52
The Columbus Blue Jackets would like to say congratulations and Bon Appetit to Rick Abramson on his achievements at Delaware North and being the honorable recipient of Venues Today's 2016 Publisher's Pick.
In the early days of his own career, Abramson had spreadsheets with those details for every event, every concessions stand, every product. “Today, we’ve optimized our ability to customize the experience for our customers,” he said. But it’s still a very personal one-on-one relationship, Abramson said, noting the associates on the front line interact directly with the customer and the client. Freilicher cited Sportservice’s Excellence in Motion program championed by Abramson, which encourages the staff to bring in new ideas. “He fosters innovation and keeps things moving forward, which is a really big strength. He never settles for mediocrity,” Freilicher said. He also changed the game with clients, personalizing the business to a new degree. “He’s very active, there are a lot of touchpoints engaging the client. It’s something he is uniquely good at.” He shouldn’t get out on the road as often in his new role, but he’s still traveling an inordinate amount. Abramson likes the new offices Delaware North opened in Buffalo at the end of 2015. There is an openness and collaborative feel about the space. “I’m very big on management by walking around. Here, I can get down on that floor, go from division to division, ask about what’s going on, what’s happening at Charlotte, are we ready for the playoffs, have we seen Mr. Richardson, all that kind of stuff. “Collaboration throughout our whole organization — up and down and back and forth — is really powerful,” Abramson said.
“When companies make major personnel changes, that affects our account. Rick calls his clients before it becomes public and says here are the changes and here is how we will continue to take care of you.” — Brad Mayne, MetLife Stadium 54 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
BOOKINGS
HOTTICKETS
01•16
Based on concert and event grosses from Nov. 16 - Dec. 15, 2015 , as reported to Venues Today. GROSS SALES
EVENT
VENUE
ATTENDANCE PROMOTER
TICKETS
DATE
SHOWS
> 15,001 OR MORE CAPACITY 1. $12,427,489 2. $3,165,545 3. $1,850,820 4. $1,388,274 5. $1,162,700 6. $953,506 7. $938,943 8. $858,831 9. $746,413 10. $738,934 11. $727,130 12. $682,683 13. $638,038 14. $634,146 15. $533,215
National Finals Rodeo
Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas The Kingdom: Daddy Coliseo de Puerto Rico, San Juan Yankee vs. Don Omar Andrea Bocelli Verizon Center, Washington Aus-x Open Allphones Arena, Sydney Hot 99.5 Jingle Ball Verizon Center, Washington presented by Capitol One Dead & Company Philips Arena, Atlanta Juan Gabriel American Airlines Center, Dallas WWE Survivor Series Tour Philips Arena, Atlanta National Basketball Arena Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico City Association Intocable Arena Monterrey (Mexico) Holiday Jam with Jill Scott, Verizon Center, New Edition and Black Alley Washington Trans-Siberian Orchestra Verizon Center, Washington Muse American Airlines Center, Dallas Muse Rose Quarter, Portland, Ore. KQ Concert Live Coliseo de Puerto Rico, San Juan
164,710
Las Vegas Events
$275-$58 Dec. 3-12, 2015 $350-$20 Dec. 3-6, 2015 $375-$75 Dec. 13, 2015 $108.38- Nov. 28-29, $28.85 2015 $200-$45 Dec. 14, 2015 $99-$50 Nov. 17, 2015 $182.50- Dec. 3, $62.50 2015 $404-$29 Nov. 22, 2015 $342.59- Dec. 3, $14.64 2015 $76.55Dec. 3-5, $14.72 2015 $150Dec. 3, $39.75 2015 $74.50Dec. 10, $44.50 2015 $71-$41 Dec. 2, 2015 $82.50Dec. 13, $49.50 2015 $75-$25 Nov. 28, 2015
45,752
Rafael Pina
11,625
Gelb Promotions
19,604
AME Management
11,243
iHeartMedia
12,037
Live Nation
7,309
Live Nation
11,836 18,363
World Wrestling Entertainment Zignia Live
30,540
Zignia Live
7,490
Live Nation
11,124
Live Nation
9,838
Live Nation
10,329
Live Nation
8,712
Publivent
22,660
Frontier Touring
$63.21
16,757
Live Nation, In-house
9,260
PSE Germany
10,165
Madison House Presents
10,039
Chugg Entertainment
$76.50$36.50 $78.22$53.98 $74.50$45 $67.59
19,598
NSW Dept. of Education
8,169
Frank Productions, NS2, CMoore Live, SLP Concerts Live Nation Australasia $64.69$43.10 RT Concerts LLC $122.25$32.25 Live Nation $49.75$29.75 Spectra Presents $72.25$22.25 Awakening Events $69.50$10.47 Live Nation $63.75$33.75 NZ Breakers $66.98$11.84 Live Nation $67.59
10 4 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1
> 10,001–15,000 CAPACITY 1. $1,262,583
Sam Smith
2. $1,039,888
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
3. $657,758
Night of the Proms
4. $650,445
Zac Brown Band
5. $635,512
Florence & The Machine
6. $531,423
School Spectacular 2015
7. $345,424
9. $258,700
Shinedown, Breaking Benjamin The Amity Affliction & A Day To Remember Salt-N-Pepa, Vanilla Ice
10. $229,432
Darius Rucker
11. $172,179
Tobymac
12. $158,067
Tobymac
13. $83,837
Barenaked Ladies
14. $59,294
NZ Breakers vs. Melbourne United Lucinda Williams
8. $326,802
15. $56,911
56 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
Qantas Credit Union Arena, Sydney Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, Mich. Konig-Pilsener Arena, Oberhausen, Germany Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, Mich. Vector Arena, Auckland, New Zealand Qantas Credit Union Arena, Sydney Bryce Jordan Center, University Park, Pa. Qantas Credit Union Arena, Sydney USF Sun Dome, Tampa, Fla. Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, Mich. USF Sun Dome, Tampa, Fla. Infinite Energy Arena, Duluth, Ga. Budweiser Gardens, London Vector Arena, Auckland, New Zealand Vector Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
6,121 4,916 5,747 4,754 5,264 1,825 4,097 899
$49.21$18.09 $45-$25
Dec. 4-5, 2015 Dec. 6, 2015 Nov. 30, 2015 Dec. 11, 2015 Nov. 21, 2015 Nov. 27-28, 2015 Nov. 20, 2015 Dec. 12, 2015 Dec. 4, 2015 Nov. 19, 2015 Nov. 20, 2015 Dec. 3, 2015 Dec. 12, 2015 Nov. 22, 2015 Dec. 4, 2015
2 2 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
BOOKINGS
HOTTICKETS
01•16
Based on concert and event grosses from Nov. 16 - Dec 15,2015, as reported to Venues Today. GROSS SALES
EVENT
VENUE
ATTENDANCE PROMOTER
TICKETS
DATE
SHOWS
> 5,001–10,000 CAPACITY 1. $2,609,276 2. $517,445 3. $467,702 4. $342,312 5. $304,593 6. $275,331 7. $268,877 8. $243,272 9. $226,420 10. $174,941
Britney Spears
The Axis at Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas Toby Keith Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn. Trans-Siberian Orchestra Santander Arena, Reading, Pa. DC101 Elliot in the Morning EagleBank Arena, Fairfax, Va. Holiday Concert Alejandro Fernandez EagleBank Arena, Fairfax, Va. Shinedown, Breaking Big Sandy Superstore Arena, Huntington, W.Va. Benjamin Shinedown Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn. Shinedown, Breaking Cross Insurance Center, Bangor, Maine Benjamin Darius Rucker Huntington Center, Toledo, Ohio Chris Young ShoWare Center, Kent, Wash.
