MARCH 2021 VOLUME 20 | NUMBER 3 VENUESNOW.COM MARCH MECCA REVITALIZED RETRO: BANKERS LIFE FIELDHOUSE ANCHORS AN ALL-INDIANA NCAA TOURNAMENT C O N T E N

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MARCH 2021 | VOLUME 20 | NUMBER 3

COURTESY VENUE SPOTLIGHTS &FEATURES area intheupperlevel. (Courtesy Venue) ON THE COVER: 36 28 16 SECURITY TOM WILSON TOM Star State music; andwhat’s State Star new atCOTA. Reed Arena for is eager shows; ofLone thestate intheMotorCity.shape sports A builderofarenas andbrands, hehashelped threats keep securitypros andvenues busy. COVID-19 andthechanging nature oftraditional 15 SPOTLIGHT: TEXAS SPOTLIGHT: Chesterfield, Missouri. Chesterfield, ofadevelopmentis part in venue tobecompletedsoon, The Factory, aperformance READY FOR PRODUCTION: Rendering ofthebowl at Bankers Life Fieldhouse inIndianapolis seenfrom anew standing 48 44 its beloved retro feel. Indianapolis arena whilekeeping oftheart state How a$360 million refurbishment willmake the stadium’s timeisdoneinSanDiego. Glendale’s Alex Theatre; andanaward-winning An eventful stretch inSanMateo;thefuture of BANKERS LIFE FIELDHOUSE BANKERS SPOTLIGHT: CALIFORNIA SPOTLIGHT: MARCH 2021

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DESIGN ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER Pat Lewis SOMETHING TO YELL ABOUT: PRODUCTION DESIGNER Texas A&M has created an “amphitheater” Karina Pacheco Rodriguez 36 setup for events at Kyle Field. ADVERTISING & MARKETING MARKETING DIRECTOR Samantha Le [email protected] ADVERTISING Rich DiGiacomo [email protected], 310-429-3678 Brij Gosai (U.K.) [email protected] IN EVERY ISSUE +44 (0) 207-359-1110 To Subscribe to VenuesNow email [email protected]. 515-362-7480 FRONT ROW For information about your Subscription BOOKINGS 559-650-8546 Annual Subscription Rate: $249 (U.S.) 5 LOAD IN Venues Line Up to Offer 52 TODD RUNDGREN BRINGS COVID-19 Shots CONCERTS BACK HOME OAK VIEW GROUP Racetracks, stadiums and arenas How a rock cult hero is PRESIDENT, convert to mass vaccination MEDIA & CONFERENCES putting some local flavor Ray Waddell [email protected] centers. into a new virtual tour. VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS, MEDIA & CONFERENCES Jon Guynn [email protected] 10 Q&A: LAURIE JACOBY 53 LIVE! LANDMARKS VICE PRESIDENT, Barclays Center EVP on her new gig, RodeoHouston, an annual SALES AND SPONSORSHIPS, the ultimate ’70s concert and the highlight, will return MEDIA & CONFERENCES Aki Kaneko [email protected] aura of this year’s Nets. for its 90th year in 2022. SENIOR DIRECTOR, INTEGRATED SALES John Walberg [email protected] SECTIONS 54 LIVE! ROUNDUP SENIOR DIRECTOR, FINANCE Maggie Nguyen Punching it up: [email protected] 13 CONCESSIONS A big bout in Big D. SENIOR DIRECTOR, Legends Wins Super Bowl MEDIA & CONFERENCES Erin Grady, [email protected] With a Per Cap Record SENIOR DIRECTOR, Fans spent average of $132 DEPARTMENTS MEDIA & CONFERENCES for food and drink, $80 Taylor Johnson, [email protected] for merchandise in Tampa. COORDINATOR, 8 INTERNATIONAL BEAT MEDIA & CONFERENCES Alexa Benudiz, [email protected] COURTESY TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY 15 CLUBS 12 FACES & PLACES MARKETING DESIGN MANAGER Darrian Warach Factory Fresh: New Club 54 HOT TICKETS SALES COORDINATOR, Going Up Near St. Louis MEDIA & CONFERENCES Live music veterans Elaine Lai-Lakusta team up to build and [email protected] open suburban venue. BOX OFFICE LIAISON Bob Allen [email protected] CIRCULATION MANAGER, MEDIA & CONFERENCES Jodi Di Pasquale VenuesNow is published monthly by OVG Media & Conferences LLC, 1100 Glendon Ave. Ste. 1000, Los [email protected] Angeles, CA 90024. Periodical Postage Rate is paid at Fresno, CA. EXECUTIVE EDITOR, POSTMASTER: Send address changes to VenuesNow c/o OVG Media & Conferences LLC, 1100 Glendon Ave. MEDIA & CONFERENCES Ste. 1000, Los Angeles, CA 90024. Andy Gensler [email protected]

4 MARCH 2021 number of football stadiums are vaccination sites. While vaccine supply issues and harsh winter weather have hampered some venue vac- cination distribution plans, venues like Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Spokane Veterans FRONT ROW Memorial Arena and Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina, have begun Venues Line Up to or completed initial rounds of vaccinations. At Charlotte Motor Speedway, where the venue has partnered Offer COVID-19 Shots with Atrium Health and Honey- well, nearly 16,000 were given the first of two vaccine doses in Racetracks, stadiums and arenas convert to January, with the second doses to be administered a few weeks lat- mass vaccination centers around the country er, according to General Manager Greg Walter. The racetrack, which had al- BY JAMES ZOLTAK how public assembly facilities made venues suitable for such ready teamed with Atrium — the have responded to the global uses apply in terms of vaccination facility’s health services provider health and economic crisis. sites. during major events — on admin- growing number Since March, stadiums, arenas, A coalition of live event indus- istering COVID tests, became of venues across the convention centers, fairgrounds try leaders (including VenuesNow involved after Honeywell CEO nation, many of them and other venues have served as parent company Oak View Group) Darius Adamczyk , Atrium CEO at least limited in their COVID-19 testing sites, food and addressed a letter to President Joe Eugene A. Woods and Carolina ability to offer their personal protective equipment Biden offering “the full support Panthers/Tepper Sports & Enter- usual fare, are joining distribution hubs, test kit assem- and resources of the live event tainment President Tom Glick, Athe effort to vaccinate millions of bly lines, jury service locations industry” to help achieve the who all live in Charlotte, put Americans against the coronavi- and physically distanced voting administration’s ambitious mass their heads together about how rus pandemic. and ballot processing centers. inoculation goals. The NFL has they could have an impact on the It’s just the latest example of Many of the same attributes that made a similar overture and a vaccination rollout and reached

BANK SHOT: A line forms around the racing oval at Charlotte Motor Speedway as people await the opportunity to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. KEVIN MCCARTHY KEVIN

MARCH 2021 5 FRONT ROW Load In

ARMS AT THE READY: The site at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena hoped to be giving 5,000 shots a day by the end of February. out to the speedway. mance indicators in terms of a.m. appointment, according to team who has been integral in More than a year before the processes and numbers of people Honeywell Supply Chain Officer working with this collective group pandemic struck, Charlotte Motor served, but one thing that im- Torsten Pilz. to pull this off and she said to Speedway — which in a normal pressed Walter was the emotion “Some people were anxious me, this has been like preparing year hosts more than 100 events expressed by people who came to and couldn’t wait,” he said. “I saw for three Panthers NFL games. as well as the Coca-Cola 600 in the track. many people leaving this area We’ve had to reinvent so many the NASCAR Cup Series — had “People would drive out, you with tears in their eyes. They had things. This fall we reinvented worked with Cabarrus County would see tears in their eyes. Peo- hope.” how fans could come to a Panthers health officials to model what a ple were yelling, ‘God bless you. “This is exactly the kind of way game during a pandemic or how mass inoculation would look like, Thank you so much. I can hug that Bank of America Stadium they could come to the (Atlantic leading to a mock drill in January my grandkids again,’” he said. should be used — for the benefit Coast Conference) championship of 2020. “It was a very emotional event of our community,” said Glick, game. We were able to use some “We already had the blue- over those three days that we did president of Panthers owner Tep- of those lessons but today we’ve prints, if you will, of what this not anticipate. It was incredibly per Sports & Entertainment, at a done something differently for the would look like,” Walter said. rewarding that you were making news conference after the clinic very first time. My advice to my

That turned out to be fortu- a difference in the lives of people opened. colleagues at other venues (is) be COURTESY SPOKANE PUBLIC FACILITIES DISTRICT itous, since racetrack staff had in our community. There’s a real Asked by VenuesNow what ad- open minded, put yourself under little more than a week of lead sense of collaboration amongst vice he would give to other venues pressure, learn a new way to do time to put together its COVID-19 other venues and entities in this looking to conduct vaccination things and do it with great part- vaccination distribution plan. town and I’m heartened to see clinics, Glick said thorough ners like we have in this effort.” Walter said that after the how people want to lean in and planning and an examination of The combination of Honeywell pandemic shut down events help one another. There’s a willful how things went at the speedway providing technology, Atrium last March, he and the general sharing back and forth, wanting made for a smooth process at handling the medical aspects managers of the other seven to see others succeed.” Bank of America Stadium. and the speedway with its event tracks across the country owned Enthusiasm was evident. The “I think this has been really expertise was the kind of winning by parent company Speedway first appointment on Friday was at well thought out and everybody formula that Walter expects to be Motorsports had been challenged 7:30 a.m. The first person arrived has been alive to giving a great repeated elsewhere. by President and CEO Marcus at 4:52 a.m., Walter said. level of service but also looking at Those coming to the facility Smith to reach out and find ways That was the case a week later things we can do to improve,” he got to drive right onto the track to assist their various communi- when the action then shifted to said. “I guess what I would say to and eventually into the track’s ties in coping with the crisis. the Carolina Panthers’ home other stadiums and venues is, we NASCAR Cup garage to receive “Within two weeks we were field at Bank of America Stadium, would definitely encourage you their shots. In total, it took about doing mobile testing here at where Atrium and Honeywell to do it. It’s a great public service. 45 minutes to go through the pro- Charlotte Motor Speedway,” held drive-through and walk-up It’s a great way for our venues to cess, including an up to 30-min- Walter said. vaccinations. The first person be used. It is different. I spoke to ute post-shot observation period, The track hit its key perfor- arrived at 6:30 a.m. for an 8 a member of our guest relations Walter said.

6 MARCH 2021 One family whose car broke unison and then you throw in the to work, he said. The arena has also on the availability of shots, accord- down at the track was even given National Guard as well,” Meyer served as a smoke shelter when ing to Tom Martinez, chief deputy a ride home, he said. said. “After multiple conver- wildfires ravaged the Pacific North- general manager of the California “Our company culture is to sations and conversations I’ve west late last summer and into fall, Exposition & State Fair. serve others,” Walter said. “When had with venues throughout the and as a shelter for homeless indi- Sacramento County was ad- you put others ahead of yourself, nation, I’ve pretty much told (the viduals between May and August. ministering the Moderna vaccine your business plan will always be arena’s partners), you’ve got to Two of the largest venue in the fairgrounds’ pavilion, successful.” rely on us to handle the flow and vaccination sites were at Dodger which houses animals during the Across the country in eastern the logistics of what’s going on, Stadium, which has also served annual summer fair run, while Washington, Spokane Arena we need to rely on you guys to as a testing location and a polling Kaiser was administering the opened as a testing site in Jan- handle the medical aspect of it place, and Petco Park, home of Pfizer vaccine and expecting uary, according to Matt Meyer, and getting the shots in arms and the MLB Padres, in San Diego. shipments from Moderna as well, the director of entertainment at everything that’s associated with Smaller venues, like Roy Wilkins Martinez said. Kaiser is set up in the arena and the First Interstate that, so what we’ve done on the Auditorium at Saint Paul (Min- the facility’s Expo Center build- Center for the Arts. venue side is we’ve taken all the nesota) RiverCentre, where area ing, where various arts and crafts Meyer said he had already printing, all the ancillary items educators were vaccinated, are exhibits and entertainment are been working with Community that are popping up, we’ve been also part of the effort. offered during the fair, he said. Health Association of Spokane taking control of that and han- Anti-vaccination protesters who In addition, the 800-acre, mile- on a plan to administer 80 shots dling all the logistics for that.” blocked and misdirected traffic wide facility is housing homeless of the Moderna vaccine a day He said the vaccination pack- outside of Dodger Stadium shut individuals who’ve tested positive when Washington Gov. Jay Inslee age each person gets is as many as down the city-run clinic in the and others considered susceptible announced that the arena would 10 pages long and there are also stadium parking lots for about an in 63 FEMA-supplied trailers, be a mass vaccination site. consent forms. hour on a recent Saturday and win- while also continuing to adminis- The facility was positioned to “I’ve got my event managers ter weather forced a postponement ter COVID-19 tests. The trailers administer 500 vaccinations per managing that, managing the on the second day of a mid-Feb- are spread out and those who’ve day, with a goal of handling 5,000 standby list, the equipment list of ruary vaccination clinic run by tested positive are isolated from people a day by March, with the items we’re pulling from the con- Centura Health at Broadmoor others, Martinez said. process expected to last through vention center and theater since World Arena in Colorado Springs, Kaiser administers vaccines May, Meyer said. we own and operate those and Colorado. seven days a week, while the “For the most part, it’s going to by doing that it’s opened things At Cal Expo, the California state county is on hand on weekdays. be dependent on the allocations up where their focus is strictly on fairgrounds in Sacramento, two The testing facility also runs of the vaccine and how many getting people through as quickly vaccination efforts, one adminis- Monday through Friday, but for 12 we’re going to be getting on a as possible and so far, it’s working tered by health care group Kaiser hours each day, Martinez said. weekly basis,” he said. quite efficiently,” Meyer said. Permanente and the other by the “They say when life gives you Along with CHAS, the arena The arena received some county health department, are lemons, make lemonade and Cal has been doing drive-up testing compensation from the state, and inoculating 700 people per day. Expo is striving to make the best since the beginning of December, the testing and vaccination efforts The goal is for each to ramp up to lemonade possible and meet the Meyer said. People are being have allowed some staff to return about 2,500 jabs a day, depending enormity of this moment,” he said. brought inside the arena for the inoculations, given weather and the ability to handle more daily visits than would be possible on a drive-through basis. Meyer said he has been on calls with colleagues, “hearing what other venues are doing, how it’s working.” “I took a lot of that informa- tion, a lot of diagrams and put it in front of everybody and we decid- ed to pull it indoors,” he said. So that no vaccine goes unused, the venue has initiated a standby list, he said. “What’s been great about this whole process is you’ve got the Department of Health, you’ve got (the) Spokane Regional Health District, CHAS and then the arena, all these different staffs, we’re all working together in

SHOT TALK: California Gov. Gavin Newsom (cen- ter) discusses Cal Expo’s drive-through vaccina- tion program with other

COURTESY CAL EXPO CAL COURTESY state officials.

