Author: Don Muret

New Vegas Ballpark’s a Winner

New Vegas Ballpark’s a Winner

Posted by | Apr 18, 2019 | , ,

An aerial view shows Las Vegas Ballpark, which opened April 9 in Summerlin. (Tom Donoghue) With pool and upscale food, it’s part diamond, part Strip The weather has been a bit too brisk to enjoy the outfield swimming pool early in the season. Otherwise, though, the new Las Vegas Ballpark has been a big hit since it opened April 9. “The first seven [games] were unbelievable,” said Don Logan, president and chief operating officer of the Pacific Coast League’s Las Vegas Aviators, the Oakland Athletics’ Triple-A affiliate and the ballpark’s tenant. “The only thing that could have been better was the weather. We had 50 mph winds on opening night, which settled down to 30 mph winds the next night. A local high school lacrosse team rented the pool and didn’t seem to mind the 70-degree water. It’s a little chilly for mortals right now.” That will change as summer… Continue Reading New Vegas Ballpark’s a Winner

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FC Cincinnati Pushes Suite Total

FC Cincinnati Pushes Suite Total

Posted by | Apr 11, 2019 | , ,

Populous has taken over from Meis Architects on the project for the Cincinnati MLS club. (Courtesy FC Cincinnati) Populous charged with adding to 50 units planned for stadium FC Cincinnati and its new architect, Populous, are searching for additional space to build more suites beyond the 50 units already designed for its $250 million stadium development, said Jeff Berding, the team’s president and general manager. Populous recently replaced Meis Architects to help deliver the final blueprints for FC Cincinnati, which joined Major League Soccer this year as an expansion team. The club is scheduled to play two seasons at the University of Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium before moving to its new venue in the city’s West End neighborhood. As it stands now, the 50 suites and 4,500 club seats at the new stadium, which will seat 26,500, would be the most in MLS apart from teams playing in NFL facilities, Berding… Continue Reading FC Cincinnati Pushes Suite Total

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John Wentzell Out in Spectra Restructuring

John Wentzell Out in Spectra Restructuring

Posted by | Apr 11, 2019 | , , ,

Spectra began managing Dallas’ Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center at the beginning of April. (Courtesy Spectra) John Page adds oversight of convention centers, sponsorship sales Facility management services firm Spectra has restructured its business, which extends to the departure of John Wentzell, its former president. Wentzell, whose final day at Spectra was March 29, had run the firm’s facility management and food service groups since October 2016. His position has been eliminated, Spectra officials said. John Page is now president of Spectra Venue Management, overseeing arena, stadium and convention centers, plus the sponsorship sales division. Convention centers previously fell under Wentzell’s jurisdiction. Page most recently served as Spectra’s president of content for arenas and stadiums. He has been with the company for about 30 years. “Convention centers and corporate partnerships are the two big pieces that really change my day-to-day responsibilities,” Page said. “I’m working a little bit closer with… Continue Reading John Wentzell Out in Spectra Restructuring

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Loons Lean on Local Brands at Allianz Field

Loons Lean on Local Brands at Allianz Field

Posted by | Apr 9, 2019 | , ,

The fare at Hungry Loon stands at Allianz Field includes barbecue sandwiches from Handsome Hog. (Courtesy Minnesota United FC) Minnesota United FC, Sportservice spotlight Twin Cities faves Allianz Field concessions will showcase several local brands, building on what has become a tradition in the Twin Cities and something fans strongly identify with at sports venues in the marketplace. The $250 million MLS stadium opens Saturday, and Minnesota United FC officials gave VenuesNow a sneak peek at the local restaurants and vendors participating in their food program. Delaware North Sportservice, the team’s food provider, will feature Kramarczuk’s sausages, The Buttered Tin, Handsome Hog, Afro Deli & Grill, Curds & Cakes, Hot Indian, Brasa and Cecil’s Deli on the menu, among others. The Buttered Tin, a St. Paul bakery, will serve its handmade Twinkies at the Café Beignet stand. Brasa, a premium rotisserie in town, will produce burritos, designed to be served… Continue Reading Loons Lean on Local Brands at Allianz Field

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How a ‘No’ in NOLA Became a Big ‘Yes’

How a ‘No’ in NOLA Became a Big ‘Yes’

Posted by | Apr 3, 2019 |

Roman Reigns, ready for action, at WrestleMania 34 in New Orleans. (Courtesy WWE) The story behind WrestleMania coming to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome starts at “no,” which is what the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation said after WWE contacted the group about bidding for the 2014 edition. The foundation felt the wrestle-fest didn’t fit its mission statement for bringing sports events to town, said Alan Freeman, SMG’s general manager for the Superdome and Smoothie King Center, the NBA arena across the street. The foundation did, however, put WWE in contact with Freeman, who put a host committee together and spearheaded the bid. It was successful in landing the event, WrestleMania 30, which grossed $11 million in ticket sales with attendance of more than 75,000 at the Superdome. “Our sports foundation didn’t really understand and know much about it at the time,” said Doug Thornton, SMG executive vice president. “We had to… Continue Reading How a ‘No’ in NOLA Became a Big ‘Yes’

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