19,514 7,354 8,798 6,824 2,617 6,333 7,376 5,659 5,694 3,786
Caesars Entertainment, Live Nation In-house
$495-$54 Nov. 11-21, 2015 $85-$65 Nov. 20, 2015 Larry Magid $73Nov. 25, Entertainment, SMG $35.50 2015 Live Nation $55.50Dec. 3, $25 2015 Cardenas Marketing $149-$59 Nov. 21, Network 2015 Frank Productions, NS2, $45-$25 Nov. 21, CMoore Live 2015 In-house $39.50 Nov. 19, 2015 Frank Productions, NS2, $45-$25 Nov. 24, CMoore Live, Waterfront Concerts 2015 Live Nation $49.75 Nov. 20, 2015 Entercom Communications $137-$37 Dec. 9, 2015
6 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
> 2,001-5,000 CAPACITY 1. $8,127,305
Celine Dion
2. $4,977,905
4. $1,500,578
Reba McEntire, Brooks & Dunn Beautiful - The Carole King Musical Elf - The Musical
5. $1,180,450
Kinky Boots
6. $1,082,240
Beauty and the Beast
7. $1,075,040
The Sound of Music
8. $1,058,521
Motown: The Musical
9. $1,032,807
Elf - The Musical
10. $972,714
Dirty Dancing The Classic Story On Stage
3. $2,616,882
The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis Fox Theatre, Atlanta Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami Keller Auditorium, Portland, Ore. Durham (N.C.) Performing Arts Center Peace Center, Greenville, S.C. The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, Las Vegas Orpheum Theater, Omaha, Neb.
49,993
14,465
Broadway Across America, In-house US Bank Broadway in Portland PFM/ Nederlander Presentations In-house
15,471
In-house
15,353
Omaha Performing Arts Presents
$500-$55 Nov. 3-21, 2015 $205Dec. 1-12, $59.50 2015 $179-$25 Nov. 18-29, 2015 $115-$30 Dec. 2-6, 2015 $145-$29 Dec. 8-13, 2015 $95-$21 Dec. 1-6, 2015 $145-$30 Dec. 1-6, 2015 $85-$25 Nov. 24-29, 2015 $125-$25 Nov. 24-29, 2015 $110-$30 Nov. 17-22, 2015
Caesars Entertainment
$350-$70
AEG Live SE, In-house
$255-$50
AEG Live SE, In-house Oregon Children's Theater
$250$62.29 $32-$8
In-house
$100-$55
Jam Theatricals
$115-$54
In-house
$85-$45
AEG Live SE, In-house In-house
$69$35.29 $86-$35
Jam Theatricals
$88-$36
37,446 33,956 25,582 14,723 18,353 21,119
Concerts West, AEG Live, In-house AEG Live, In-house Hennepin Theatre Trust, Broadway Across America Broadway Across America
12 9 16 7 8 8 8 8 9 8
> 2,000 OR FEWER CAPACITY 1. $299,061
Olivia Newton John
2. $214,808
Daryl Hall & John Oates
3. $199,013
Daryl Hall & John Oates
4. $167,818
Junie B. Jones
5. $127,945
Colors of Christmas
6. $127,391
Mannheim Steamroller
7. $110,488
The Temptations
8. $104,203 9. $102,200
Kenny G 2015 Holiday & Hits Merry-Achi Christmas
10. $93,844
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
The Showroom at 3,367 The Flamingo, Las Vegas Van Wezel Performing Arts 1,693 Hall, Sarasota, Fla. Barbara B. Mann Performing 1,793 Arts Hall, Fort Myers, Fla. Newmark Theatre, 7,266 Portland, Ore. Cerritos (Calif.) Center 1,522 for the Performing Arts Wagner Noel Performing Arts 1,766 Center, Midland, Texas Cerritos (Calif.) Center for 1,588 the Performing Arts Barbara B. Mann Performing 1,798 Arts Hall, Fort Myers, Fla. Cerritos (Calif.) Center for 1,506 the Performing Arts Wagner Noel Performing Arts 1,757 Center, Midland, Texas
Nov. 17-28, 10 2015 Dec. 2, 1 2015 Nov. 29, 1 2015 Oct. 2417 Nov. 22, 2015 Dec. 12, 1 2015 Dec. 8, 1 2015 Dec. 4, 1 2015 Dec. 2, 1 2015 Dec. 5, 1 2015 Nov. 25, 1 2015
Compiled by Rob Ocampo, HotTickets@venuestoday.com
JANUARY 2016 VENUES TODAY 57
BOOKINGS
TOPSTOPS
01•16
Based on concert and event grosses from Nov. 16 - Dec 15,2015, as reported to Venues Today. VENUE, LOCATION
NO. OF SEATS
TOTAL GROSS
ATTENDANCE SHOWS
18,500
$12,427,489
164,710
> 15,001 OR MORE CAPACITY 1. Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas
10
2. Verizon Center, Washington
20,500
$4,423,333
41,482
4
3. Coliseo de Puerto Rico, San Juan
18,000
$3,819,823
56,328
6
4. American Airlines Center, Dallas
20,021
$2,003,142
36,470
4
5. Philips Arena, Atlanta
20,000
$1,859,636
25,504
3
6. Arena Monterrey (Mexico)
17,500
$1,793,838
72,459
9
7. Allphones Arena, Sydney
20,997
$1,789,899
26,089
3
8. Rose Quarter, Portland, Ore.
20,580
$1,376,337
23,269
4
9. Arena Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico City
22,300
$1,322,550
45,129
3
10. Target Center, Minneapolis
19,500
$984,710
23,820
3
11. Frank Erwin Center, Austin, Texas
16,800
$462,414
7,033
1
12. Gila River Arena, Glendale, Ariz.
20,000
$415,490
6,714
1
13. Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tenn.