MARCH 2021 7 FRONT ROW Load In

12 to March 5 at the Blue Square, sold out immediately, according AUSTRALIA to The Korea Herald. In fact, INTERNATIONAL demand for VIP seats was so great EVENT GENIUS SIGNS THREE FESTIVALS that the tickets, which normally Lost Paradise, Wildlands and For cost 150,000 won ($134), were the Love on board with platform BEAT going for 400,000 won on illegal U.K.-based Festicket, which secondary ticket sites. entered Australia in 2018, is It should be noted that while expanding there via its Event A look at events making distancing rules were eased, Genius platform, which it bought news around the world theaters are still allowed to sell in 2019 along with Ticket Arena. seats only up to 50 percent of their Event Genius in early February capacity. announced its first deals Down BY GIDEON GOTTFRIED The situation became so Under with three festivals — Lost intense that the star of the show, Paradise, Wildlands and For the Ock Ju-hyun, went on social Love — offering “end-to-end media and asked the public to ticketing, cashless, and event ENGLAND and natural ventilation, a key “please allow only those who management.” factor with regards to the spread really love the show to attend.” Lost Paradise will return to A VENUE FOR THE COVID AGE? of COVID-19. The audience sits The entire run will finish up Glenworth Valley outside Sydney The Vertical Theatre Group in balconies that can accommo- May 1. Dec. 28-Jan. 1. Normally drawing talking to financial partners date groups between four and Tickets for 14 of the 18 perfor- 10,000 patrons, it canceled in The Vertical Theatre Group, 12 people, or designated “social mances of “Man of La Mancha,” 2019 because of raging bushfires founded in August, is talking to bubbles.” starring superstar actor Cho and in 2020 as a result of corona- potential financial partners about The Vertical Theatre is modu- Seung-woo, also sold out imme- virus. a design it has produced for a new lar and has a capacity of 1,200 to diately after being postponed Melbourne collective Untitled venue that could host live perfor- 2,400 people, depending on the three times. The musical will Group’s Wildlands sold out its mances with social distancing distancing rules in place. run through March 1 at the March 6-7 dates at the 25,000-ca- restrictions while still turning a Charlotte Theater in eastern pacity Brisbane Showground. profit. Seoul. For the Love — Untitled The group features producers, SOUTH KOREA In addition, the musical Group’s music, lifestyle and ocean creatives and technical specialists “Monte Cristo” extended its run festival — which in the past staged working with the team of Lon- ‘WICKED’ DEFIES GRAVITY for three weeks until March 28. in Bali and California, stages this don-based Stufish Entertainment Run of 25 performances in The show opened in November year at McCallum Park Perth on Architects. Seoul sells out immediately but was paused for two months March 13, the sold-out Birrarung The structure is planned to be With the relaxation of social because of stricter social distanc- Marr Melbourne on April 3 and tourable and free-standing. It has distancing rules in Seoul, stage ing rules. Doug Jennings Park on the Gold a roof to protect the audience and musicals have returned with a “The Last Empress” also Coast on April 17. stage from the elements but open vengeance. Twenty-five perfor- extended its run after being post- Christie Eliezer and Philip Brasor sides to allow for optimum airflow mances of “Wicked,” from Feb. poned three times. contributed to this report.

GO WITH THE FLOW: Open sides allow for better airflow in The Vertical Theatre Group’s creation. COURTESY THE VERTICAL THEATRE GROUP

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THANKTHANK YOU YOU TOTO OUR SPONSORSSPONSORS FRONT ROW Q & A Laurie Jacoby’s New Adventure

Barclays Center EVP on her new gig, the ultimate ’70s terday. He reached out to me when he was leaving and heard about my sit- concert and the aura of this year’s Brooklyn Nets uation. He was one of the first people to reach out. We haven’t spoken since BY ANDY GENSLER I’ve accepted the position, we’ve just been texting. I don’t officially start until March 1, but it’s great to have that resource and a good relationship with somebody like that.

NYC FIXTURE: So you are one of the most be- Laurie Jacoby loved executives in our industry. I is joining Bar- clays after 22 know because I saw the standing years of work- ovations at the Pollstar Awards ing for Mad- when you won (three!) Venue ison Square Executive of the Year Awards. But Garden. this is a tough business with lots of hard-nosed negotiations and egos — why all the love? I have never worn my title on my sleeve. I am, first and foremost, a music fan, that really knew from the very first concert that I ever went to that this is what I wanted to do.

What was that concert? I’m going to date myself here: It was Loggins and Messina, Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers.

arlier this month, COVID and cooped in a small space. Is there a more ‘70s lineup than Laurie Jacoby was named You just feel out of sorts, so I really that? executive vice president and needed to take some time and figure I grew up in Long Island. It was at chief entertainment officer of out what the next big move was. And the Nassau Coliseum, and I was in the Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, John Abbamondi (CEO of Barclays nosebleeds, the very, very last row — where she will oversee pro- Center and the NBA Nets) in Brook- I’m talking can’t get any higher in the Egramming and marketing, including lyn came forward early, and that building — but I felt the magic. I was the booking of concerts. No stranger planted the seed very early on. like, “Oh, my God. I want to do that.” to the highly competitive New York This is corny, but I still get excited market, Jacoby worked for 22 years for What’s it like with a new CEO? Are when the trucks roll in. I’m like, “Oh, the market leader, Madison Square you rethinking everything? my God, I’m part of the team. I get to Garden, where she won three Pollstar It’s fresh energy because almost the do what I want to do.” Not everybody Venue Executive of the Year awards. entire executive leadership team are gets to have that dream realized. I’m Here, she discusses the new gig, the pretty much brand-new hires. There’s a fan first and I have enthusiasm for ultimate 1970s concert, what having a few who were part of the organiza- every job I do. a championship team does to a venue tion or part of the company with Joe and, of course, seeing “The Beard.” Tsai, but it’s so exciting because there In the live business, it’s easy are so many who are part of the exec- to get into difficult situations Congratulations on the new job. utive leadership team who are coming without great partners or com- Thank you. I’m over the moon. It’s in on the same footing and we all have munication between artist, agent, COURTESY BSE GLOBAL awesome. It’s just so funny how life is. great ideas. John’s put together a great manager and the building and I always say the only constant in this group of people. I felt there was a yet, you’ve somehow come out world is change, so you have to ride it kinship and it was really important for smelling like roses, at least ac- and here I am. me that the culture of the workplace cording to the standing ovations be one that I felt aligned with. at the Pollstar Awards. It wasn’t a lot of time between I like to talk, I’m a good talker, I jobs in the scheme of things. Are you in touch with your prede- have no fear. I talk to people who are I needed some time to figure out cessor, Keith Sheldon? disgruntled and unhappy. They could what I wanted to do especially during He actually just sent me a text yes- walk in the building that way, and my

10 MARCH 2021 job is to turn it around and make sure when they leave they have a smile on their face. I always see it as I am hosting the biggest party for them and whatever they need, how can we help you? Life is unpredictable. A truck may show up late, it might have a weather delay. I’ve dealt with power outages. I’ve dealt with two parts of a tour that are not getting along. I have dealt with almost everything. The thing I come away from it with is that if you can talk to people and they know that you care, and that you are listening, and you’re trying to find a solution, that goes a long way. That’s what I try to do.

I think that’s pretty normal for this business, but you’re talking about Madison Square Garden, for 22 they see me, they’re going to be taken it, I wasn’t living anywhere near there, years and the amount of shows care of and that I’m not going to drop it was like, “OK, updates are happen- THE TOWN they do and tickets they sell. the ball. I understand the pressure ing here. People are meeting there. SQUARE: Protest- ers gather May 29 They’re always on the top of our they’re under. I’ve had many people Change is happening.” I just remember outside Barclays arena chart every year and with tell me I helped alleviate a lot of their every day when, unfortunately, while Center to demon- the caliber of guests, fans and worries when they walked in and all those incidents were happening, strate against sponsors, there may be no more realized, “Oh, my God. It’s fine. It’s that nothing was happening inside police brutality in pressurized place to work. chill, we’re going to be good.” the venue. There was a lot happening the wake of George I feel if I can do that, I can do outside the venue. Floyd’s death while almost anything. It actually em- When you were at the Garden, in police custody in powers me, because I have no fear. how did you view Barclays? Do you think you’ll program in Minneapolis. I also don’t mind making a call and New York is a very competitive a way with that in mind? Are introducing myself to somebody I marketplace, and so a lot of times there opportunities for the town don’t know, and letting them know, I was a little limited with avails, so square? “I’m around. How can I help you?” sometimes it was just purely a matter There’s ways to enhance it. I’m not I’ve befriended a lot of people. I’m of dates being available. But look, on the job yet. I have lots of ideas. But not going to name names, but I’ve they were competition. No doubt I think there’s ways to enhance it and had to deal with some people that about it. When they opened, and to encourage it and to tie it into events were not the most pleasant, and every new venue has a honeymoon that are happening inside the venue as then by the end of the night, they’re phase, the Garden transformation well. There’s great opportunity there. giving me a hug. You’re not going was still occurring at that time, so to win every person over, but by we didn’t have the full slate of avails. You’ve worked in a building where and large, I’ve been able to make I think everybody has to do the best sports franchises have achieved them feel comfortable. People are that they can for the venue they greatness and it looks like these intimidated by playing in the New work at. I’m friends with everyone Brooklyn Nets are on their way. York City market. If it’s their first in every single venue. I know every What does it do to a building time playing an arena in the market, person that’s in our market looking when you have a championship they already have a set of nerves at venues. team in terms of programming? before they walk in the door. How’s First of all, the vibe of the building, the show going to go? Are they going It’s interesting how Barclays it definitely helps and enhances it. I to get a good review? Is the sponsor seemingly organically became a have people reaching out to me, and I going to be happy? Is the band going town square of sorts for Brooklyn know what they want right now, they to be happy? Is the catering good — when there’s a protest or celebra- want to come to a Nets game and I’m it’s all about the food. I take all that tion, which it wasn’t at all before it not even there. I have people who into consideration and I try to diffuse was built. are like, “Oh, hey, congratulations. situations before they flare up. And Obviously in front of Barclays, and Oh, wow, you’re in Brooklyn.” I know it has nothing to do with the venue. Barclays Plaza, is a natural space to exactly what they want. So it’s excit- It’s just life on the road. There’s also gather. The Garden has no place to ing to be at a building that has that managing all of the people that come gather. You have the sidewalk and then vibe and that has a team that has the and hang out, because usually it’s not you have the street, so there’s not that potential of the Nets because it only the artist. It’s the manager, the tour natural place where all roads and liter- adds to the allure of the venue. manager, the record label, everybody ally all subways lead there. This sum- has a stake in it. And it’s just trying mer, it became this area where people Have you seen James Harden’s to make them all feel welcome and felt safe and they could speak their beard? make them feel like they’re a part of mind and it really became the place to Yeah, of course, but I don’t think we it and build those relationships to the be. And also, it was where people got can get too close right now with the

GETTY IMAGES point where they know the next time information from. Just from watching COVID protocols.

MARCH 2021 11 FRONT ROW Faces + Places

MANAGEMENT

Elevate Sports Ventures named ALEXA FUENTES head of sales at Circuit of the Americas. Fuentes was manager of brand alliances for Major League Soc- cer. The racetrack hired Elevate LAWRENCE WENDI to support ticketing and premium PERYER STURGIS hospitality sales, strategy and service. strategy officer. Peryer was chief revenue officer. The company VenuWorks hired QUINCY hired WENDI STURGIS as KECK as the general man- chief revenue officer and NEAL ager of The Yard in Johnston, GILBREATH as director of Iowa. The central green space, LMN’S JULIE ADAMS, OSAMA QUOTAH AND PAMELA TREVITHICK sales. Sturgis was CEO at Yext scheduled to open this summer, Europe, and Gilbreath was vice will feature regular event pro- president of sales and business gramming including concerts, Architectural Visit Plano in Plano, Texas, development at Front Gate a splash pad, and a seasonal lighting and named STEVE YEARWOOD Tickets. ice-skating rink. Keck was the design firm association and SMERF (social, in-house Ungerboeck Event Auerbach military, educational, religious Trainer at the VenuWorks corpo- Pollock Fried- and fraternal) sales manager and Patron Technology promoted rate office. lander pro- appointed OLIVIA WOOD- JIM BARCZAK to senior vice moted BAR- WARD to event services coordi- president of revenue, RACHEL BARA J. nator. BULLOCK to senior vice San Francisco-based check- WOHLSEN BARBARA president of operations, DOUG out-free technology company to associate. J. WOHLSEN LYONS to senior vice president Zippin hired GARY of product and marketing, and JACOBUS as senior vice pres- MIKE CLOW to senior vice ident of business development. Hornets Sports & Entertainment, president of engineering. Jacobus most recently was with which owns the NBA’s Charlotte SSP America, which operates Hornets and operates Spectrum the food and beverage con- Center, named TAMARA DAN- Oak View Group Facilities hired cessions at airports and other IELS senior vice president and MARC MULHERIN as general travel locations, and is formerly general counsel. Daniels was vice manager at the Fort Smith (Ar- of Aramark’s Sports and Enter- president and general counsel of CHARLES R. REBECKA kansas) Convention Center and tainment division. the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights CONNER III JONES MARK ARANCIBIA as general and its other properties: the manager at the Jackson (Missis- Henderson Silver Knights, Hen- sippi) Conven- Event technol- derson Event Center, Lifeguard CHARLES R. CONNER III tion Center ogy software Arena and City National Arena. and REBECKA JONES were Complex. company elected to the board of directors CHERRE Ungerboeck for the Maryland State Fair & MILLER will hired CASEY Nash- Agricultural Society Inc. return to the JESSMON ville-based Jackson Con- as chief promoter Out- vention Cen- information back Presents JOHN HILL ter Complex security offi- hired AMY was named as assistant RODNEY cer. Jessmon CASEY HELBERG director of general man- REESE was business JESSMON as director sales and mar- ager. For Moody information of Atlanta keting for the Center in Austin, security officer operations. AMY Cobb Galleria Texas, OVG Facilities named at Equifax Workforce Solutions Helberg was HELBERG Centre and the TIM VOGT vice president of before joining Ungerboeck, which vice president of Cobb Energy arena operations, MICHAEL is based in the St. Louis suburb of booking for Live Performing JOHN OWENS vice president of O’Fallon, Missouri. Nation in Atlanta. Arts Centre. HILL booking, VERONICA CANTU Hill was director vice president of marketing and of hotel sales for ANSEL GARDINER director of Performing arts and media fa- Loudspeaker manufacturer the Renaissance Atlanta Waverly finance, and RODNEY REESE cilities planning and design firm Renkus-Heinz named DUDLEY Hotel and Convention Center. was named general manager of LMN Architects added JULIE MCLAUGHLIN national sales Legacy Sports Park in Mesa, Ariz. ADAMS, OSAMA QUOTAH manager and GARRISON At the corporate level PETER and PAMELA TREVITHICK PARKIN Western regional sales Ticketing platform Lyte named ZINGONI was hired as senior as partners. manager. LAWRENCE PERYER chief vice president of development.

