 |
Continuing our recognition of Power Players in sports business, we highlight the facility managers whose day-to-day leadership and innovation make it possible for millions of fans across North America to witness history being made on the field, court or ice.
The editorial staff of SportsBusiness Journal selected the 56 individuals honored in the following pages based on their experience and leadership; the revenue generated by the facility or facilities they manage; their ability to train and mentor staff; and the creativity they have exhibited keeping their venues booked throughout the year.
In the pages that follow, staff writer Don Muret highlights their work.
A mix of team employees and those of building management companies, these behind-the-scenes leaders handle everything from logistics to scheduling to security. They also focus their energy on staying up to date on technology, adjusting premium seat options, planning renovations and improving customer service. Collectively, they represent centuries of experience in sports facility management across professional and collegiate sports.
Introducing the Power Players: Facility Managers.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Multiple venues
Roger Dixon, CenturyLink Center and TD Ameritrade Park
Xen Riggs, Nationwide Arena and Schottenstein Center
Allen Johnson, Amway Center and Camping World Stadium
Terry Savarise, United Center and Guaranteed Rate Field
Dave Touhey, Verizon Center, Kettler Capitals Iceplex and EagleBank Arena
Dave Jolette, Pepsi Center and Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Bob Hunter, Air Canada Centre, BMO Field, Ricoh Coliseum and Tribute Communities Centre
Alain Gauthier, Bell Centre and Bell Place
Racetracks
Mike Fox, Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Michael Printup, Watkins Glen International
Stadiums
Darryl Dunn, Rose Bowl Stadium
David Young, CenturyLink Field
Scott Jenkins, Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Roy Sommerhof, M&T Bank Stadium
Ron VanDeVeen, MetLife Stadium
Danny Zausner, USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
AEG Facilities
Katie Pandolfo, StubHub Center
Dennis Petrullo, KFC Yum! Center
SMG
Steve Tadlock, Save Mart Center
Hugh Lombardi, Chesapeake Energy Arena
Patrick Talty, U.S. Bank Stadium
Ballparks
Arenas
Antony Bonavita, Quicken Loans Arena
Stephen Collins, Chase Center,
Jack Larson, Xcel Energy Center
Ralph Marchetta, Talking Stick Resort Arena
Brett Stefansson, Philips Arena
Susan Darrington, Rogers Place
Matt Brown, Greensboro Coliseum Complex
Rich Claffey, Madison Square Garden
Kim Stone, AmericanAirlines Arena
Jimmy Earl, Frank Erwin Center
Tim Padgett, Little Caesars Arena
Dave Brown, American Airlines Center
Tim Friedenberger, Bridgestone Arena
Also:
Where they work: Tracking Power Players across North America
Humble beginnings: How some Power Players got their start
Pass it on: Advice from Power Players to young people hoping for a career in sports venue management