20,000
$404,708
19,779
2
14. Smoothie King Center, New Orleans
18,000
$350,512
6,414
1
15. Orlando (Fla.) Citrus Bowl
76,000
$337,977
27,586
8
NO. OF SEATS
TOTAL GROSS
ATTENDANCE SHOWS
12,500
$2,120,809
48,379
VENUE, LOCATION
> 10,001–15,000 CAPACITY 1. Qantas Credit Union Arena, Sydney
7
2. Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids, Mich.
12,000
$1,959,568
34,710
7
3. Olympiahalle, Munich
14,000
$1,154,063
13,701
7
4. DCU Center, Worcester, Mass.
15,000
$1,108,348
15,731
5
5. Vector Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
12,200
$778,102
16,288
7
6. Richmond (Va.) Coliseum
13,000
$718,102
9,971
5
7. Cajundome, Lafayette, La.
13,800
$668,805
8,401
4
8. Konig-Pilsener Arena, Oberhausen, Germany 13,000
$657,758
9,260
1
9. USF Sun Dome, Tampa, Fla.
10,400
$430,880
9,670
2
10. Bryce Jordan Center, University Park, Pa.
15,000
$345,424
8,169
1
11. Silver Spurs Arena, Kissimmee, Fla.
10,500
$172,934
21,244
6
12. Infinite Energy Arena, Duluth, Ga.
13,100
$158,067
5,264
1
13. Budweiser Gardens, London, Ontario
10,200
$83,837
1,825
1
14. Peoria (Ill.) Civic Center Arena
12,145
$19,222
655
1
15. Ford Center, Evansville, Ind.
11,000
$18,889
466
1
FROM THE TOP >> John Fogerty is
G-Eazy made his first stop on his “When
On Dec. 31, 2015, Jimmy Buffett and the
welcomed to The Venetian Las Vegas by
It’s Dark Out” World Tour at Memorial
Coral Reefer Band helped welcome 2016
2015, at Staples Center, Los Angeles,
Pete Boyd, senior vice president of oper-
Coliseum, Portland, Ore., on Jan. 6.
with an air of paradise. Prior to his New
members of Motley Crue are greeted by
ations for The Venetian, The Palazzo and
Pictured with the artist are Howard
Sands Expo, and John Nelson, senior vice Zuckerman, assistant GM of Event Ops.;
Prior to their last show ever on Dec. 31,
Year’s Eve show in Brooklyn, Barclays
Jen Sandstrom, vice president of Event
Center’s Keith Sheldon, VP, Booking;
Services; Lee Zeidman, president; and
president of AEG Live Las Vegas, before
Brooke Farris, Event manager; Alli
Kate Girotti, VP, Marketing; and Tim
Christy Castillo Butcher, vice president of
the opening of his eight-show residency
Stangel, Event manager; Marissa
Kemp, director, Booking, presented
Booking & Events.
on Jan. 5.
Deckert, sr. director of Guest Experience; Buffett with a custom hand-painted surfand Adam Cook, VP/GM of Rose Quarter Ops. board designed by Nelson Makes Art.
58 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
BOOKINGS
TOPSTOPS
01•16
Based on concert and event grosses from Nov. 16 - Dec 15,2015, as reported to Venues Today. VENUE, LOCATION
NO. OF SEATS
TOTAL GROSS
ATTENDANCE SHOWS
7,019
$2,609,276
19,514
> 5,001–10,000 CAPACITY 1. The Axis at Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas
6
2. ShoWare Center, Kent, Wash.
7,600
$2,337,199
50,133
15
3. Xfinity Arena at Everett (Wash.)
10,000
$1,987,467
45,729
11
4. PPL Center, Allentown, Pa.
10,000
$1,227,440
18,144
5
5. EagleBank Arena, Fairfax, Va.
10,000
$977,999
20,271
8
6. Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Conn.
10,000
7. Shrine Auditorium & Expo Hall, Los Angeles 6,300
$786,322
14,730
2
$738,410
21,840
5
8. Santander Arena, Reading, Pa.
9,641
$608,425
12,713
3
9. Huntington Center, Toledo, Ohio
7,860
$568,729
21,291
8
10. Orleans Arena, Las Vegas
9,500
$395,898
12,192
8
NO. OF SEATS
TOTAL GROSS
ATTENDANCE SHOWS
1. The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas 4,148
$13,678,750
91,602
22
2. Fox Theatre, Atlanta
$3,517,915
60,301
19
VENUE, LOCATION
> 2,001-5,000 CAPACITY
4,678
3. Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis
2,600
$2,900,473
38,387
18
4. Adrienne Arsht Center for Perf. Arts, Miami
2,400
$2,261,530
29,851
26
5. Orpheum Theater, Omaha, Neb.
2,598
$1,990,091
35,313
19
6. Durham (N.C.) Performing Arts Center
2,800
$1,921,910
37,873
17
7. Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Portland, Ore. 2,808
$1,892,719
34,088
17
8. Keller Auditorium, Portland, Ore.
$1,756,237
32,002
14
3,034
9. The Smith Center for Perf. Arts, Las Vegas
2,050
$1,373,121
23,749
42
10. Peace Center, Greenville, S.C.
2,100
$1,058,521
14,465
8
NO. OF SEATS
TOTAL GROSS
ATTENDANCE SHOWS
1. Cerritos (Calif.) Center for Performing Arts 1,715
$607,797
9,126
11
2. Wagner Noel Perf. Arts Center, Midland, Texas 1,819
$433,146
8,955
9
VENUE, LOCATION
> 2,000 OR FEWER CAPACITY
1,600
$351,926
7,860
5
4. Barbara B. Mann Perf. Arts Hall, Fort Myers, Fla. 1,871
3. The Theatre at Ace Hotel, Los Angeles
$326,119
4,436
3
5. The Fonda, Los Angeles
1,250
$317,195
11,071
11
6. The Showroom at The Flamingo, Las Vegas
750
$299,061
3,367
10
7. Newmark Theatre, Portland, Ore.
922
$279,183
10,481
21
8. Holland Performing Arts Center, Omaha, Neb. 2,000
$226,662
7,115
7
9. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Sarasota, Fla. 1,741
$214,808
1,693
1
10. City National Grove of Anaheim (Calif.)
$168,377
6,366
5
1,700
Compiled by Rob Ocampo, HotTickets@venuestoday.com
FROM THE TOP >> Home Free per-
Jeff Dunham receives a very Canadian
American rock legends Cheap Trick per-
Spectra’s marketing department at
forms a range of a capella tunes at the
gift for his twin boys from Budweiser
formed at the City National Civic of San
Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall in N.J.