12 MARCH 2021 PHOTO CREDIT HERE TK

Fans spent average of $132 Legends Wins Super Bowl for food and drink, $80 for merchandise in Tampa

With a Per Cap Record BY DON MURET L $1.99 million on retail items. retail on million $1.99 and drink and for food million $3.28 about spent fans math, the 65,890. Doing seats that stadium a in 24,835 was attendance cap. per $65 a posted Legends where 2016, in Stadium 50 at Levi’s Bowl Super was old record the For retail, catering. and concessions runs Aramark where Houston, in um Stadi- 2017 in at NRG sales drink and for food $95.41 was record said. officials Legends only, Stadium James at Raymond day sales for game are numbers The for merchandise. $80 plus dining, premium and concessions general covering drink, and Concessions ed venue capacity the during pandemic. concession stand lines shortened by restrict- Tampa, Florida, afunctionof factors such as In Tampa, the official game official Tampa, the In Bowl Super previous The for $132 food was cap per The spending Feb. 7at Super Bowl LV in record for Super Bowl food and retail the smashed Hospitality egends efficient service in a socially socially ina service efficient more and quicker to provide ing operat- was ofsale point every virtually said. Regardless, Smith map, over the all was capacity expected The stadium. the in be would fans how many knew really provider, food never Buccaneers’ time.” given at any ready to activate plans contingency havesix to five plan ofthe top on then and a plan with out to come and mix the into ofthat all to put having remember surreal. just was planning went the into that of factors confluence “The Hospitality. ident ofLegends pres other,” Smith, Dan said Legends, the Tampa the Bay Legends, career, Idon’t my 45-year “In no like Bowl aSuper was “This - MARCH 2021 occupants in the suites because of because suites the in occupants were There fewer Bowl. Super the were for sold all and suites, 195 said. Plutino Bowls, Super previous two site ofthe Stadium, Mercedes-Benz and Stadium Rock at Hard range were the ures fig- Those Matters. Food Service of CEO and founder Plutino, Mike consultant said aperson, to $500 $400 runs catering suite sidering Bigelow said. Chris consultant to save money,” there is nobody ($18). cheeseburger ($20) adouble and smoked wings ($22), platter BBQ the included LV Bowl for items Super High-end Atlanta. in ago years two started that atrend nachos, and dogs hot $5 as such items priced friendly” “fan were also there were but $13, beers domestic and $14 cost das so- Souvenir Bowl. Super for the typical is as at apremium was ing seat.” back to your get and you get want what will, at counter to any up much walk “You pretty said. up,” could Smith cap per the drove what is selection setup. distanced Raymond James Stadium has has Stadium James Raymond con- right, sound numbers The Bowl, at aSuper “Particularly pric- concessions addition, In menu and availability “The

feeling good about about good feeling Bowl LVBowl Tampa, in MAN: A merchan IT’S ALL GOODS, GOODS, ALL IT’S dise vendor was was vendor dise things at Super Super at things Florida. 13

- GETTY IMAGES GETTY social distance measures, said Pe- higher considering that, for the dise, ship it and are done, Smith of the shift at Raymond James ter O’Reilly, the NFL’s executive first time in its 55-year history, the said. Stadium, with reverse ATM vice president of club business Super Bowl was held in the home “Demand for the product machines installed for fans to and league events. venue for one of the competitors, actually started early and we convert cash to a debit card to “There was likely a heavier the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. were limited in terms of setup use at concession stands. concentration of premium dollars Others say the number was facilities because the NFL “It was smooth,” O’Reilly that propped up the per cap with strong and pointed to what was Experience was limited,” he said. “There’s no going back less general concession fans,” most likely a less corporate crowd said. “We had to follow all the on all-mobile Super Bowls. We Plutino said. “They had the flying to Tampa to attend the safety protocols, so given the checked with our team on the high-paying customers all over game and take home Super Bowl footprint that was established, I concessions side and there were the place and were lighter in the souvenirs this year. don’t think we could have done really no issues. We messaged it bowl.” As part of its exclusive with 10 cents more. The sales velocity pretty hard on the lead-up. Give O’Reilly touched on Super the NFL to sell Super Bowl was unlike any Super Bowl I’ve credit to Visa, which is one of Bowl per caps Feb. 10 during his merchandise, Legends took over been a part of.” our partners and on the cutting annual postmortem on the event the team store, which is run by In general, the higher spend edge on this and has helped a lot during the Stadium Managers Fanatics for Bucs regular-season on food and drink fell in line of buildings do it effectively.” Association virtual seminar. A games. There were about 20 retail with a trend many NFL teams For Legends now, it’s wait until crowd of less than 25,000 in the locations inside the stadium, in- experienced during the regular next year. The vendor runs both stadium resulted in shorter lines, cluding the main outlet, but with season because of faster speed the food and retail at SoFi Stadi- which produced a better experi- increased protocols in place, it of service with stadiums filled to um, the new $5 billion palace in ence, O’Reilly said. wasn’t the easiest space to access a fraction of capacity. Inglewood, California, that will “The reality is, you’ve got a during the Super Bowl, Smith “We’ve always said the aver- play host to Super Bowl LVI. lot less — almost no — pregame said. There were also some porta- age customer has $20 more to “It’s in L.A., one of the most hospitality,” he said. … “It was a ble merchandise trailers outside spend if we can move the lines fan-friendly, nicest stadiums later-arriving crowd than normal of the venue. faster,” Plutino said. yet to open to fans,” Smith said. for the Super Bowl because a lot The real story was that the The move to cashless conces- “We’ve already started the plan- of people are (typically) inside the NFL’s vendors worked closely sions and an increased focus on ning for that one and given the secure perimeter early enjoying with Legends in-market and mobile ordering also expedited (large) footprint we’ll have there, hospitality.” produced goods as they needed service as teams eliminate cash hopefully, we’ll be through this Some experts thought the mer- them on site. Typically, suppliers transactions as a safety mea- pandemic. That one will be the chandise per cap should’ve been produce Super Bowl merchan- sure. Super Bowl LV was part pinnacle of Super Bowls.” COURTESY LEGENDS

BIG GAME SEAFOOD SPREAD: Ice scupture and appetizers in a premium area at Raymond James Stadium.

14 MARCH 2021 Clubs

uring the coronavirus pandem- Merker, excitedly sharing some of his favorite aspects. “The acoustics ic, seemingly every day has brought are phenomenal. Once you walk in the venue, you’re in a grand lobby news of another venue closure. For that and these giant windows go up two D stories. So you have a natural sun- reason alone, the existence of The Factory is light coming into the venue, this big industrial vibe.” a breath of fresh air – a state-of-the-art new Concessions and lavatories have elegant designs, the backstage club, built from the ground up and set to amenities are top-flight, and The Factory’s sightlines are “unreal.” open as soon as it’s safe. And, importantly, its trucking docks and production capabilities Situated in Chesterfield, “When you go buy a venue, you will be able to accommodate many Missouri, a suburb 20 minutes have the hurdle of ‘Hey, what can we large shows that play arenas. west of St. Louis, The Factory will fix? What’s it gonna cost?’ because In terms of booking, expect a BY ERIC RENNER BROWN RENNER ERIC BY music veterans Live team up to build and open suburban venue serve as the high-end centerpiece you’re dealing with an existing little bit of everything — except of The District at Chesterfield, a structure,” Merker said. “Since this for touring Broadway, given the 372,000-square-foot mixed-use was built, really, from the ground regional clout of venues such as the development that’s already home to up, all of that was thought of in Fox and the Muny. a Main Event entertainment center, advance. ... Usually, you pick these “Our programming will be a a Topgolf and a Residence Inn, and things apart and you find things that lot different than something like will soon host several other dining, are wrong with it. I haven’t found the Pageant,” Merker said. “I’ll shopping and entertainment anything wrong with this one.” program it a lot more like an active attractions. Merker arrives at The Factory PAC. We’ll be doing kids shows, It’s not something the venue’s after stints at Huka Entertain- we’ll be doing some adult contem- talent buyer, Dan Merker, who ment, where he worked on Gulf porary. With our location, we’ll do was born and raised in St. Louis, would’ve seen coming as a teenag- er going to shows at the likes of The SIGHT LINE: A view from the Pageant and Mississippi Nights in stage at The Factory, which should be completed by the the late ‘90s. end of March. “When I was growing up, this area where (The Factory) is was not developed,” Merker said. “West of where I grew up was basically farmland, and that goes all the way back to 2000. ... If anybody really wanted any entertainment, they had to drive 20 to 30 minutes to go downtown to see it.” Enter Michael Staenberg, who has developed more than 200 shopping centers and who, through The Staenberg Group, bought the land several years ago where The District now sits. “With the population of Ches- Coast festivals including Hangout, a lot of country ... we’re surrounded terfield and the surrounding area Tortuga and BUKU New Orleans, by the country crowd.” of the county just continuing to and Outback Presents, where he The Factory broke ground in grow, Michael saw an opportunity spent the three years preceding the February 2020 and construction with some real estate that he had pandemic as vice president of tour- is on pace to be completed by the purchased to really build out an en- ing. When friend and Partisan Arts end of March. Merker’s uncertain tertainment district,” Merker said. agent Hank Sacks connected him when exactly it will open and noted The digs might be new, but the with Brian Carp, The Factory’s chief that markets such as Chicago and brains behind The Factory are as operating officer, Merker jumped at Kansas City will need to come back seasoned as they come. Early on, the opportunity to book a room on online for St. Louis to become a Staenberg turned to his friend his home turf. (Carp has a similarly touring reality for many acts. Steve Schankman — who defined sterling resume, having logged time But when it does, the St. Louis the St. Louis market and others with the Fox and Boulder theaters in area will have another high-end regionally through Contemporary Boulder, Colo., with Z2 Entertain- venue at its disposal,with program- Productions, which he co-founded ment, and as general manager of ming curated by one of its own. in 1968 — to help develop the idea House of Blues locations in Dallas “I’ve always wanted a venue to call for the venue, which will be able to and Anaheim, California.) home in St. Louis. There just weren’t hold anywhere from 900 for seated “The detail that has gone into the right opportunities,” Merker Factory Fresh: New Club New Fresh: Factory St. Louis Near Going Up COURTESY VENUE COURTESY shows to 3,000 at full capacity. this venue is incredible,” said said. “Then this one came.”

MARCH 2021 15 VIGILANCE THEVIGILANCE NEW LOOK OF VIGILANCE VIGILANCE

he coronavirus pandemic has At the same time, some experts warn that Safety Act program. addedVIGILANCE new layers to the challenge of attacks such as the 2017 suicide bombing fol- Ali points to attacks involving knives, a lone securing venues and events, but it’s lowing an Ariana Grande concert at Manches- gunman and one person driving a large vehi- not the only concern keeping industry ter Arena point to the need for closer scrutiny cle as high-impact events that are “unsophis- professionals up at night as more tra- of perimeter security, for instance. ticated, low-cost and a lot harder to manage, ditional threats remain and bad actors New actors with different causes, some but just as deadly.” Thave adapted tactics to the degree that even included under the umbrella of domestic A serious issue with which all venues must low-tech, lone-wolf attacks can achieve deadly terrorism, have also emerged. come to grips is queue security and post-event and economically devastating results. “What we have seen is that these bad clustering, as was the issue in Manchester, Nearly a dozen sources interviewed by actors have figured out they don’t need to according to Dan Donovan, founder and VenuesNow regarding trends in event security fly a commercial aircraft or figure out ways managing partner of security firm Strato- as the pandemic stretches into a second year to skirt screening at an airport. They can do scope, which was hired by Manchester Arena agree that measures and technologies aimed things that are a lot more direct, a lot easier,” to help harden security following the attack, at removing as much friction as possible from says Akmal Ali, founder and CEO of Aluma, and consults with many big league facilities in the guest experience without sacrificing secu- a Washington, D.C.-based risk management North America. rity have accelerated in recent months thanks and security advisory firm that specializes in In addition, health and safety measures like to their utility in the age of COVID-19. the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s social distancing and timed entry dovetail

16 MARCH 2021 VIGILANCE THE NEW LOOK OF VIGILANCE VIGILANCECOVID-19 AND THE CHANGING NATURE OF TRADITIONAL THREATS ARE KEEPING SECURITY PROS AND VENUES BUSY VIGILANCEBY JAMES ZOLTAK

VIGILANCEwith the need to secure queues, said Robert threat to the nation.” lis-St. Paul and Charlotte, among others. Reddick, vice president in charge of technolo- The Safety Act, enacted in 2002 and ad- “What happened in D.C. is of little con- gy at Show Pros Entertainment Services Inc. ministered by DHS, gives venues and others sequence, especially compared to the riots, The attack on the U.S. Capitol indicates legal liability protection provided they employ burning, looting, and killing, under the um- emerging threats from domestic actors and anti-terrorism measures and/or technologies. brella of protests nationwide over the last year, flash mobs, Ali said. The goal is to encourage deployment of an- but does highlight the need to be vigilant and “January 6 points out that it’s not going to ti-terrorism measures and products by offer- prepared,” said Damon Zumwalt, president be your traditional bad actor anymore either,” ing conditional protection from what could be and CEO of Contemporary Services Corp. said Ali, whose first client after leaving the crippling legal liability. About 30 major league “We’re charged with the responsibility to DHS was the New York Yankees, whose sta- venues have been Safety Act approved, most in cooperate with clients in orchestrating proper dium received Safety Act certification. “The the NFL and MLB, Ali said. procedures and safety measures for the partic- stereotypes you see on shows like ‘24’ and Not everyone thinks the domestic terrorism ipants and patrons on a daily basis,” Zumwalt ‘Homeland,’ it’s not like that anymore. DHS threat is any more serious than the kind of said. “There is no room for a breach in atten- has spent a lot of energy in the last three to social unrest and sometimes violent actions tion to detail, preparation and implementation four months talking about white supremacy that were evident in some U.S. cities over the of these measures on a consistent basis. We

GETTY IMAGES and domestic violent extremists as the No. 1 summer such as Seattle, Portland, Minneapo- have worked with law enforcement agencies

