Author: Don Muret

In Memoriam: Denzil Skinner 1927-2019

In Memoriam: Denzil Skinner 1927-2019

Posted by | May 3, 2019 | ,

The Louisiana Superdome in 1978, soon after Skinner arrived to run it. (Getty Images) Friends and associates remember the man who helped create private facility management Denzil Skinner is remembered as a pioneer in facility management. Skinner, who died April 4 at age 91, was instrumental in launching Facility Management Group, which introduced a new business model for privately operating arenas, stadiums and convention centers. The model stands strong today. Skinner’s influence can be seen through facility management firms SMG, AEG Facilities, Spectra, VenuWorks and OVG Facilities, plus all the major league teams that run venues through their respective sports and entertainment subsidiaries.  Two years ago, SMG sold for $1 billion to a private equity firm. Most recently, SMG merged with AEG Facilities, pending regulatory approval. Together, they manage 300 public assembly venues. Much of it dates to FMG. “When you think about all the companies that have taken off… Continue Reading In Memoriam: Denzil Skinner 1927-2019

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Steelers Add Simon to Facilities Team

Steelers Add Simon to Facilities Team

Posted by | May 2, 2019 | , ,

Joe Simon moves to Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, which is entering its 19th NFL season. (Getty Images) Former Clemson associate AD oversaw multiple projects at school Jimmie Sacco has a new No. 2. The Pittsburgh Steelers have hired Joe Simon as director of facility operations at Heinz Field. Simon replaces Brian Opacic, who retired after 19 years, said Sacco, the NFL team’s vice president of stadium operations and management. Simon, 43, comes from Clemson University, where he was associate athletic director for facilities management over the past five years. During that time, Simon oversaw rapid growth in facility development, including construction of a $55 million football practice facility and the $64 million renovation of Littlejohn Coliseum, Clemson’s basketball arena. During Simon’s tenure, the Atlantic Coast Conference school also completed multiple upgrades of less than $1 million tied to nonrevenue sports such as a new baseball clubhouse and renovations to the… Continue Reading Steelers Add Simon to Facilities Team

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Elevate Sports Ventures to Sell Tix for the X

Elevate Sports Ventures to Sell Tix for the X

Posted by | May 1, 2019 | , ,

Seattle’s CenturyLink Field is one of eight venues that will welcome XFL teams when the football league begins play next spring. (Getty Images) New founding partner will sell XFL season tickets and premium The XFL has hired Elevate Sports Ventures to sell season tickets and premium seats for the league’s reboot. The two-year deal extends to Elevate signing a founding partnership in the business solutions category, said Jeffrey Pollack, the XFL’s president and chief operating officer. World Wrestling Entertainment Chairman Vince McMahon owns the minor league football organization through Alpha Entertainment, a separate entity. The XFL, which played one season in 2001 before folding, is scheduled to relaunch in the spring of 2020 in eight markets: Dallas; Houston; Los Angeles; New York; St. Louis; Seattle; Tampa, Fla.; and Washington, D.C. Elevate is owned by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, the San Francisco 49ers, Ticketmaster/Live Nation and Oak View Group, parent… Continue Reading Elevate Sports Ventures to Sell Tix for the X

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Live Nation Growing Reserved Lawn

Live Nation Growing Reserved Lawn

Posted by | Apr 24, 2019 | , ,

Reserved seating is often situated in the lower center of the lawn, though Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek in Raleigh, N.C., has tried it along one side. (Courtesy Live Nation) Test offers reserved seats, some with waitstaff, at amphitheaters Veteran concertgoers recognize lawn seats can be a dicey proposition at amphitheater shows. In a general admission setting, the cheapest tickets come with some risk, whether it’s stormy weather, drunken patrons causing a disturbance or someone stealing the space you staked out well before show time. Live Nation recognizes the issue. For the second year, the company is testing reserved lawn seats across most of its 50 amphitheaters. For an upcharge of $20 to $30, customers can buy a gated green space. It comes with a lawn chair, security attendants and, depending on the venue, waitstaff for ordering and delivery of food and drink. “We’re beta testing, in… Continue Reading Live Nation Growing Reserved Lawn

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Sources: Phoenix Suns Pick HOK, Okland

Sources: Phoenix Suns Pick HOK, Okland

Posted by | Apr 22, 2019 | , ,

Talking Stick Resort Arena has been home to the NBA’s Phoenix Suns since it opened in 1992. (Courtesy Talking Stick Resort Arena) Firms will design and build $230 million in upgrades The NBA’s Phoenix Suns have selected HOK and Okland to design and build $230 million in upgrades to Talking Stick Resort Arena, sources familiar with the decision said. In an email, Ralph Marchetta, the Suns’ senior vice president of ticket operations and general manager for sports and entertainment services, would not confirm the selections. “We have not entered into a contract and closed procurement yet,” Marchetta said. The agreements with HOK and Okland are separate contracts. Okland will serve as construction manager at risk, sources said. The general contractor filled a similar role for the $125 million renovation to Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, home of the NBA’s Utah Jazz. HOK most recently designed $183 million… Continue Reading Sources: Phoenix Suns Pick HOK, Okland

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