Swiftel Center, Brookings, S.D., on Dec.
Gardens General Manager Brian Ohl
Jose (Calif.) on Dec. 20, 2015, and were
present Kevin Hart with a personalized,
18 as a stop on their "Home Free for the
while in London, Ontario in December.
greeted backstage by the venue’s
hand painted tin of popcorn from James
Jennifer Anderson, Marketing manager,
Fudge after his show on New Year’s Eve.
Holidays" tour.
and John Ciulla, general manager. (Photo Pictured with Hart are Elizabeth Marmo, by Aron Cooperman)
Marketing manager; Erin Bilton, Marketing director; and Aura Sanchez, Group Sales and Marketing manager. JANUARY 2016 VENUES TODAY 59
OPS + TECH
((( Ask russ ))) Public Assembly Facility Operations and Engineering issues for 2016
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Once again, it is time to look at what public
low cost apps available for our phones that
regardless of facility or event type. It has a
assembly facility operations and engineering
will allow workers to have information about
direct affect on revenue and the guest’s per-
experts can expect in the coming year.
the environment they are working in.
ception of the quality of their overall experi-
For 2016, I reached out to the members of
Sounds louder than 85 decibels (dBA) are
ence. We should take it out of the dark and
the Venue Operations Summit Board of
more common than you might think.
allow everyone in a facility’s operation, yes,
Advisors to ask about the issues they felt
Prolonged exposure to these high-level
even the “back of house,” to understand the
were on the forefront of the coming year to
sounds can permanently damage your hear-
agreement and its importance. Then the
add to some of my own reading and fact
ing and cause Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears,
entire operation can contribute to its success.
finding. Something I hope will become a trend is a serious effort to address hearing loss in our
(BTW, I have this, and it will never go away)
A variety of issues related to this include:
along with other symptoms including
Understanding the food service contract:
headaches and fatigue.
industry. I have written about this before, and
Some examples of common noise levels
Who owns the equipment, who pays for maintenance, who is responsible for code
I will continue to attempt to bring attention
include:
to this issue. I want to use this opportunity to
•
remind everyone reading this that hearing
dBA)
ships with health code officials to create
•
accountability.
loss issues affect everyone in our industry. Consider a hearing loss prevention program for your facility. There is more informa-
Attending a football game (100 to 120 Using a leaf blower or chainsaw (95-120
dBA) •
compliance, etc. Health Inspections: Developing relation-
Material Handling Equipment arrange-
Riding a motorcycle (80-110 dBA)
ments: How does the facility manage equip-
tion than ever available on noise monitoring
•
Attending a rock concert (90-120 dBA)
ment such as forklifts, push carts, etc. in a
and noise measurement. There are free and
•
Listening to a personal music player (75-
cooperative and collaborative way.
114 dBA) •
Ask us...
Shooting firearms (140 to 165 dBA)
What is billable back to food service operators? Elevators knocked off line, wall dam-
Hearing these sounds occasionally, for a limit-
age from carts, floor damage from pallets,
ed time, isn’t a major threat to your hearing.
door hardware, etc. It might be a good idea
But repeated exposure can cause permanent
to have the agreement anticipate some of
hearing damage over time.
these real world issues.
It is never too late to start. From Derek Hillestad at TCF Bank Stadium, University of Minnesota on the rela-
How to sponsor ‘Ask russ!’
tionship between facility operations profes-
ing improved dramatically over the past year
sionals and food service providers:
in public assembly facilities. I expect there
I don't know if this is a specific trend for this coming year, but I have always been fascinated by the role operations teams play in
Samantha Le (714) 378-5400 www.venuestoday.com
will be continued improvements in the technology and pricing. The LED, or light-emitting diodes, repre-
supporting food service companies. Food
sent approximately 3 percent of all bulbs
Service is arguably the single most important
used in the United States today. Because of
overall component in guest experience
60 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
LED LIGHTING LED lighting technology, efficiency, and pric-
CONTINUED ON PAGE 63 >
MAY 8-10, 2016 NASHVILLE, TENN.
IMPLEMENTATION
Established in 2015 and held annually in Nashville, TTenn., enn., the VVenue enue Opera tions Summit fills a special Operations need for shared kno knowledge wledge and best practices, recognizing an integral workforce element in sports, entertainment, performing arts and convention facilities. Venue Venue Solutions Group and Venues Venues Today Today joined forces to present this summit dedica ted to dedicated venue opera tions and engineering professionals. operations
BEST PRACTICES VENUE OPERATIONS
ENGINEERING
An ttend to Anyy professional in this space should aattend gain valuable, actionable information information that tha t provides practical value for your facility while incorpora ting incorporating professional development for aattendees. ttendees. Sample TTopics: opics: | | LED Lighting | | Recruiting Talent Talent | | Energyy Performance Energ Performance Contracting | | ADA issues and upda updates tes | | CMMS | | Changeovers | | Zero W Waste aste Initia Initiative tive | | Emergencyy Evacuation Emergenc Evacua tion Planning | | Best and W Worst orst from the Attendees | DAS/Wi-F | DAS/Wi-Fii | Ice Maintenance of digital infrastructure |
REGISTER R EGISTER N NOW! OW!
VenueOperationsSummit.com V enueOperationsSummit.com $349 Early Bird Discount (A (April pril 15, 2016) $399 Standard (Individual) $299 Group (Must be from the same org) $199 Student Presented by:
MAY 8-10, 2016 NASHVILLE, TENN. Why should you attend?
“Coming as it did during budget season, the VOS enabled me to make more informed recommenda tions to my Board. A focused yet recommendations diverse agenda coupled with the presence of so manyy seasoned facility professionals proved invaluable to my role as the link between the opera operations tions staff and the publically-a publically-appointed ppointed bod bodyy tha thatt must alloca allocate te scarce resources.”
Jeff Merritt Executive Director - The Centennial Authority Authority,, Raleigh, N.C. “While most of the conferences out there deal with “front of house” issues, finally a huge step tha t’s been that’s taken to ensure informa tion and support is provided in a conference for the information engineering and opera tions professionals in the industr Venue operations industryy of sports and entertainment facilities. Venue Opera tions Summit is something tha dedica ted Operations thatt can certainly provide a benefit to the professional tha thatt has dedicated w and facility both run smoothly themselves to working behind the scenes and making sure the show and efficiently .” efficiently.”