MARCH 2021 17 HANDHELD HEALTH DATA: Clear has added a digital Health Pass to its plat- form.

of incidents, he said. There’s a comprehensive exam at the conclusion of each year and certificates are bestowed upon completion of the academy. An online version of the academy is being formulated, Herrera said. He said in the current environment, with over the years, but the changing world everyone so focused on the health aspects “Safety Act participation has demonstrated a greater demand for of reopening venues, there’s a danger in additional collaboration.” losing sight of security threats. has been a major factor, Donovan says professional sports especially in the sports leagues have prepared for many potential NEW LESSONS FOR world. Professional sports threats, including protesters bent on dis- THE NEW NORMAL ruption and violence, and have developed Zumwalt said health and welfare leagues have taken on the uniform security standards. On the colle- protocols require additional training of challenge and have put a giate level, more work needs to be done, crowd management personnel to monitor as some colleges and universities have evidence of a vaccine, orchestrate a lot of sweat equity into it. I followed the lead of major leagues, while temperature check and provide on-site would not consider them many others have not, he said. COVID testing, to ensure as safe an envi- soft targets any longer.” Monitoring social media is one way ronment as possible. that law enforcement and security pro- “We’ll be ready to assume additional — Akmal Ali fessionals identify potential mob threats, responsibilities depending on the direc- Ali, Donovan and others said, and while tives of our clients, which could incorpo- intelligence was plentiful prior to the rate monitoring health status, masking “There is no room for a Capitol riots, preparation was not up to and distancing when required,” he said. breach in attention to detail, snuff. “I trust that with all the entities working on solutions, we will have the ability to fill preparation and implemen- SCHOOL FOR THOUGHT venues later this year.” tation of these measures Post-9/11, the International Associa- Larry Perkins, president and CEO on a consistent basis. We tion of Venue Managers offers a two-year of Perkins Crowd Management Group course called the Academy for Venue and assistant general manager at PNC have worked with law Safety and Security. Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina, says enforcement agencies over The AVSS, which has been adapted all security protocols implemented before to reflect the most current challenges, COVID-19 struck must be incorporated the years, but the changing including the pandemic, focuses on as- as part of reopening strategies for dealing world has demonstrated a sumptive risk analysis and incorporating with the pandemic. greater demand for addi- it in incident response plans and emer- “Threats still exist and we must not gency action plans, said Mark Herrera, forget to include these measures in our tional collaboration.” who oversees the program for IAVM as COVID-19 plans,” he said. “These secu- — Damon Zumwalt the trade organization’s director of educa- rity elements are layers needed in today’s tion and life safety. environment. Even so, we still try to “We want to ensure all venues’ incident balance effective safety and security with response plans reflect the altered oper- customer services. A blend of elements “From guest services, with ating conditions stemming from the cur- are needed to give the appearance of easy, all the training we’ve been rent health environment,” Herrera said, unintrusive security measures,” he said. noting that the AVSS includes at least one Jeff Spoerndle, vice president with pushing out, along with exercise at a member facility in which event staffing and security outfit WESS, messaging that takes the building employees as well as academy which services venues across the county, guesswork out (of what’s attendees participate. said health and safety protocol enforce- Herrera said IAVM works with law ment are duties that will be added to front expected of customers), enforcement and other government agen- line staff responsibilities and “it’s crucial the entire landscape from a cies to keep members abreast of trends to train staff to be vigilant.” and tools, adding that securing a venue “There are a lot of different things health, safety and security ideally involves close cooperation with going on in the world that we have to standpoint is going to be dif- such entities. take into account,” he said. “We must COURTESY CLEAR ferent, but they are going to Attendees are taught to identify be- have multiple layers to respond to those havioral patterns that indicate a possible threats. The threat level is increasing, get the best in guest service threat and to use a guest services ap- whether it’s international, domestic, and experience.” proach as an initial response to suspicious protests, other factors. It’s critical that our individuals. The gist of the academy is staff is vigilant. These are serious threats —Mark Herrera to teach participants to prepare, plan, re- and large venues are targets.” spond and recover in the face any number The question remains: Are venues

18 MARCH 2021 TEAM UP WITH BEST.

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BEST_FullPage_VenuesNow_19-02-2021.indd 1 2021-02-19 15:40:27 rising to the newest security chal- lenges? “Absolutely,” Ali said. “Safety Act participation has been a major factor, especially in the sports world. Pro- fessional sports leagues have taken on the challenge and have put a lot of sweat equity into it. I would not con- RISING sider them soft targets any longer.” Herrera says that fans returning to events are and will be seeing evident changes. “From guest services, with all the training we’ve been pushing out, along with messaging that takes the TO guesswork out (of what’s expected of customers), the entire landscape from a health, safety and security standpoint is going to be different, but they are going to get the best in guest service and experience.” A key to successful reopening, THE TOP Herrera said, will be getting the word out to the event-going public in advance so they understand what How to figure out which For example, you just don’t plug in an X-ray venues are doing and what’s expect- machine and start operating. No. State and ed of guests. security tech to use? local environmental radiation agencies Security personnel tasked with en- Ask questions and see require licensing, operating certifications forcing protocols like mask wearing and inspections and if you move the X-ray and distancing will have to strike a it in action, experts say to another venue, it has to be approved. Do balance between making sure rules you have the space to fit an X-ray machine? are followed while not escalating BY JAMES ZOLTAK Is it heated and waterproof? Understand all interactions to the point of confron- aspects before leaping in.” tation. Damon Zumwalt, president and CEO of Consultant Bill Squires, former here’s been a rush of products Contemporary Services Corp., says vetting manager of old Giants Stadium and and services aimed at addressing new technology is crucial and requires Cleveland Browns Stadium, now venue security, health and safety in patience “to study, compare products and get FirstEnergy Stadium, said fans not the age of COVID-19. The devices advice from real experts, and also recom- in compliance should be given a present challenges for venue man- mendations from those that have experience chance to “mask up” and properly agers that must separate the wheat with the products or companies involved with distance themselves. Everyone must Tof effective technology from the chaff of them.” get on board while the pandemic snake oil solutions that are untested and un- “It’s often the habit to relegate purchasing continues and ultimately removing likely to perform as advertised, say experts to a department which doesn’t have opera- the offender may well be the only in the field. tional experience and solely relies on a paper recourse, Squires said. “It’s one thing to have a technology proposal without fact checking,” he said. Social distancing and mask wear- founder or developer come and tell you, “This is a dangerous proposition. The imple- ing are likely to remain even after the ‘I’ve got this great technology. We think mentation of staffing and safety measures pandemic fades, he said. it’s going to work well for this industry.’ It’s are just too important not to have greater Squires is a COVID survivor who another thing to have a third party really put consideration.” works the Super Bowl annually for it through its paces in an operational sense Contactless screening solutions, notably S.A.F.E. Management, the NFL’s se- and ensure that we understand how to apply the Evolv Express units from Evolv Technol- curity provider for the event. Squires that technology to this industry,” said secu- ogy that were used at the College Football worked the event level at Raymond rity consultant Dan Donovan, founder and Playoff at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami James Stadium for this year’s game managing partner of Stratoscope. Gardens, Florida, are gaining a foothold at in Tampa. He said distancing and “Go see the product in action, talk to oth- venues where friction-free guest experiences mask wearing was uniformly evident er venues that have purchased and installed that boost safety and security are the order among stadium employees working the equipment you’re interested in. They of the day, says Donovan. The walk-through the event. will tell you the good, the bad and the ugly,” metal detector has greater throughput and “I’ve been in this industry for 34 said Larry Perkins, president and CEO of is paired with artificial intelligence software years, since 1987, and I’ve been asked Perkins Crowd Management Group and to hone the device’s accuracy, reducing if I will go back to sports venues after assistant general manager at PNC Arena in false-positives to less than a third of tradi- what I experienced with my battle Raleigh, North Carolina. tional magnetometers. with COVID,” Squires said. “Would Perkins said it’s also wise to approach new Stratoscope has a deal with Evolv to I go back with my family? Absolutely, technology pitches with specific questions lease the contactless systems to arenas and because I know my peers are going to geared toward individual facilities. stadiums. take every precaution and make sure “You might have additional protocols that “We’ve got to maintain our security it’s a safe environment. But when will be implemented at your venue that are posture and still be able to get guests in in I go back, I will be wearing a face not a part of the system in use at theirs,” he a touchless, frictionless process and that’s covering.” said. “Understand the licensing process. where some new technologies have come to

20 MARCH 2021 NO NEED TO DIVEST: Next-generation security screening tools like the Evolv Ex- press bring artificial intelligence to bear.

cess. This is sort of like doing ticketing but it’s more of a vendor management program.” The cost for venues runs from $1,200 a month to 10 times that rate for more complex facilities. The return on investment comes with decreased legal liability and insurance costs and efficient movement of vendors and data tied to the time they spend on site. If there’s an incident with damage or product loss, there’s a digital record of who’s responsible for the mishap, Friedman said. Armored Things, a crowd intelligence software company that counts the Los Angeles Football Club as a client, shows venue opera- tors where people are gathering and how they are moving through a venue, which has taken on added importance in light of the pandemic. The company uses data from existing infra- structure, including surveillance cameras and light that are really assisting a number of ven- that cost $20 million that can be used in a Wi-Fi, and feeds it to a command center, where ues,” Donovan said. “Evolv has come out with variety of ways,” he said. “There is presently it is processed using artificial intelligence. a metal detection device where the guests are an effort to load a drone with a highly accurate The result is a mapped visualization that can not having to empty their pockets. We’re only nuclear detection and analysis system to detect be fed to mobile devices, allowing operations going to see more products like that come to the clandestine materials and explosives from a personnel to make adjustments related to marketplace.” large standoff distance which could enhance crowd density, use of space, concessions sales, Another technology gaining traction is the the safety of the perimeter of venues and park- sanitation and security. Clear ticketing solution that uses biometrics ing lots,” he said. “Drone science is ever-evolv- Is there a danger in overreliance on tech- such as fingerprint and retinal scans to iden- ing, and parallel to that is the science for drone nology as opposed to counting on people and tify and admit venue guests. Clear recently detection for preventative safety measures.” observational skills and judgement? raised $100 million in a funding round that Radio communications are another key as- “The answer is yes,” Zumwalt says. “In the included 32 Equity, the investment arm of the pect of venue security and Motorola Solutions venue world, we need to take advantage of NFL. has rolled out a smart radio called the Mototrbo whatever technology makes our environment “If you can integrate an Evolv unit with Ion. It’s kind of a walkie-talkie on steroids, more efficient and safe, but there is synergy the Clear platform, there’s no need to touch combining the assets of a smartphone, includ- between technology advances and the efforts anyone,” said Akmal Ali, founder and CEO ing wireless accessibility, with a push-to-talk of human staffing in application of our proce- of Aluma, a Washington, D.C.-based risk two-way radio. dures.” management and security advisory firm that The company completed an 18-month Zumwalt says training of security personnel specializes in the U.S. Department of Home- development at the end of 2020 and is touting hasn’t necessarily kept pace with advances in land Security’s Safety Act program. the Ion as a valuable tool for use in venues, a technology. The International Association of Venue Man- segment in which Motorola Solutions already “It’s been recognized for 50 years that the agers, through its Academy for Venue Safety has a presence, according to company engineer private security industry has been woefully un- and Security, informs attendees about properly Carlos Campos. dereducated and unprepared to ensure quality vetted technology that works in facilities. The technology remains in test mode with work,” he said. “Therefore, the education and “What you’re basically doing is adding layers a theme park as a beta site. Stadiums are a key training of the personnel is also critical so that to reduce levels of severity and of the risk,” said market, Campos said. their judgment can be of value, and as import- Mark Herrera, IAVM’s director of education Another firm offering a security solution ant as technology.” and life safety. “If technology is a part of it that’s already in use at Yankee Stadium, the Donovan says that effective technology that that’s a win.” Javits Center and the Time Warner Center allows a venue or to reduce or redeploy staff, Drones are other high-tech tools used to in New York is Building Intelligence, which especially part-timers engaged in something secure sports and entertainment venues, espe- secures loading docks and other back-of-house like guest screening, offers an opportunity cially on the perimeters. areas. for return on investment without sacrificing Stratoscope works with a company called Launched after 9/11, the company offers safety. Unified Command that deploys tethered software that allows facilities to verify the “Would I rather have proven technology in drones, among other technologies, to add a identities and track the comings and goings place that I can reduce the reliance on part- layer of security at events. of everyone accessing loading docks, lobbies time staff? Absolutely, but I still have to have One company, D-Fend Solutions, based in and other spaces in public assembly venues. It boots on the ground from a supervisor and Israel with a U.S. unit in Washington, D.C., has can be particularly useful on large campuses management perspective to ensure that the been in business since 2017. It touts its cyber ra- and mixed-use settings like the Time Warner process is working, that it’s being followed and dio frequency system technology to identify if Center, said Jeffrey Friedman, the company’s we’re compliant with the best practices,” he an aircraft is friend or foe, and can take control founder and CEO. The system is Safety Act said. “I would rather have 10 well-paid, highly of the drone and safely land it. approved and can be integrated with existing experienced people managing technology Zumwalt says drones can be used to boost infrastructure, Friedman said. that is adding value than having 50 low-paid, security efforts. “It’s a simple idea,” he said. “For events, low-retention people as my first point of con-

COURTESY STRATOSCOPE COURTESY “There are drones that cost $200 and drones there is ticketing to prevent unauthorized ac- tact with my guests.”

