About 250in-person and virtual participants gained insight from executives across the industry late last month as the AXS Sports Facilities & Franchises and Ticketing Symposium got underway in Las Vegas. Among the popular activities at the conference were tours of T-Mobile Arena, home of the Vegas Golden Knights, and Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders.
All photos by Tony Florez
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CAA ICON Co-CEO Charlie Thornton discussed the development of Allegiant Stadium, specifically the clubs and premium offerings, ahead of a tour of the stadium, which opened last year.
Before a tour of T-Mobile Arena, Golden Knights COO Kerry Bubolz discussed during a one-on-one with SBJ Publisher and Executive Editor Abe Madkour how the team studied the way passionate fans connected with Original Six NHL teams as it aimed to build a strong local fan base.
Tour of T-Mobile Arena
The pandemic-accelerated adoption of digital ticketing was the key topic for Rose Bowl Operating Co. CRO Jens Weiden; Mark Plutzer, MLB SVP of ticketing; and AXS COO Tom Andrus.
Gretchen Sheirr, president of business operations for the Houston Rockets, discussed working closely with team owner Tilman Fertitta. “When he wants to know detail, he wants to know detail. But he’s not in it every day. He trusts us to do our jobs,” she said.
L.A. Live and Staples Center President Lee Zeidman kept fellow panelists Mike Tomon, Legends co-president and COO, and Ishwara Glassman Chrein, Chicago Fire president, and his audience entertained.
During a discussion about the Caesars Sportsbook at Chase Field, Cullen Maxey, Arizona Diamondbacks CRO and EVP of business operations, conceded that partnering with Caesars at first was “intimidating.” Maxey: “It’s a new world. [But] it’s coming.”
Krystle Hogan, Los Angeles Clippers VP, ticket sales and service, discussed the challenges facing ticket sales staff working remotely.