Greg P Poole oole Director of FFacility acility Opera Operations tions - Toyota To yota Center, Center, Houston TX
For sponsorships, please contact:
Rich DiGiacomo rich@venuestoday.com or 310.429.3678
Book your hotel rreservations eservations at:
venueoperationssummit.com/hotels Conference rate of $235 deadline is 5pm on April 8, 2016
Nashville Renaissance Hotel 611 Commerce St, Nashville, TN 37203 PP.. (615) 255-8400
OPS + TECH
ASK RUSS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 60
LEDs dramatic energy-saving capabilities and significantly longer bulb life, these systems will continue to become more attractive to
RUSS SIMONS IS... managing partner, Venue Solutions Group, and has been in this industry for more than three decades, working in arenas, stadiums, design, construction, safety and security. Send questions about any aspect of venue operation to askruss@venuestoday.com or mail questions to Venues Today, P.O. Box 2540, Huntington Beach, CA 92647.
facility users. DATA-DRIVEN DECISION MAKING Facility operations and engineering professionals are seeing the benefits of using available data to make operating decisions. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re seeing more and more of our clients using data available to them from building automation systems as a powerful tool to drive actionable operating decisions. Studies have revealed that data-driven decision-making in facility operations can yield 15 percent in overall cost savings. SUSTAINABILITY IS NOT AN OPTION Public assembly facilities will be increasingly held accountable for their efforts and actions in addressing sustainable operations. Our communities, guests and users will all expect that we are operating our facilities, many of which represent the largest investments our communities have made, in an efficient and responsible manner. VAMPIRE OR PHANTOM PLUG LOADS It has been reported that the percentage of energy use from plug-loads is increasing. Plug-loads are some of the fastest growing sources of energy use in our buildings today. Vampire loads can account for 15 to 20 percent of a facilityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall electricity use. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, office equipment consumes nearly 7% of commercial electricity, costing commercial facility operators across the U.S. approximately $1.8 billion dollars each year. THE BOTTOM LINE The pace of change in our industry is faster than ever before. Being able to identify, recognize and react to these opportunities will determine our operating success in the future. Hold on folks, 2016 is coming on hard and fast!
JANUARY 2016 VENUES TODAY 63
KEEP YOUR COMPETITIVE EDGE! ORDER NOW! 2015/2016 INTERNATIONAL VENUE RESOURCE GUIDE THE INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL’S LEADING RESOURCE This comprehensive guide has over 270 pages of the most up-to-date listings with contacts and stats for sport, entertainment and meeting places globally! A MUST HAVE FOR: • • • • • •
Promoters Producers Booking Agents Venue Managers Concessionaires Ticketing Executives
TO ORDER: Visit www.venuestoday.com to order online or call 714.378.5400 for faster service.
Contact our Resource Guide Manager Rob Ocampo P: 714.378.5400 rob@venuestoday.com for questions and to inquire about data reports!
MARKETING
DESTINATION: ANAHEIM
City National Grove of Anaheim seeks diversity in programming and event type.
DIVERSE DESTINATION Anaheim offers something for convention attendees and vacationing families by REBECCA NAKASHIMA
A
s a city bordering the Orange County and Los Angeles markets, Anaheim, Calif. seeks to be a meeting and events destination, while also acting as a vacation spot with a number of attractions, the most obvious being Disneyland. In 2014, 21.7 million people visited Anaheim, 2.5 million of which were international visitors. With an economic impact of $6.8 billion, the meeting and convention attendance totaled 1.1 million. “We really want to position ourselves as the premiere destination for meetings and events,” said Junior Tauvaa, senior vice president of Sales and Services for Visit Anaheim, the newly-branded Anaheim CVB. “A part of
what we’re doing with that is the expansion of our convention center. What we’ve seen and heard from event professionals is they want flexibility in terms of designing the events for their attendees, and they also need additional meeting space. So the expansion solves both of those issues.” With the addition of 200,000 sq. ft. of flexible space, Tauvaa said they will be able to continue to host the larger conventions, like NAMM, while gaining the ability to host more than one event at the convention center at the same time. Along with the added space, due to open in 2017, comes the need for more beds. Tauvaa said there are four to five hotel projects around the convention center that are either under construction or recently opened. The
city also offers incentives to developers that can build top tier luxury hotels. Three projects have already been announced as a result, including a four-diamond JW Marriott at the Anaheim GardenWalk. The 466-room hotel will cost $150 million and breaks ground this year with an opening in 2018. The addition of the newly-opened ARTIC intermodal transit center will hopefully further connect all parts of California to Anaheim. And once visitors get to the city, Tauvaa said they will be happy with how walkable the area is. “The fact that they can go to a meeting at the convention center and walk less than 100 yards to their hotels and then walk across the CONTINUED ON PAGE 66 >
JANUARY 2016 VENUES TODAY 65
MARKETING
DIVERSE DESTINATION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 65
street to the GardenWalk is huge for them to be able to experience everything the destination is offering,” said Tauvaa. “We want to make it easy for visitors to move around and experience Anaheim without being stuck in traffic.” Anaheim is home to two pro sports teams, including MLB’s Anaheim Angels and the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks. Visit Anaheim also started a sports side to their business a year and a half ago, and it’s exceeding expectations. “The sports side of our business is really targeting competition-based events,” said Tauvaa. “This includes everything from volleyball to cheerleading and gymnastics. That’s a huge market for us, and it’s a market, especially on the amateur level, that is recessionproof to some extent. If you have a son or daughter who has a game, you’re going to go. So what we’ve seen over these last few years is that while the other markets have contracted, that market continues to sustain itself.” In addition to being home ice to the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks, Honda Center hosts an average of 175 events and 1.5 million fans per year. Attendance has exceeded 90 percent for all Ducks games this past season, drawing from the 30 cities that are within 30 minutes of the 17,200-seat arena. “I think we have done a very good job of creating a favorable reputation for Honda Center,” said Tim Ryan, president and CEO of Honda Center. “This reputation is in the hearts and minds of every stakeholder that has been part of the facility. Our owners have spent close to $100 million on upkeep and state-ofthe-art improvement since taking control of the facility. When you combine a pristine venue and solid ownership with an aggressive marketing team, we feel positioned to be a top tier arena for years to come.” Ryan believes the diversity of events that have been successful for them speaks to the diversity of Orange County. The past two decades of business have comprised everything from major concerts and family shows to sporting events. Ryan said they have also been working closely with Visit Anaheim’s new 66 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