MARCH 2021 21 SAFETYBY JAMES ZOLTAK FIRST Five questions with security professionals from around the industry

DAN DONOVAN fore doors open to the event, similar to is important to operating a successful a “No Fly” list, staying with the airline enforcement plan. Founder and Managing Partner analogy. Beyond the security realm, Stratoscope this information can help guest services Will there be changes in the way departments with providing their guests general admission is handled? What’s one new practice or tech- with targeted, consistent communi- Redesigning the entry procedure to nology that every venue should be cation to deliver the best experience comply with COVID-19 protocols is using? possible. part of the reopening plan for venues Touchless guest screening. Fans will across the country. Adjusting the be less inclined and have a heightened How serious a threat to live events mindset of a crowd arriving 30 minutes sensitivity to interact with unnecessary is domestic terrorism? before the start of an event is now an touchpoints when on site. The latest The “lone wolf” domestic threat operational requirement and not a technology provides operators with the is the most difficult challenge for the desire. Many venues have assigned ability to do just this while maintaining industry. This has been the No. 1 topic specific times for ticket holders to enter a thorough search and the overall secu- for the industry prior to COVID and will or require the ticket holder to enter rity posture. remain a significant topic as venues re- a specific gate to assist with social open and balance their security posture distancing on the ingress of the facility. How hard a line should be taken with “safety” guidelines. Now more Looking at restructuring the queue when enforcing mask wearing, than ever, event safety and security lines and metal detecting process to distancing and other COVID-19-re- have to be completely integrated and allow for proper social distancing and lated protocols? working together. limiting contact points between indi- Every venue should be enforcing viduals is required. their local, county or state guidelines related to masks. JEFF SPOERNDLE Should venue operators know names and contact information of Will there be changes in the way Vice President, WESS everyone in attendance, as airlines general admission is handled? know who is in the seats of their General admission in a physical What is one new practice or tech- aircraft? distancing environment may need to be nology that every venue should be Proper contact tracing is an import- reimagined in more of a group setting using? ant element to prevent the spread of through seating pods and dedicated ar- During the pandemic, following the COVID-19. Venue operators having eas for individuals arriving to the venue CDC guidelines and incorporating the names and contact information together. Additional resources from a them into your event operations plan of everyone in attendance assists staffing and infrastructure standpoint is important to ensure the safety of the with conducting contract tracing if a will be required to maintain distancing guests visiting a venue. COVID-19 case were to occur with an guidelines. This will be a regional issue event attendee. as each state, county and city’s restric- How hard a line should be taken tions will need to be complied with. when enforcing mask wearing, How serious a threat to live events distancing and other COVID-19-re- is domestic terrorism? Should venue operators know lated protocols? Domestic terrorism is one of many names and contact information of It is a proven fact that following threats to large scale public gatherings everyone in attendance, as airlines the CDC guidelines of mask wearing, that is taken into consideration when know who is in the seats of their social distancing and other protocols creating the security program for a aircraft? are effective with slowing the transmis- specific event or venue. Names and contact information sion of the virus. As the event industry would help event and venue operators reopens, it’s important to have strict in a number of facets. From a safety and safety measures to rebuild the pub- BILL SQUIRES security standpoint, this information lic’s confidence in mass gatherings. will aid operators with incident re- Training the event day staff to properly MetLife Stadium Operations sponse and investigation should issues educate guests about mask wearing and Consultant arise. From a pandemic perspective, social distancing will prevent an event New York Giants this information is crucial to contact from turning into a COVID hotspot. tracing efforts in the event of infection. Enforcement of the policies are critical What is one new practice or tech- Contact information also could aid in and having an escalation process in nology that every venue should be ensuring a safe environment even be- place to handle non-compliant guests using?

22 MARCH 2021 BILL JEFFREY SQUIRES FRIEDMAN

Thorough sanitization of the venue while attending an event fans want How hard a line should be taken and contactless technology, for exam- engagement through their devices and when enforcing mask wearing, dis- ple, security screening at the gates, venues who reach fans where they are tancing and other COVID-19-related ticket scanning, cashless transactions and anticipate where fans will want to protocols? (concessions and merchandise). go next will gain optimal engagement Every building must do mask en- with fans. forcement where possible. Temperature How hard a line should be taken checks are very challenging in terms of when enforcing mask wearing, How hard a line should be taken accuracy and value. A person who travels distancing and other COVID-19-re- when enforcing mask wearing, two or three hours to deliver something, lated protocols? distancing and other COVID-19-re- fix something or engage with people who As a survivor of a severe battle with lated protocols? gets turned away at the door will lead to COVID-19, I am a big proponent of the When enforcing any protocols there arguments and potentially a highly dis- three basic protocols (washing hands, needs to be a balance between enforce- ruptive operation. Better to notify people wearing face coverings and social ment and guest experience. Health and before arrival about the protocol, require distancing). Asking someone to cover safety protocols should be well communi- them to acknowledge the requirements their nose and mouth is not too much to cated and event staff need to understand by agreement and survey, and have ask. I think a guest should be warned appropriate escalation and deconfliction the capacity to trace back the violators once if they are violating this protocol steps. Attendees deserve a healthy and of the policy. This gets back to the first and informed that they will be asked safe environment, so enforcement should must, which is identify everyone on site. to leave the venue if they violate this be consistent and decisive. Contractors, sub-contractors, suppliers, simple policy again. families; the goal is to always know who Will there be changes in the way is there, what condition they are in, and Will there be changes in the way general admission is handled? that they followed protocols. general admission is handled? Many venues have changed how in- I don’t think general admission gress works and have reduced based on Should venue operators know events are advisable in the foreseeable local guidance general admission areas. names and contact information of future. Mask wearing, physical distancing and everyone in attendance, as airlines health insights for entry will be with us know who is in the seats of their Should venue operators know for some time. Venues have deployed aircraft? names and contact information of technologies to help manage COVID/ Privacy is important and there are many everyone in attendance, as airlines health clearance, created staggered techniques to ensure the privacy of the know who is in the seats of their entry times to manage crowd flow and individual. You don’t have to necessarily aircraft? have blocked off seating areas to pro- know the individual or maintain a record Having the contact information for mote distancing. of their private information. What most ticket holders would be nice to have, venues really need is the ability to get the but I think ticket holders would object How serious a threat to live events information if necessary, know that the to this. Airlines need to maintain a is domestic terrorism? person meets specific risk standards and manifest of passengers in the event of Domestic terrorism continues to be a agrees to provide their identity if required. a crash. major threat to live events. Facilities may not want all of that data and be responsible for determining how long How serious a threat to live events to retain it. What matters is that a trusted is domestic terrorism? JEFFREY FRIEDMAN identity is available if required, and that Active shooters are a concern to the understanding between the individual venue managers and security profes- CEO and the operator is that their identity may sionals. It can be a lone wolf or multiple Building Intelligence be required. And that requirement, to turn domestic terrorists. over the information, is at the sole discre- What’s one new practice or tech- tion of the operator. nology that every venue should be JEROME PICKETT using? How serious a threat to live events Every building should work to cap- is domestic terrorism? SVP and GM, Sports ture the identity of individuals on site Safety is the most important amenity. & Entertainment for a variety of reasons. From contact The events over the last few years have em- Clear tracing to terrorism, knowing who is boldened many groups within our country allowed where matters. Allowing an un- to take up actions and arms against What’s one new practice or tech- known person or vehicle into the build- institutions. The targets are not just federal nology that every venue should be ing during any hour, whether during an buildings or landmarks. I think it’s safe using? event or on off days, is unacceptable. to say that the risk of domestic terrorism Every venue should be deploying Surrounding buildings with a Safety Act at any location is higher at a wider variety technology that makes the fan journey certified concept of operation serves of locations. That threat has been there frictionless while delivering experi- many purposes including lowering for years; however, it would seem that the ences to fans in where they spend the insurance costs, as well as operational public is more aware of it now. Not only do most time — their mobile devices. Even costs. we have to do the little things that make

MARCH 2021 23 ‘They will upgrade the customer

ALAN experience,’ league’s GELFAND Cathy Lanier says at SMA Annual Seminar us safe. We have to let the audiences know ing attendees registered with assigned we are making it safe with better operations seating would allow venue operators to and technologies. The threat goes well be- track attendees. BY DON MURET yond the actual risk, but (to) the perception of the risk. We all must be vigilant to balance How serious a threat to live events is he pandemic pushed the NFL the pride in what we do without highlighting domestic terrorism? to introduce new technologies what we do, and at the same time we make For the last 20 years our biggest for health and safety protocols people safe, ensure that they feel safe. concern was international terrorism. at a high cost, but the additional However, domestic terrorism has protection will save money in the superseded the threat of international long run for teams and venues, MARK HERRERA terrorism. Extremists motivated by Tsaid Cathy Lanier, the league’s senior vice political, racial, ethnic, economic, health, president and chief security officer. Director of Education and Life Safety and other grievances will remain the Lanier spoke on a panel with security International Association of Venue most persistent and lethal threat in the personnel from other leagues during the Managers Homeland. Targeting mass gatherings Stadium Managers Association Annual at events especially during times when Seminar, held virtually Feb. 9-10. What’s one new practice or tech- facilities are most vulnerable in the midst Facial recognition, biometrics and nology that every venue should be of crisis continues to be a focus for all access control, among other touchless and using? venue operators. contactless systems, were incorporated Improving attendee experience and by many NFL teams. All were driven by confidence by using mobile event apps COVID-19 and the need to protect all offering features such as geofencing and ALAN GELFAND parties to proceed with the 2020 season, GPS tracking could be one of many tech- Lanier said. nologies used to enforce proper distanc- CEO and Founder “Everything we did was with proper ing. The importance of also using digital Fair Ticket Solutions PPE in mind (and) embedded in every- signage to communicate and enforce thing we do, and to accomplish these safety and security procedures. What’s one new practice or tech- things, we had to bring in technologies,” nology that every venue should be she said. “A lot of them we’ve been looking How hard a line should be taken using? at, but for one reason or another, it was when enforcing mask wearing, dis- Pre-clearance of identity and health not adopted yet. In some cases, customers tancing and other COVID-19-related status prior to the event and tied to the did not embrace them or it was a matter of protocols? ticket using biometrics. trust.” We know limiting face-to-face contact “They’re going to stay with us,” she with others is the best way to reduce the How hard a line should be taken said. “They will upgrade the customer spread of the virus and any communica- when enforcing mask wearing, dis- experience and provide safety and security ble disease and in order to allow others tancing and other COVID-19-related as well. Fans in our stadiums appreciate to enjoy events where crowds assemble, protocols? the speed with which they can enter and we must assure we do what is reasonable Until a vaccine is widely distributed, make a purchase and do all of these things to protect those attending an event. and the risk of infection basically disap- without worrying about health and safety.” Therefore, venues should assure compli- pears, it’s imperative to follow whatever The technology worked as intended. ance in both social distancing and face protocols are current with government For two weeks after every regular-season coverings. orders or recommendations. game, NFL officials tracked data through contact tracing devices with local health Will there be changes in the way Will there be changes in the way departments and found no connections general admission is handled? general admission is handled? between fans attending games and the There will be quick and efficient Absolutely. Identity and health status spread of coronavirus, Lanier said. registration process with accelerated requirements without sacrificing the Those investments were made with check-ins. Paperless forms and managing customer experience or restricting their teams recognizing they couldn’t host small to large crowds with proper spacing options need to be adopted. crowds at full capacity, which cut into and distancing. everyone’s bottom line. But they learned Should venue operators know names there are things they could do to offset Should venue operators know names and contact information of everyone some of those increased operating costs and contact information of everyone in attendance, as airlines know who and decreased revenue on the event side, in attendance, as airlines know who is in the seats of their aircraft? she said. is in the seats of their aircraft? One hundred percent. The fact that a “What we learned from the virtual Obviously, understanding the attendee person is known to a venue encourages, draft is there are streaming opportuni- journey is an integral part of increasing if nothing more, that attendee to be well ties and ways to keep your fans engaged your event ROI and having more intelli- mannered and appropriately behaved. and merchandising and all those other gence and information of those attending That gives other attendees more comfort sponsorships to keep you moving ahead,” would be ideal. Event mobile apps track- in attending. Lanier said.

24 MARCH 2021 The 2020 NFL draft itself stood out as one example for how to be flexible and adapt in a COVID environment, she said. After the 2019 draft in Nashville drew a record 600,000, the league anticipated an even bigger number in Las Vegas, the site of the 2020 event. That all changed after the pandemic hit in March, throwing 18 months of preparation out the window, Lanier said. The league shifted to a televised and virtual model and pulled it off with great reviews. “The unexpected lesson was people loved it,” she said. “People were not only starved for entertainment but for some sense of normalcy. They loved the aspect of seeing the personal lives of football heroes and coaches such as (Bill) Belichick and his dog.” As the virtual world of Zoom and Webex communications became the go-to method for conducting business in the general workforce, NFL officials knew they had to change and keep pace regardless of the challenges. By mid- summer, with everything shut down and virus levels on the rise, the league NFL CHIEF SECURITY OFFICER: was faced with getting people back to work that could not do their jobs re- motely, such as its in-house broadcast and security teams. They also had to get players and coaches back into training camp mode COVID-DRIVEN TECH WILL STAY and form a plan for getting fans back into stadiums in the states and cities activities around football and we did. were some COVID issues with staff, EYE ON THE where mass gatherings were allowed Failure was not an option.” but it was mostly related to bringing GAME: The during the 2020 season. Even with the The NFL did an excellent job of the virus from home, Brown said. NFL’s Cathy virtual draft, the NFL was prohibited prioritizing play and training camp “There were a lot of moving pieces, Lanier speaks from having more than 10 people gath- initially before addressing fan atten- but we did it,” he said. “We were able at a news con- ference before to host 6,000 fans for our first two er at one site, according to New York dance, said Matt Kenny, the Kansas the Super Bowl state law, Lanier said. City Chiefs’ vice president of stadium games and then got state and local in 2020. The NFL paid close attention to the services and events. clearance to go up to 13,500 for our NBA, NHL and MLB bubble formats to Kenny sat on a separate SMA panel other six games. With a little bit of luck help determine how to get its essential with fellow NFL stadium operators and strict protocols in place, we made employees back to work, players back Troy Brown and Zach Hensley. it through without any fans tied back to on the practice field and fans into the While there was uncertainty over COVID cases at our games.” venues. All told, the Centers for Dis- the entire process, setting up an orga- “The league led the charge and once ease Control and Prevention served as nized plan allowed facility operators we knew what we were up against, a lot the NFL’s “bible” for rules and guide- to focus on the priorities at hand, of stress went away,” Brown said. lines for the pandemic, she said. knowing the league would provide The communication between the The league also followed World guidance and support for taking the NFL and stadium managers was the Health Organization mandates, elimi- next steps when the time was right, best it has ever been, said Hensley, the nating international games for 2020. It Kenny said. Seattle Seahawks’ vice president of kept up with state and local guidelines, “Once the CDC put in the 6-foot so- venue operations and guest experi- which changed daily, along with Occu- cial distancing rule, we knew what our ence. The weekly and biweekly calls pational Safety and Health Adminis- capacity was going to be and it came with all 30 facility operators discuss- tration workforce stipulations and U.S. down to square footage,” said Brown, ing best practices had not been done Department of Homeland Security the Cleveland Browns’ vice president before, Hensley said. rules for traveling across state lines of stadium operations. “When it came “It helped everybody get better,” he with quarantine orders, Lanier said. to hosting fans, it was led by the medi- said. “One of the things that I learned “To play all our games and keep the cal folks, not revenue.” is … we always keep something hidden schedule (mostly) intact through the At FirstEnergy Stadium, the Browns because it’s like our little secret about Super Bowl was an incredible thing to kept game day staffing levels at 70% to how good we are. Everybody shared be part of and a learning experience,” 80% despite attendance restrictions everything across every single sector. she said. “While movie theaters, of 20%. Cost wasn’t an issue. The Whatever it might be, there was a shar- concerts and other entertainment driver was how to run the venue most ing of resources to provide the safest

GETTY IMAGES were shut down, we had to carry on all efficiently with new protocols. There environment possible.”