sports commission to even more proactively pursue major events in the coming years. Less than a mile down the road from Honda Center is another venue that looks to diversity in programming and event type as a guiding light in the Anaheim market. The 1,700-seat City National Grove of Anaheim is located along three major freeways, with not only Honda Center, but also Angel Stadium of Anaheim as a next-door neighbor. “We’re not just a concert venue,” said Adam Millar, general manager of the Nederlander venue, which recently renewed its naming rights agreement with City National Bank for five more years. “Our whole thing is diversity in programming, and I don’t just mean from a booking perspective, but also from a special-events perspective. We do lots of concerts, comedy shows, theatrical events, community and city events and a lot of special events for different companies and we also do a lot related to the convention business.” Working closely with Visit Anaheim, Millar said they do a fair number of convention-related business, hosting anywhere from 12-24 events a year as an offsite location for different conventions meeting at the Anaheim Convention Center. Diversity in programming means bringing in unique shows, like those featuring YouTube and Vine stars, to attract a young audience to the building. Millar said they’ve been pursuing these types of shows with Digitour and other viral stars for the past 12-18 months and will probably host six to eight of them this year. “It can be a really young crowd,” said Millar. “We do family shows, too, and that’s 58-year-olds. These Viners and Youtubers bring a crowd of 12-15-year-olds. It’s another way to introduce another young audience to our building, and hopefully as they get older they continue to be part of our audience. It’s nice to be able to hit that market.” A 10-minute drive away in the heart of Downtown Disney House of Blues Anaheim is preparing to uproot and move to a soon-to-becompleted new building at the Anaheim GardenWalk, a developing shopping, dining
and entertainment center. “We’re still going to be in the Anaheim market, because we love Anaheim,” said Michelle Guthrie, marketing and promotions manager, House of Blues Anaheim. “But we get so many big shows, like with Dustin Lynch, who we had to have him here three nights in a row because of the high demand. The new venue is going to be double the capacity.” Their current location has a 1,200-person capacity, while the adjoining restaurant can seat 250-300 at a time. Both areas will double in size in the new building, which will open in the summer. Even with their current capacity, Guthrie said they host around 270 shows annually, bringing in around 200,000 people. In addition to ticketed events, House of Blues Anaheim also opens its doors to 150 special events every year, from corporate functions to private parties. “We offer fans a really intimate and upclose experience with artists, because our venue does have a smaller feel,” said Amy Landon, show marketing manager. “Feeling like you’re so involved and connected with the show that is happening right there in front of you is so special. We offer a lot of meet and greets and other ways to make fans feel connected.” Being located right next door to Disneyland also means prime location for the venue and a lot of out-of-town audiences. With high demand for shows, they often host multiple nights of one artist. Dustin Lynch started out as one night, then more shows were added as they continued to sell out. “We’re obviously in a tourist market, so I would say we’re lucky in that sense,” said Landon. “Being right next to Disneyland and the hotels, we’re very fortunate. Since Sunset House of Blues has closed and they’re actively looking for a location right now a lot of the people who are loyal to the House of Blues have been traveling to Anaheim to get that experience. We might have gained more fans there.” Interviewed for this story: Adam Millar, (714) 712-2702; Michelle Guthrie and Amy Landon, (714) 520-2360; Tim Ryan, (714) 704-2412; Junior Tauvaa, (714) 765-8847
CONCESSIONS
BOWL BUSINESS DEPENDS ON LUCK Timing and teams make or break food and drink sales, but ingenuity has its place b y N O E L L E L E AV I T T R I L E Y
Hungry fans line up at the 2015 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
C
ollege football fans attending bowl games offer venues a unique opportunity to cater to a different demographic, and no one game is the same from an operational standpoint. With 43 college football bowl games taking place between Dec. 19 and Jan. 2 — and the championship game happening on Jan. 11 — venues took different approaches in offering food and beverage options to attendees. Two Utah universities paired off at the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl at UNLV’s Sam Boyd Stadium. Although the game was held in one of the biggest party cities in the United States, the venue saw a huge dip in alcohol sales, as many Utah fans don’t drink, said Sheila Williams, food and beverage adminis-
trative assistant. But while alcohol sales fell significantly compared to last year’s bowl game, food sales rose. “They did eat a lot. They ate more than anyone else,” Williams said. Food totalled $138,000 in sales compared to $97,000 in 2014. Per caps for the Dec. 19, 2015, game between The University of Utah Utes and Brigham Young University’s Cougars were $6.61, compared to $9.83 in 2014 when the Utes played Colorado State University Rams in 2014. Beer sales at the Las Vegas Bowl were $47,000 compared to $97,000 in 2014, Williams said. Stadium officials knew they wouldn’t be selling much alcohol and also knew many Utah fans don’t drink caffeine, so they offered
hot chocolate bars throughout the stadium. The stadium had two grill stands, two pizza stands and other snack attack items throughout the venue, which seats up to 41,000 when expanded seating options are needed. The Las Vegas Bowl had 31,498 in attendance, Williams said. “Because our game is always around the special time of year, spirits are high — it’s jolly,” she said. The Quick Lane Bowl held at Ford Field in Detroit saw a much different picture in terms of food and beverage sales. Roughly 30,000 people packed Ford Field on Dec. 28, 2015, to watch the Central Michigan Chippewas play the Minnesota Golden Gophers. To prepare for the game — which had extra clout considering a Michigan team played at a Michigan stadium — the chef of Levy Restaurants at Ford Field made specialty hot dogs. “We created two different ‘hot dogs’ and pitted them against each other,” said Joe Nader, executive chef for Levy Restaurants and the Detroit Lions. “It’s a way to create excitement around food and beverage.” He created the Michigan-style Coney Dog, made with Detroit brick chili, and the Minnesota Juicy Lucy dog, made out of hamburger meat, stuffed with cheese and shaped like a hot dog. Whichever state sold the most won. A total of 400 hot dogs were made. The hotdogs sold for $7.50 each, and staCONTINUED ON PAGE 68 >
JANUARY 2016 VENUES TODAY 67
CONCESSIONS BOWL BUSINESS... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 67
dium officials gave consumers updates throughout the game on which hot dog was ahead in sales. “Surprisingly, the Minnesota dog won,” Nader said. “It was a really tight race, they were up 5 percent.” Because bowl games happen around the holiday season, much of the food and beverage sales success depends on the time and day the game is scheduled, Nader said.