MARCH 2021 25 Manchester City’s new TOUCHLESS SECURITY SCREENING By Nathan Bailey, Evolv Technology

SUPPORTERS WILL BENEFIT FROM AN IMPROVED MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE AT THE ETIHAD STADIUM

Welcoming thousands of supporters into sports Over the summer months, the English Premier stadia in a time-efficient manner has always been New Technology League began ‘Project Restart’ to bring the sport a priority for clubs around the world. back in a ‘Behind Closed Doors’ format. Whilst In June of 2019, Manchester City FC entered this meant that Manchester City supporters into discussions with Evolv about the company’s With the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic were unable to attend matches, the wider club Evolv Express® system, which provides security ensuring that the highest standards of public operation sprang back into action with new screening using touchless technology. health and safety are maintained, alongside an guidelines in place to protect everyone on site efficient and smooth operation, has never been at the Etihad Stadium, which included social The club witnessed firsthand the free-flow nature more important. distancing. of the touchless system the company provides, benefiting from the ability to screen thousands Evolv Express was piloted for the remainder of of supporters in a timeframe that would not have the season’s matches and was used to ensure We chose Evolv to enhance the been achievable before. that everyone who entered the stadium was able supporter experience at the Etihad to do so in a manner which prioritised health and Stadium to ensure that the screening Following the onset of the Coronavirus, the safety, as well as ensuring they benefited from an world of sports shut down and the once vibrant process on arrival is a smooth and efficient experience with minimal queuing times. matchday which saw thousands of supporters seamless operation.” enjoying live sport fell silent. When the Etihad Stadium is permitted to reopen It’s Time to Go Touchless! ~ Manchester City FC its doors to supporters again, Evolv Express will remain in place so that supporters can be welcomed back with fast, touchless and Sign up for a Demo at respectful screening, providing them with an learn.evolvtechnology.com/venues enhanced matchday experience. EVOLV TECHNOLOGY | +44(0) 7709 873754 | [email protected] Manchester City’s new TOUCHLESS SECURITY SCREENING By Nathan Bailey, Evolv Technology

SUPPORTERS WILL BENEFIT FROM AN IMPROVED MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE AT THE ETIHAD STADIUM

Welcoming thousands of supporters into sports Over the summer months, the English Premier stadia in a time-efficient manner has always been New Technology League began ‘Project Restart’ to bring the sport a priority for clubs around the world. back in a ‘Behind Closed Doors’ format. Whilst In June of 2019, Manchester City FC entered this meant that Manchester City supporters into discussions with Evolv about the company’s With the onset of the Coronavirus pandemic were unable to attend matches, the wider club Evolv Express® system, which provides security ensuring that the highest standards of public operation sprang back into action with new screening using touchless technology. health and safety are maintained, alongside an guidelines in place to protect everyone on site efficient and smooth operation, has never been at the Etihad Stadium, which included social The club witnessed firsthand the free-flow nature more important. distancing. of the touchless system the company provides, benefiting from the ability to screen thousands Evolv Express was piloted for the remainder of of supporters in a timeframe that would not have the season’s matches and was used to ensure We chose Evolv to enhance the been achievable before. that everyone who entered the stadium was able supporter experience at the Etihad to do so in a manner which prioritised health and Stadium to ensure that the screening Following the onset of the Coronavirus, the safety, as well as ensuring they benefited from an world of sports shut down and the once vibrant process on arrival is a smooth and efficient experience with minimal queuing times. matchday which saw thousands of supporters seamless operation.” enjoying live sport fell silent. When the Etihad Stadium is permitted to reopen It’s Time to Go Touchless! ~ Manchester City FC its doors to supporters again, Evolv Express will remain in place so that supporters can be welcomed back with fast, touchless and Sign up for a Demo at respectful screening, providing them with an learn.evolvtechnology.com/venues enhanced matchday experience. EVOLV TECHNOLOGY | +44(0) 7709 873754 | [email protected] A FINE RIDE

NOTHING LITTLE ABOUT IT: Tom Wilson (right) and Chris Ilitch cut the ribbon at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. IN COURTESY OLYMPIA ENTERTAINMENT

DETROIT28 MARCH 2021 Tom Wilson, builder of arenas and brands, has helped reshape sports in the Motor City

BY DON MURET

ean Henry walked Services General Manager Joe It started in the mid-1970s with one year later. Over the course of into the Palace of Auburn Ambrose, who heard about the Wilson working in ticket sales for his career, Wilson was instrumen- Hills in October 1990 exchange. “He was ready to kill the Los Angeles Lakers. He had tal in building two arenas in his wearing his favorite whoever’s walking through that moved to LA after college to be- hometown, starting with the Pal- Boston Celtics hat when door in a Celtic hat,” Henry said. come an actor and had a bit part ace, which opened in 1988 in the he ran into Tom Wilson, “I thought I was going to die,” in “Barnaby Jones,” the TV detec- affluent Detroit suburb of Auburn Spresident of the arena and the he said. “From that moment on, I tive drama starring Buddy Ebsen, Hills, followed by Little Caesars Detroit Pistons. Henry, now pres- realized how important a team’s as a player fixing basketball Arena in 2017. He also spearhead- ident and CEO of the Nashville brand was. I tell that story now games for the mob. They filmed ed the purchase of Pine Knob Predators, was trying to find his to our young employees and they the scene at the Forum, where the Music Theatre, now DTE Energy way to Volume Services’ office, can’t believe it, because I’m the Lakers played from 1967 to 1999. Music Theatre, which turned into where he started as a trainee for most brand-centric guy in the During shooting breaks, Wilson North America’s busiest outdoor the food vendor. world and learned that more from played hoops with Lakers staff, music venue (see story, Page 34). Wilson asked Henry why he Tom than anyone else.” including head of marketing Dan Along the way, Wilson oversaw was wearing the colors of the Wilson had that influence over Trutanich. After attending a few three championships apiece with Pistons’ heated rival. many folks during his five de- games with Trutanich, Wilson got the Pistons and WNBA’s Detroit “I had no idea who he really cades in the business, whether it a job offer and accepted it. Shock; one Stanley Cup title with was and I didn’t really care at 22 was the Pistons or the NHL’s De- “Most sports administration the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning years old,” Henry said. “I looked troit Red Wings, where he spent programs don’t suggest getting in 2004 when Pistons owner Bill at him like, ‘What’s wrong with the past 10 years with Olympia into sports this way, but it worked Davidson owned them; and a pair this guy?’ Here I am, fresh out of Entertainment after 32 years with for me,” he joked. of minor league crowns in hockey college, smarter than anybody. Palace Sports & Entertainment. and arena football. I told him I was a Celtic fan and For Wilson, 71, a Detroit native DOWNTOWN DREAMS The final chapter came in 2010. walked away.” who stepped down from Olympia In 1978, Wilson returned to The Ilitch family was starting Henry discovered his gaffe in December, it’s been a spectac- Detroit to work for the Pistons to plan Little Caesars Arena after locating the office of Volume ular ride. and took over as team president and District Detroit, a multibil- lion-dollar redevelopment cover- ing 50 blocks in and adjacent to downtown. Wilson got immersed in the project after Chris Ilitch, president and CEO of Ilitch Hold- ings, owner of the Red Wings and MLB’s Detroit Tigers, hired him to lead the effort. For those who know the history behind the sports and enter- tainment landscape in Detroit, Wilson’s move came as a shock, considering that he was en- trenched at Palace Sports, a fierce competitor with Olympia and the old Joe Louis Arena. It made more sense after Da- vidson died in 2009 and the team was sold to Tom Gores two years later. As is typically the case with new owners, they bring their own people in to run the organization. Wilson knew it could happen and one year before the Pistons were sold, he jumped at the chance to help reinvent downtown Detroit. Little Caesars Arena ultimately became home to both the Pistons LIGHTING THE FIRE: At the Palace of Auburn Hills, Wilson created an arena that became a prototype and Red Wings.

COURTESY DETROIT PISTONS DETROIT COURTESY for other NBA franchises. “Tom’s experience in multiple

MARCH 2021 29 number and proximity to the floor — the first level was 16 rows from the court. The lease terms reflect- ed their position. Suites ran from $30,000 to $120,000 annually. At that time, nobody else in the NBA charged more than $50,000 a year for suites, Wilson said. It helped pay for the $90 mil- lion in construction, a key move considering the Palace borrowed money at 17% interest in the late 1980s, he said. Making it all work was a heavy lift but it all came together. The Palace set off one of the biggest building booms HOLDING COURT: Wilson in sports with many other NBA speaks at a halftime ceremo- teams developing new arenas ny honoring Pistons owner over the next decade. Bill Davidson at the Palace on Wilson remembers NBA Com- Dec. 16, 2005. missioner David Stern telling everyone at an owners meeting: “Gentlemen, you have one job sports, his deep understanding Detroit Downtown Development ories remain of a building that this year; you’ve got to get to of the concert business and his Authority, doubled in cost from set a benchmark for design and Auburn Hills and see that arena. ability to enhance the customer the original price tag, and some a business model tied to running We’re no longer just in the basket- experience brought tremendous critics point to what they feel is most aspects of arena operations ball business. We’re in the arena insight and perspective to our the District’s slow development. in-house for a privately funded and entertainment business.”’ team,” Ilitch said. “Being from Others, such as veteran Detroit venue. “There was a steady stream of Detroit, Tom understood how the concert promoter Rick Franks, Under owner Davidson, the people coming in and the early heart and soul of the area could point to the Ilitch family’s com- Pistons desired an arena to call adopters were in Chicago and be reflected in the arena experi- mitment to bringing life back to their own after playing 10 years Phoenix,” Wilson said. “The ence.” the city’s inner core. at the old Pontiac Silverdome, an building proved it could make Similar to the Palace, Little “It’s so unfounded,” Franks 80,000-seat NFL stadium. For money as opposed to others Caesars Arena, built for $863 mil- said of the criticism. “You need basketball, the sightlines were funded by municipalities that lion, set the bar high for design. to look at it 10 years later, not poor. Overall, it wasn’t a positive were such a money pit. It really The main concourse, themed as 10 months. The only thing I can experience for Pistons fans. They changed an industry.” The Via with an ethylene tetra- point to is all of the housing, con- drew well for the Celtics and Los fluoroethylene ceiling to bring dos and apartment development Angeles Lakers. Otherwise, Sil- FILLING DATES natural light into the space, gives in and around downtown, and verdome crowds were in the range It wasn’t easy. Competing patrons the feel of walking down the final piece was putting Little of 4,000 during those lean years against Joe Louis Arena, which a European street in an open-air Caesars Arena together. The Il- in the late 1970s through the early opened in 1979 and was con- market environment, tied to con- itches put a billion dollars of their ’80s, resulting in promotions trolled by Olympia Entertain- cessions designed as storefront own money into it. That doesn’t such as four free Pistons tickets ment, Palace Sports & Entertain- restaurants. happen often.” with a fill-up at Marathon Oil gas ment had to get creative to fill the Wilson, among many others, sat Most recently, the pandemic stations, said former Palace sales venue with special events apart at the table as those plans were de- has slowed District development, executive Dan Hauser. from Pistons games. veloped, and his experience at the Wilson said. It’s going to take a At the time, the Pistons were Olympia had locked in booking Palace was invaluable in steering few years to get back on track, but going through a stretch of six exclusives at Joe Louis Arena with the development, said architect it was the right thing to do for the subpar seasons on the court, but Feld Entertainment and the old Ryan Gedney, HNTB’s national city, he said. things turned around starting Brass Ring Productions, a concert director, who at the time was Rebuilding a key piece of the with the 1983-84 season, two promoter. Those deals meant that working for HOK on the project. city brought everything full circle years before Palace construction Ringling Bros. and Barnum & “Little Caesars Arena did a for Wilson, Henry said. “To rede- started in 1986. Bailey Circus and Disney on Ice, lot of things really different in velop such a big part of downtown “We were fortunate that Bill for example, couldn’t play Auburn design and to take those ideas with the team that he fought Davidson decided he was going Hills, plus major concert tours in a to fruition requires people like against for many years has to be to pay for the arena itself, which strong rock market that produced Tom to make sure that innovation rewarding for him,” he said. “Just gets you out of the red tape (with the likes of Alice Cooper, Ted COURTESY DETROIT PISTONS speaks to the business of Olympia watching that (unfold) myself, it’s public bodies),” Wilson said. Nugent and Bob Seger. Entertainment and their bottom been fun.” “The big thing was it needed to be Palace Sports countered by line,” Gedney said. “There were designed in a way that we weren’t booking the Royal Hanneford a lot of people on that project A REVOLUTIONARY coming to him every six months, Circus, a show dating to the saying ‘What if?’ Tom kept things PALACE saying we didn’t make our num- 1600s. Palace Sports gave away a grounded, and you don’t get that The Pistons’ decision to move bers again and we needed more lot of complimentary tickets, but on every project in one person.” to Little Caesars Arena came in money.” the circus drew 150,000 people, It became a pricey venture, late 2016, one year before the The Palace’s 180 suites, performing two to three shows a with about $325 million in arena opened. It spelled the end positioned midlevel as part of day over a 10-day stretch. Most public money involved. Little of the Palace, which was torn architect Rossetti’s design, were important, Palace Sports paid Caesars Arena, owned by the down last summer. But the mem- distinct in terms of the sheer the circus a flat fee and kept 100

30 MARCH 2021 8289_BD_Tom_wilson_venues_now_v3pq.indd 1 2/10/21 2:25 PM GOING YARDLEY: Wilson (center) and George Yardley’s family recognize the former Detroit Pistons great in 2008.

percent of ticket, concessions and neurial spirit coursed through before big league teams took the every time a guest came into merchandise revenue. Feld brings their veins. He let the sales and extra step to hire Disney Institute the facility, they were the most in its own branded line of food marketing staff “run with ideas” to train staff in customer service. important customer,” Wickett and retail concessions, keeping to generate revenue and exposure The Palace introduced a said. “It didn’t matter whether all revenue. for Detroit’s new kid on the block, parents room, where adults could they sat in a lower level suite or “We made a lot more money said ex-Palace Sports executive hang out, drink coffee and snack the upper deck. They all needed than we would have with Ring- Marilyn Hauser. on Danish while their children to be treated equally and first ling,” Wilson said. “It kept the She spent 25 years in Auburn attended a show. Similar to the class.” lights on and people got comfort- Hills in booking and marketing Disney touch, it’s a feature at As 2021 unfolds, there’s still a able coming out there. It was con- at the Palace and is now senior entertainment venues that’s com- lot of uncertainty over sports and sidered the boonies at the time. vice president of programming mon now, but 30 years ago it was entertainment as the pandemic We had come from the Silver- for Barclays Center in Brooklyn, relatively new in the industry. retains its grip on the indus- dome, which was considered the New York. (Dan Hauser, her The arena was immaculate as try. Wilson agrees with others end of civilization and we moved husband, worked 30 years with well, another point of distinction, predicting that live entertain- three miles past it.” Wilson dating to the Silver- said those who worked there, ment will explode with tours Franks knows the situation well dome). including Henry and media re- after everyone is vaccinated and regarding the booking exclusives “Tom never micromanaged,” lations professional Bill Wickett. feels comfortable returning to at Joe Louis Arena. He worked at Hauser said. “It’s the old saying, Together, they moved to Tampa in concerts. Brass Ring for seven years before there’s no bad idea except for no 1999 with Henry after Davidson Whether Wilson is part of it re- leaving the firm to form a part- idea. Whatever we came up with, bought the NHL team. Wickett mains up in the air. He enjoys re- nership with Jack Boyle at Cellar he supported. I never felt like I recently accepted a job with the tirement on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Door Productions. The Brass ‘worked’ there. I loved it and that Predators, where he rejoins Henry but somewhere, there might be Ring-Olympia deal effectively was because of him. He created as the team’s executive vice presi- another venue to be built. COURTESY DETROIT PISTONS “boxed” them out of The Joe. a great culture. We were like a dent and chief marketing officer. “We have a home in Naples They worked around it, booking family.” Guest services was “priority and I’m sitting outside and regional shows in Grand Rapids one,” Wickett said. If a customer the sun is shining and it’s 80 and Lansing, plus Toledo and A NEW LEVEL OF SERVICE dropped a soda or popcorn, for degrees,” he said in late Decem- Columbus in Ohio. The highest level of customer example, staff were empowered ber. “But there’s a part of me that When the Palace opened, it service became part of the culture to escort them to the nearest thinks maybe I’ll do it again if gave Cellar Door a prime oppor- under Wilson’s stewardship. The concession stand and imme- the phone rings. I’ve got this little tunity to bid for tours and put the Walt Disney Co. set the standard, diately replace the item at no thing on my shoulder that says, arena on the map, Franks said. and Wilson paid close attention to charge. ‘You’ve got nine championship For those working under Wil- their operation and applied those “It’s something simple, but rings. Wouldn’t it be nice to have son at the Palace, the entrepre- principles at the Palace, years Tom wanted to make sure 10?’ Yes, it would.”

32 MARCH 2021 PALACIAL DIGS: The Palace of Auburn Hills set a stan- dard for design and programming.

HOTTICKETS PALACE OF AUBURN HILLS Ranked by gross. Based on data from concerts and events 1988-2017, as reported to Pollstar.

RANK GROSS EVENT ATTENDEES PROMOTER DATE SHOWS 1 $7,780,700 Barbra Streisand 45,160 Cellar Door Concerts, Belkin Productions May 15-19, 1994 3 2 $4,733,526 Paul McCartney 33,511 Live Nation Oct. 14-15, 2005 2 3 $4,669,250 Billy Joel & Elton John 41,836 Clear Channel Entertainment May 2-3, 2003 2 4 $4,454,302 Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band 71,123 Live Nation, Blackbird Productions Dec. 20-30, 2006 4 5 $4,127,533 Madonna 35,407 Clear Channel Entertainment Aug. 25-26, 2001 2 6 $3,951,103 U2 41,379 Live Nation Global Touring Oct. 24-25, 2005 2 7 $3,446,730 Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band 119,177 Cellar Door Concerts, Belkin Productions March 10-14, 1996 6 8 $3,349,343 Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band 47,632 Live Nation May 17-21, 2011 3 9 $3,193,346 Simon & Garfunkel 31,011 Clear Channel Entertainment Oct. 18-19, 2003 2 10 $3,171,218 Tim McGraw & Faith Hill 39,968 Live Nation May 5-6, 2006 2

HOTTICKETS DTE ENERGY MUSIC THEATRE Ranked by gross. Based on data from concerts and events 1982-2019, as reported to Pollstar.

RANK GROSS EVENT ATTENDEES PROMOTER DATE SHOWS 1 $2,487,428 Kid Rock 63,082 Live Nation July 19-25, 2008 4 2 $2,348,280 Kid Rock 117,414 Live Nation Aug. 9-20, 2013 8 3 $2,021,997 Kid Rock 47,427 Live Nation Aug. 13-15, 2010 3 4 $1,952,915 Lollapalooza 61,388 Cellar Door Concerts, Belkin Productions, Ritual July 23-29, 1994 4 5 $1,807,377 Ozzfest 30,638 Clear Channel Entertainment July 30-31, 2001 2 6 $1,602,356 Ozzfest 28,799 Clear Channel Entertainment July 24-25, 2003 2 7 $1,565,845 Ozzfest 28,092 Clear Channel Entertainment Aug. 7-8, 2002 2 8 $1,512,175 Ozzfest 31,462 Cellar Door Concerts, Belkin Productions, SFX Music Group June 25-27, 1999 2 9 $1,497,799 Kid Rock 46,409 Cellar Door Concerts, SFX Music Group Aug. 25-Sept. 1, 2000 3 10 $1,488,651 Lilith Fair 44,364 Belkin Productions, Ritual, Cellar Door Concerts July 6-8, 1998 3 COURTESY DETROIT PISTONS DETROIT COURTESY

MARCH 2021 33 Some acts such as classic rocker in 1993. Wickett remembers his TOM WILSON Eddie Money became an annual father taking him to see his first draw at the 15,000-capacity concert at Pine Knob, Captain & venue. The “Money Man” tradi- Tennille, in the 1970s. tionally kicked off the outdoor “Pine Knob was basically on concert season on Memorial Day the verge of bankruptcy before BROUGHT BACK AN weekend. (Eddie Money’s final Palace Sports & Entertainment concert was May 25, 2019, at DTE bought it and turned it into the before he died of cancer that most successful amphitheater in September). the country, year over year,” he AMPHITHEATER “We just felt that outdoor said. entertainment was a gold mine In the late 1980s, part of the in Michigan because our summer reason for Pine Knob’s lack of is so short and people go see any- programming was the Palace — AND THE body just to be outdoors,” Wilson “stealing” a lot of concerts to said. “We went from 18 shows to keep the arena busy during the

83, almost every day, which is a summer months, said Detroit CHRIS SCHWEGLER; COURTESY OLYMPIA ENTERTAINMENT little crazy. To do that, we booked promoter Rick Franks. AMPHITHEATER everybody from (Canadian chil- “It was our job to get every dren’s act) Fred Penner to Tony show possible at the Palace and Bennett.” we did, and then we carried that “It was all about the exposure relationship over to Pine Knob,” BUSINESS and became part of the summer,” Franks said. he said. At first, the Nederlander family The amphitheater is part of a refused to sell Pine Knob, which BY DON MURET DTE Energy Music Theatre, ski resort in Clarkston, Mich., a prompted Wilson to propose for roughly $10 million. The Detroit suburb. Former Palace ex- building an amphitheater in om Wilson is most Nederlander Organization owned ecutive vice president Dan Hauser the Palace parking lot. Hauser closely identified with and operated the facility, which worked with Wilson for more than remembers the blueprints for a developing two arenas opened on June 25, 1972, with 30 years and in 2001 sold naming space west of the arena, next to in Greater Detroit. The a matinee performance by TV rights for the amphitheater to a the Pistons’ practice facility. sports and entertain- heartthrob David Cassidy. local utility, an agreement that Most of the 5,000 parking ment executive’s vision Over time, though, it became remains intact today. spaces were on wetlands, which Tfor revitalizing the market’s run-down and was booking fewer “Tom could see how things most likely would have prohibit- underperforming amphitheater than 20 shows over the summer could be and not how they are ed construction, Wilson said. In sometimes gets forgotten among months in the 1980s, Wilson said. today, much like the Palace,” he addition, Franks said the city of his accomplishments. Starting in 1991, after Palace said. Auburn Hills probably would have In November 1990, Palace Sports took over the shed, Pine Sports media relations profes- opposed the project over traffic Sports & Entertainment acquired Knob was packed with 80 con- sional Bill Wickett grew up in De- issues and noise violations in the Pine Knob Music Theatre, now certs annually. troit and got his start at the Palace neighborhood.

SHOW AFTER SHOW: DTE Energy Music Theatre, with a capacity of about 15,000, is among the country’s busiest amphitheaters.

Tom Wilson brought back an

34 MARCH 2021 PHOTO CREDIT HERE TK ‘88 Shows.’” ‘88 says that gave Christmas meone Tom bag Wilson have agym still I abit. quite it forward pushed day. Knob the “Pine back in venue at the concessions ran who Predators, Nashville ident ofthe pres Henry, Sean said industry,” underperforming an it was venue; underperforming an was 313 Presents. of direction the under falls also Today,Michigan. Meadow Brook Hills, Rochester in amphitheater asmaller Festival, Music Brook Meadow to run University land Oak- with adeal signed Sports Palace Knob, ofPine success organization. family Ilitch of the arm entertainment live the ents, of313 Pres- operation the under today amphitheater top-grossing a remains Theatre Music Energy DTE years. for 32 there concerts booked has Franks Nation, Live Now with said. Franks happen, deal Knob Pine made the who venue. ofthe out and in coming jams traffic and stands, cession con- and bathrooms crowded about concertgoers surveying after years several next over the upgrades in ofdollars millions invested which Sports, Palace to Knob Pine sold and message got the Nederlander intentions, “It wasn’t just that Pine Knob Knob Pine “It wasn’t that just the on building 1994, In “chessmaster” the was Wilson oftheir regardless end, the In - money (at Pal money the much so made Arena.”Caesars Little to be out turned what for er togeth adeal put They beginning. very the from ace Pal the develop Tom helping in did what saw Ilitch guys.’ Chris ‘bad (considered) the was downtown America.” North in venues best the of would.” like it seemed it but idea, no had We country. the in the acoustics best had it that body kept telling every We back. coming kept they that ace) “Promoters “Promoters “At time, one two “Tom built — Tom Wilson — Rick Franks — Rick —Franks - - - -

that come true.” come that in making part asmall played us dream, all and of Ilitch’s and vision Chris was Arena Caesars Little two. less much their hometown, in arena one build to achance get don’tpeople in.”came they when did it as left they when good as just look would building the and there in band metal heavy a put We could will our guests. so arena, the of care we take if preach this … ators) game and and ators) game Pred (Nashville family for every my with bowl na AS THEY SAID IT “I sit in the are the in sit “I “A times, of lot to used “We Detroit. in downtown Arena Caesars Little of ment develop- the of part was Wilson CAESARS: HAIL, — Wilson — Wilson - -

and replicate it. it. replicate and cities to their back it towe bring did what toace) see to (the Pal came didn’t do that.” do didn’t you if oddball the You were place. was common that where tion Palace) organiza to grow (the in up lucky Iwas laugh. I from, that get I where me asks ever someone Wher building. body leaves the every when doors by the out hang tage of.” of.” tage advan take could you media paid marketing and any but media earned only not ter than anybody, bet media the of power the stood “A teams of lot “Tom under — Sean Henry — Sean — Bill Wickett MARCH 2021 ------

decisions.” own make our opportunity to the gave us He always positive. forward thinker, Tom a such was Gathered by Don Muret Don by Gathered nity.” nity.” future opportu eye an toward had always and ness busi the about every single facet about informed forgotten.” be shouldn’t and equation the of part abig That’s with Tom.starting the business, to do us allowed that Davidson Bill in owner great “Tom was was “Tom a had “We — Marilyn Hauser — Marilyn — Dan Hauser — Henry 35 - - oversaw venues that included College the 12,000-seat Events Center. He was hired not only to run a 13,000-seat building that houses Station Southeastern Conference basket- ball and volleyball programs but also to bring more nonathletic events and special event program- ming to town. College Station and TEXAS AFTER UNUSUAL the adjacent city of Bryan are the center of a metropolitan area with Things continue to be quiet across an estimated 273,000 residents FIRST YEAR, DAVIS about an hour north of Greater the venue landscape as the live Houston. Though COVID-19 drove the events industry continues to prepare Feherty date into the rough and READY TO BRING kept things quiet around Reed for a comeback. Here are a few things Arena for a while, events have re- turned, anchored by Aggie sports. we found happening in Texas. MORE SHOWS TO “We did men’s and women’s basketball, and volleyball,” Davis said. “And then around that same time in September, we started REED ARENA doing our home football games (at Kyle Field) at 25% capacity, which BY ROB KNAPP is right around 25,000 for us, right? So in a 100,000-seat stadi- arren Davis ar- um, that’s still a lot of people.” rived at Texas A&M Beyond sports, Reed Arena University and found his welcomed back Breakaway Minis- first show wrapped up tries, a church service that’s had a with a bow on it. presence on campus for years, Da- “My boss set me up vis said. Its Tuesday night events Dfor success when he hired me. have historically drawn anywhere He said, ‘Hey, it’d be great if you from 2,500 to 10,000 people. could come in the door with an “We ended up getting approved event already in your pocket, for 2,000 people, and in the right?’” said Reed, who became very first … event we had 1,800 general manager of the univer- people in the building, socially sity’s on-campus events center, distanced. (We) used … a seating Reed Arena, about a year ago. model that we did for our sporting “And I said, ‘Oh, that’s great.’ events.” The event, a speaking engage- “It was a pretty easy event to ment with popular golf commen- start with because that event tator David Feherty, was booked, is extremely well-behaved,” he and … said.”They will do exactly what “We put the show on sale the the organizers of the event ask exact day that South by Southwest them to do. No confrontation canceled,” said Reed, referring about wearing masks, none of to the 2020 edition of the annual that. So we had 100% compli- Austin conference and festivals ance on masks, everybody sat built around music and film, an where they were supposed to, did early U.S. victim of the pandem- what they were supposed to do. ic’s arrival. “And I knew when So it was a great event to start that happened, I said, ‘Man, we out.” are in trouble here.’ And so it Preparing to bring people was only about a week later, but back into Reed, Davis discov- then I had to take the show down ered one of the advantages of myself.” working at an institution of Welcome to College Station, higher education. “This is my Mr. Davis. “I knew I was in for a first time ever working at a uni- bit of an interesting ride for the versity campus,” he said. “And remainder of my first year,” he to have resources like your own said. epidemiologist on staff at the Davis said he moved to Texas to university, that’s an advantage AGGIES ALL AROUND:: A fes- be closer to family, coming from that I’ve never been exposed to tival on campus at Texas A&M Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino or had before.” That was in ad- University. in Las Vegas, where he was vice dition to the help and guidance president of entertainment and from the SEC and other schools