For instance, if a game starts at 10 a.m., alcohol sales aren’t going to be as strong as when a game starts at 4 p.m. “Last year, the (Quick Lane Bowl) was the day after Christmas,” Nader said, noting that attendance wasn’t as good as the 2015 game. “This year, the game was on the 28th, which was a Monday, so I think having the game later helped attendance.” Attendance was up nearly 8,000 compared to the year before, and food and bever-
age sales were up 35 percent, Nader said. The Quick Lane Bowl was one day after the Detroit Lions NFL team played, creating some interesting hustle and bustle for stadium staff, Nader added. “It was a fun challenge for the staff, and I think everyone took pride that we could do it,” he said. “I think the tricky part was working around the holiday delivery schedules.” Another trend that Nader has seen in recent years is that game attendees are starting to purchase more cocktails than before. “I think cocktails are trending up considerably compared to the last five years,” he said. “We’ve added a few more bar outlets. Liquor was definitely higher (at the 2015 bowl game) compared to beer from last year’s game.” The Quick Lane Bowl started at 3 p.m., so Nader didn’t run into a dip in alcohol sales. The Russell Athletic Bowl, held at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium in Florida, saw a 2.9 percent increase in attendance and a 17.5 percent increase in building per caps, according to figures compiled by the city of Orlando, which runs the stadium. Per caps were $23.66 at the Dec. 29, 2015, bowl game, compared to $20.14 in 2014. The Jan. 1 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, also held at Orlando Citrus Bowl Stadium, drew 54,310 compared to 34,843 in 2014, up 55.9 percent. Building per caps rose to $21.54, from $17.72 the year before, a 21.6 percent increase. The 2015 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic took place on Dec. 31, 2015, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas between Alabama and Michigan State. Menu items included the Texas Reuben Burger, Tacos al Pastor and a Mexican Short Rib sandwich, stadium officials said in an email. Attendance was 82,000-plus. The AutoZone Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn., had a sold out crowd of 61,136, featuring Memphis barbecue to fans. The pre-game tailgate party fed 5,000 people, which is all-you-can-eat-and-drink, Harold Graeter, associate executive director of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, said in an email. In-stadium, they had more Memphis barbecue from “two of the most famous BBQ restaurants in the country — Germantown Commissary served in our skybox suites…. and The Rendezvous, served in the press box to the media covering the game and to guests in the stadium club,” the email stated. Interviewed for this story: Sheila Williams, (702) 8950899; Joe Nader, (734) 751-8116
68 VENUES TODAY JANUARY 2016
FA C E S & P L A C E S > > M A N AG E M E N T Spectra Venue Management has promoted Al Beltranena to general manager of the St. Charles (Mo.) Convention Center. Beltranena, who was most BELTRANENA recently the assistant general manager and director of Food and Beverage for the facility, replaces Shura Garnett, who was promoted to Spectra Division senior vice president. Prior to joining Spectra in 2007, Beltranena was a Food and Beverage Management instructor at the Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Miami and Florida Culinary Institute in West Palm Beach, Fla. The Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) has named Sybil Davis as its new National Accounts manager. Davis will be responsible for booking international, multicultural and religious meeting and convention groups for the Pennsylvania Convention Center and Greater Philadelphia hotels. A sales leader with over 10 years of group sales experience in the convention and hotel industry, Davis joins the PHLCVB after serving as senior Sales executive for the Renaissance Washington D.C. Downtown Hotel. Louis Messina and Messina Touring Group have promoted several longtime staffers following a management restructuring. Mike Dugan has been upped to president, Rome McMahon and Kate McMahon have been promoted to executive vice president positions and Bridget Bauer and Sara Winter have been upped to senior vice president positions. Dugan and Winter worked on Taylor Swift’s 1989 World Tour, the McMahons helped guide Kenny Chesney’s The Big Revival run of stadiums and Bauer oversaw Eric Church’s The Outsiders World Tour. LynTec announced that Martin Dornfeld has joined the company as its new national sales manager. Dornfeld brings 30 years of systems development and implementation, project management, technical sales, training and customer service to his role at LynTec. Immediately before joining LynTec, Dornfeld spent more than 11 years at SurgeX,, rising to the head of the commercial sales organization during his tenure.
Larry Gawronski has been named executive director of the Topeka (Kan.) Performing Arts Center. Gawronski was appointed interim director by GAWRONSKI VenuWorks in August 2015 while a national search was conducted for a new director. Gawronski served as the director of Operations and subsequently the Sales and Marketing director of the Buffalo (N.Y.) Convention Center. Gawronski worked at the Riverside Convention Center in Rochester, N.Y. followed by the Danville (Ill.) Civic Center. He joined VenuWorks in 2000 and has served as the executive director of the Vicksburg (Miss.) Convention Center and the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa, Iowa. Most recently, he was the national director of Sales and Sponsorship of VenuWorks. Questex announced two key appointments with Michael Driscoll assuming the role of Questex Events vice president, business development and Matt Kavney being appointed to the role of Questex Digital Media vice president, business development. Prior to joining Questex, Driscoll was vice president of business development & sales and event director for the National Association of Broadcasters’ Content & Communications World Expo. Kavney previously served SmartBrief for 13 years, managing the strategic accounts team responsible for cultivating relationships with business-to-business brands and their respective agencies. Visit Spokane has appointed Robert Enriquez to the role of vice president of Sales and Marketing. In his new position, Enriquez will lead the sales and ENRIQUEZ marketing departments, and provide strategic input, at Visit Spokane. For the past 15-plus years, Enriquez has held sales and marketing leadership positions for several destination marketing organizations, including Reno Tahoe and Palm Springs. Most recently, he worked at the Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau. Sports Hub Pte Ltd (SHPL), which runs the $1.33-billion Singapore Sports Hub announced that managing director of Global Spectrum Pico Mark Collins and Global Spectrum Pico director of contracts and compliance Daphne Letournel have stepped aside. SHPL also con-
firmed that Jason Hrick will replace Collins as acting managing director and will report to SHPL chief executive officer Manu Sawhney, who took over the reins in October. Letournel's replacement will be announced at a later date. The SMG-managed Intrust Bank Arena has hired Meryl Loop as Guest Experience manager. In her new role, Loop will interview, hire, train, schedule and manage the Guest Experience team. She will also be responsible for implementing policies and procedures for staff, supervising staff before, during and after events, and ensuring the needs of all arena guests are met. Prior to SMG, Loop served as the game day staff manager and Merchandise manager for the Wichita Wingnuts. EHC Global announced several key management appointments to support continued growth and new business initiatives in its central region operations. Joining EHC are Wolfgang Servas as QHSE Manager, Olaf Müller as Field Operations manager and Rolf Strick as Plant manager, Germany. Affinity Sports announced the appointment of Shannon Stewart as VP Customer Success. Stewart is joining the San Diego based technology firm as a member of the executive team. Stewart has more than 15 years of sales, marketing, and customer support experience in high growth technology companies, most recently serving as sr. director of Sales for Active Network. David Taylor has been promoted to senior vice president of WaterSignal. While retaining his chief of operations and service duties, Taylor will also work with distributor sales and commercial and government accounts. Prior to joining WaterSignal, he worked in computer technology, database and software installations while at Texas Business Systems. Linda Thomas Brooks will assume the role of president and CEO at the MPA, the association announced. The role has remained vacant since Mary BROOKS Berner left to join Cumulus Media last September. Brooks brings experience from GM MediaWorks, where she was VP and managing director, and The Martin Agency.
JANUARY 2016 VENUES TODAY 69
FA C E S & P L A C E S > > PA S S I N G S GEORGE “MEADOWLARK” LEMON — 83, longtime Harlem Globetrotter, died in Scottsdale, Ariz. Lemon played 24 seasons with the Globetrotters, which adds up to more than 16,000 games. Born in Wilmington, N.C., Lemon joined the Globetrotters after serving two years in the Army. He played with the team from 1954-1979 when he left to form his own comedic basketball teams, Meadowlark Lemon’s Bucketeers, the Shooting Stars and Meadowlark Lemon’s Harlem All Stars. In 1993, he returned to the Globetrotters for a 50-game comeback tour. Lemon was inducted into the NBA Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2003 and received the John Bunn Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2000. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia, and 10 children.
> > H E L P WA N T E D
ADVERTISING OPS
FEBRUARY
Uniting Universities SPOTLIGHTS: University Venues, Kentucky & Tennessee Venues IEBA On Stage CHARTS: Social Media Power 100, Performing Arts Centers Update Bonus Distribution: The IAVM Perf. Arts Managers Conf., March 7-9, 2016, in San Antonio, Tex.; INTIX Advertising Deadline: Jan. 29, 2016
MARCH
Going Big in California & Texas THIS IS A PEOPLE BUSINESS.
SPOTLIGHTS: California Venues, Texas Venues & PACNet ‘16 Bonus Distribution: SEVT, Columbia, S.C., March 16-18; PACnet ’16 attendees
It's all about relationships and networking. To list openings or new hires in future print or electronic editions of Venues Today or VT Pulse, contact: Rebecca Nakashima, Staff Reporter rebecca@venuestoday.com
Advertising Deadline: Feb. 26, 2016
APRIL
Nutter Center 50th Anniversary! SPOTLIGHTS: Nutter Center 50th Anniversary, Australia & New Zealand, Midwest VOS (Venue Operation Summit) Pre-Conference Issue Bonus Distribution: Venue Operation Summit, Nashville, May 8-10; IAVM Region 4, Seattle, May 9-11;
Rich DiGiacomo, sales rich@venuestoday.com
Venue Management Association Congress and Showcase, Brisbane, Australia, May 15-18; INTIX members Advertising Deadline: March 25, 2016
Jim McNeil, sales jim@venuestoday.com
To reserve your advertising space in Venues Today contact: Let's keep up with each other.
70 VENUES TODAY DECEMBER 2015
Midwest, Southeastern U.S. & Texas Jim McNeil (207) 699-3343 jim@venuestoday.com
West, Northeast U.S. & International Rich DiGiacomo (310) 429-3678 rich@venuestoday.com
Marketing Director Samantha Le (714) 378-5400 samantha@venuestoday.com
ON THE MENU
Homegrown Chef, International Flavor b y L I N DA D O M I N G O
Japan meets the Pacific Northwest in a signature dish by Blair Rasmussen, executive chef at the Vancouver Convention Centre. He is lauded for his use of local ingredients, and infusing as much of the city into his menus as he can. In his mapleseared sablefish with wasabi foam, his international travels seamlessly blend with the local region’s flavors. “Sablefish is very, very rich,” he said of the main ingredient, which also goes by the name black cod. “It lives in very cold waters, so it has a high fat content. It’s also known by the name butterfish—just to highlight how rich it is.” Rasmussen uses sablefish (which is purchased from a sustainable fishery) in a variety of ways, but recommends it for intimate receptions. For this particular preparation, he was inspired by Japanese misoyaki and robata preparations. “I wanted to make the dish my own and, for me, this dish is very emblematic of the West Coast and essential Vancouver,” he said. “It’s a regional fish that I thought to marinate with a little maple syrup marinade, which is of course very Canadian.” The syrup becomes caramelized so that diners benefit from the aroma more than the sweetness. “There’s a huge Asian influence on Vancouver,” he added. “So again, going back to the Japanese fusion origin of the recipe, I thought to pair it with wasabi foam. It’s cream with wasabi (we use fresh wasabi root), lime juice, some sea salt and a little bit of honey to achieve the right balance. By putting the cream with the sablefish, it’s a lovely richness with richness, adding another level of aroma. And the final component is a little potato gaufrette, … a crispy little note again to highlight the Asian aesthetic and texture.”
EXECUTIVE CHEF BLAIR RASMUSSEN VANCOUVER CONVENTION CENTRE
Contact: Blair Rasmussen, (604) 647-7260
was inducted into the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame
“I don’t like to add up the years anymore,” joked Blair Rasmussen, of the time he’s been with the Vancouver Convention Centre. The Vancouver-born chef has worked at the venue since 1987 and has served as executive chef for the past 22 years, a rare amount of time in an industry where chefs seem to change as often as menus. But for Rasmussen, the job never gets old. “The travel I’ve been doing, the promotional work over the years has been really wonderful, so I’m not just stuck in the same kitchen. We also expanded and have a whole new kitchen. .... There’s always something new and interesting.” Before coming to the convention center, Rasmussen held senior positions at the Hyatt Regency and Méridien Hotel. Now, he prides himself on leading a “scratch” kitchen with locally grown, caught and raised food products. In 2012, he and, in 2015, Professional Convention Management
MAPLE-SEARED SABLEFISH WITH WASABI FOAM (APPETIZER PORTION) ................$20
Association’s Convene magazine awarded the center
PAIRS WITH .................SAKE, SAKE SPRITZER OR SPARKING WINE FROM THE PAC. NW
with Best in Show honors for food and beverage.
JANUARY 2016 VENUES TODAY 71