36 MARCH 2021 HOT REED: Reed Arena has continued to safely host sports and events during the pandemic.

in the conference. cept. Got it all plotted out, just Davis said the school’s indoor like I do for the arena,” Davis facilities are doing many of the said. “If a show came in tomorrow same things that others are to and told me they wanted to play keep guests safe and healthy in this space, I would have a man- — queuing plan for concession ifest prepared and ready to go and stand lines, designating entry and a budget and everything else.” exit points for restrooms and so Another potential outdoor on — “but I think we’re probably space is a 17-acre parking lot one of the few in the country that called Fan Field that is used as invested in drone technology,” overflow parking for football which allows 13,000 seats to be games, which Davis calls a beau- sanitized in a relatively short tiful space for a festival. amount of time. The drone is Another space, near the being leased from Charlotte, school’s equestrian facility, is North Carolina-based Lucent being targeted for a new festival Technologies. that could debut as soon as when Davis has also brought people students return to campus in outside Reed. “We have done a August or September. parking lot concert, which was my But none of those potential NEW SHERRIFF IN TOWN: Darren Davis arrived from Las Vegas to first ever in my 26-year career,” growth areas diminish what Da- increase nonsports events at Reed and other campus locations. he said. vis sees as great opportunities for “I used the model that Live Reed Arena, in part based on its Nation came out with last year, said Davis. The result was a three- “I quickly recognized that the convenience for tours routing into where they did a few of them with show area run for the band, with arena is a busy, busy arena. So I Texas’ big cities. Brad Paisley and Darius Rucker one outside of Reed and two in looked for other opportunities on “This venue probably has not and a few others,” he said. “And so Houston. campus where we could maybe been on the radar of the agents I took some of the best practices Davis has another drive-in show program events,” he said. His and managers and show produc- from that and created my own and two ticketed events inside eyes soon fell on Kyle Field and its ers, and so my main focus over version of that, and we were able Reed, all for April, that he said 100,000 seats. this next year, now that COVID is to host For King & Country. Sold would be announced soon, and “I quickly developed what I’m kind of winding down, hopefully, out a parking lot concert for 360 another indoor event planned for calling my outdoor amphitheater my main focus is going to be rein- vehicles.” June. The indoor events will likely setup,” he said. The plan involves troducing this venue to the indus- The event came together with have capacity limited to 3,000- 18,000 seats on the west side of try,” he said. “It is a very viable, KSBJ-FM out of Houston. “They 3,500 attendees. the stadium and a performance very legitimate, very good stop on have historically done a lot of Outside of the arena, Davis is area at the base of the bowl. someone’s tour to do shows at this

COURTESY TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY (X3) UNIVERSITY A&M TEXAS COURTESY religious events inside of Reed,” seeking out new places for events. “We’ve manifested this con- venue.”

MARCH 2021 37 San Antonio TEXAS MAVERICK: Blayne Tucker was a co-founder of the Maverick Music Festival, which ran for five years BLAYNE TUCKER ON in San Antonio. THE FERTILE MUSIC MARKET 80 MILES FROM AUSTIN

BY ERIC RENNER BROWN

hen VenuesNow reaches San Antonio promoter, venue operator, and entertainment attor- ney Blayne Tucker, Wthe Lone Star State’s second-larg- est city is enduring its coldest temperatures since 1989. Perhaps that’s why Tucker goes for a meta- phor of a tropical nature. “San Antonio tends to be what I think of as the Galapagos Islands of music development, the sort of forgotten place,” he says. “It gets left out in the typical circuit of post-NIVA, post-COVID, post- that sound, and making it its own, history in Central South Texas events.” Save Our Stages and all of that whether you have conjunto and is out of San Antonio, if you dig Tucker grew up in San Antonio, — is that there’s a greater level of tejano music. Long before Austin deep enough. and has spent his life asserting his communication among inde- became what we know as the city’s live mettle, even as Austin, pendent promoters to work with live music capital of the world, What’s your pitch for why art- situated 80 miles northeast, smaller bands to enable them San Antonio was really the place ists should play San Antonio? draws much of the attention. In to have additional stops in their where you would go to big shows. There’s nothing cookie cutter high school, Tucker and his friend routing,” Tucker says. The Sex Pistols came there, U2, about it. I mean, the history is Manjeri “Kris” Krishna started Tucker connected with Jimi Hendrix, Ozzy Osbourne. ... where you sit. As a band — and I putting on shows, which Tucker VenuesNow to discuss what sets Unfortunately, law enforcement could speak to this as somebody continued to do as an undergrad- San Antonio apart, his various in those days, San Antonio being that was himself on the road over uate at University of Nevada, ventures, and the critical role he the unique city that it is — over 65- 230 days out of the year — when Las Vegas. When Tucker finished played in the passage of the Save 70% Latino — law enforcement you’re in that kind of regimen, law school in 2005, Manjeri Our Stages Act. used big shows and concerts to things sort of blur together. This introduced him to a new artist he discriminate against Latino mu- is one of those stops along the was working with: Austin-based What differentiates San Anto- sic goers. We became a city that way that you can’t help but realize blues-rocker Gary Clark Jr. nio from other Texas markets? was very averse to diversity, and stand out, because there’s just a Soon, Tucker was serving as a You gotta look at it through used enforcement of marijuana unique sound, flavor, and expe- “utility guy” for Clark, helping a historic lens. The West Side and those sorts of substances to rience to it all that you can’t get with everything from publishing Sound and the West Side of San discriminate and subjugate the anywhere else. legalese to day-to-day road man- Antonio was really the first part Latinos in San Antonio. Getting agement. After tours with Clark, of the country where you had into the late ‘70s and ‘80s, the Why was getting involved with Tucker eventually returned to San Latino, white, and black musi- city council in Austin began to be The Mix important to you? Antonio, providing legal services cians playing together. There was comprised of your more left-lean- It’s been around since ‘97; I’ve

for local venues, purchasing a very vibrant, rich club life going ing, hippie types ... Austin then owned it about five years. It was IMAGESGETTY 180-capacity club The Mix, and on in San Antonio, and a very became a more open city that really the only consistent, long- staging events including La Vil- unique sound, where you had this was friendly to the vibe and the standing, surviving music club lita’s Día de los Muertos and the amalgamation of the influence of nature of what it is to experience (on) St. Mary’s Strip, the enter- Maverick Music Festival, which the accordion (introduced by the) community at a concert and that tainment district of San Antonio ran from 2013 to 2017. German influx of immigrants that sense of togetherness. In reality, for live music where everybody “What I’m hopeful for — came in, then (the area) adopting most of the deeply steeped music comes and plays. The best part

38 MARCH 2021 COURTESY VENUE economy itself. itself. economy the on impact have a significant those and state, the throughout of Texas. It’s jobs over 200,000 state the revenue in tax annual in it’s too, million $390 that, all it is While ofdrinks. abunch having time, agood having fun, having It’s works. just not business our ofhow terms in them ly educating real- Also, got that. They aisle. the side of that on folks with heavily to resonate seemed really That ... compensation. ofjust form some can’t without do they that down, you ofshuts sort and ment comes govern- when —that Amendment Fifth ofthe Clause Takings the under to something this gizing analo- we started on, Early out. ahand- or bailout culture and arts isn’t you an know, this side was, Republican lot ofdelegates the on a with resonated What ... Antonio. San in got divorced my parents when to my mother door next lived mother his Actually, there. guy. He wentdown to law school Antonio San anative is Cornyn) John co-sponsor Stages Our Save and whip minority (Senate made. to be case we asolid had Weanswer. won’t Iknew stop. – Idon’t “no” take an as really that We abusiness less. work in relent- very being just also but story, the was) personalizing (I Texas the possible. as delegation on members’ attention many as effort? lobbyingCongressional NIVA’s assist you did How to come. years to enjoy for continue could people to have that aplace it be lighting the and sound the and stage the with improvements make could how we also but significance, historical collective ofits because sake for own its kept going to be ought that institution an at it as we looked town, in bars other several owns Mahoney, who Steve My partner enough. had just had owner previous The place. the in welcome —feeling people less to home- billionaires from mean Iliterally –and spectrum nomic socioeco- side ofthe every from city the throughout ofpeople tory there’s And his- along everyone. It’s it. to youword, name open spoken singer-songwriter, rock, to to metal to hip-hop country from everything years, over the ofmusic style and kind every in it brings that was Mix The about My role specifically was to get was My role specifically A Austin Germania Insurance Amphitheater at the center. center. the at Amphitheater Insurance Germania KEEPING TRACK BIG SHOWS TO BIGRACES AND LOOKS FORWARD COTA COMPLEX canceled in 2020 for the first first for 2020 the in canceled was which Prix, Grand States United One Formula annual the race, feature circuit’s the announced. been not have tour for dates the Makeup band’s concert. forlonger the alittle have to wait will Austin and intervened COVID-19 but complex, entertainment and racetrack at the year end last Day week-play over Memorial 2020. in concert Stones Rolling BY ROB KNAPP That was in addition to addition in was That to were scheduled Stones The on the big bang ofa bang big the on out missed Americas, ofthe Circuit of the chairman and CEO Epstein, Bobby and fans Texas, ustin, : An aerial photo shows the Circuit of the Americas track with Bold Stadium and and Stadium Bold with track Americas the of Circuit the shows photo aerial : An the NASCAR Cup Series, the the Series, Cup NASCAR the in racing feature will which weekend for ofMay 21-23, the went sale on recently Tickets NASCAR. by visit first the is October, in One of Formula return the year, aside from this details. further share he couldn’t but capacity, limited with end ofApril at the begin will shows Those said. Epstein coming,” announcements ing we have ofexcit- acouple And yesterday. just shows, booking to start got clearance just ally “We actu- news. good some had Epstein —but mid-February in so website track’s said the —at least August in to start was grounds the on Amphitheater Insurance Germania pacity alot ofactivity.” there’s still track, the as well as Center Event the and space meeting use that model launches car or schools er it’s racing on-track wheth- “So year,” said. Epstein for this calendar the events on 200 have than more we still busy. stayed —has track akarting and stadium soccer a5,000-seat amphitheater, an has to aracetrack addition in complex —which 1,500-acre pandemic. the during country the world into the around from drivers of getting difficulty the by hampered 2012, in COTA at run first it was since time The big news for the track track for news the big The at 14,000-ca- activity The and daily, books track “The the meantime, the In MARCH 2021 CONTINUED ON PAGE 40 we’ll see that much crossover, much crossover, that see we’ll “I’m sure not forout NASCAR? more.” not if seats, 40,000 to (thousand) probably 35 is May, in be which we’ll I think where versus area, 25,000 the it probably today, in be would now, we were to have if right seating, reserved your But here. to improve continue conditions as determined being still are capacities seating, reserve and grandstand the “In said. Epstein high,” very is point stand- that from capacity the So around. wander you can so from, track the see you can ows mead- and hills with perimeter Wesion. ofthe have 31/2 miles admis- we have general cause event. COVID-era for crowd a abig to welcome it, offans plenty be should there weekend.” for awonderful make should track off fans for the activities the all as well as action on-track exciting the with Ithink So unique. very is at COTA perince ex- fan the and for drivers, fun and challenging and interesting track’s the is reasons ofthe one “I think said. COTA,” Epstein at NASCAR to see desire the expressing have been opened World Truck Series. Camping the and Series Xfinity Will Formula One fans turn turn fans One Formula Will be- huge is capacity “Our arrives, NASCAR when And we time the from fans “The

39 TOPSTOPS TEXAS Ranked by tickets sold. Based on data from concerts and events Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2020, as reported to Pollstar. Data updated as of Jan. 27.

RANK VENUE TICKETS SOLD CAPACITY GROSS SHOWS MORE THAN 15,000 CAPACITY 1 American Airlines Center, Dallas 171,776 20,021 $20,859,626 46 2 Toyota Center, Houston 102,264 18,000 $17,721,293 9 3 Frank Erwin Center, Austin 31,534 16,800 $3,258,728 3 4 AT&T Center, San Antonio 26,778 18,000 $2,738,148 4 5 Alamodome, San Antonio 16,776 65,000 $1,791,974 2 5,001-15,000 CAPACITY 1 Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land 41,837 6,500 $3,246,147 9 2 H-E-B Center, Cedar Park 34,802 8,700 $2,381,208 24 3 Curtis Culwell Center, Garland 18,100 8,000 $252,575 14 4 Ford Park Arena, Beaumont 9,538 8,500 $363,158 3 5 American Bank Center, Corpus Christi 9,403 10,000 $498,147 2 2,001-5,000 CAPACITY 1 Nutty Brown Amphitheatre, Austin 15,932 4,140 $903,381 23 2 Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater, Austin 13,617 2,765 $694,874 6 3 Bass Concert Hall, Austin 11,213 2,900 $618,924 5 4 Revention Music Center, Houston 10,302 3,464 $462,556 4 5 Dell Hall at The Long Center, Austin 7,086 2,442 $467,662 4 2,000 OR LESS CAPACITY 1 Emo’s, Austin 19,623 1,550 $479,905 17 2 Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, Midland 18,838 1,827 $832,020 32 3 McAllen Performing Arts Center, McAllen 13,400 1,828 $497,205 19 4 White Oak Music Hall, Houston 10,725 1,400 $254,678 17 5 Scoot Inn, Austin 8,029 1,000 $186,113 10

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 39 he said. “One is not having fall,” he said. “And that’s going making use of those parking regularly scheduled events, and to allow us to really develop out lots, concession stands and in that a large percentage of our we look at it as we’re selling a the campus, everything from a restrooms at times that they Formula One buyers come in few major, major events. And garage condominium club on site otherwise would be sitting idle,” from out of town, out of state,” you need to be able to scale up to an industrial center.” Epstein said. he said. your sales abilities for those That’s when Epstein realized And then there are the Rolling “I think the local race fans will big events. But then you have he’d left out the amusement park. Stones, whom Epstein looks turn up,” Epstein said. “And I some downtime. And I think the (That happens when you have a forward to seeing play at COTA. think the same thing with (when) partnership with Elevate’s going lot going on.) “We’re in the pro- Did he ever think he would be we have Moto GP,” an interna- to let us scale up when we need to cess of building out ‘COTA Land,’ welcoming Mick and Keith to tional motorcycle racing circuit and we need the support, but also the first amusement park in Austin? that the track hosts each year. not carry the load of a large room Austin,” he said. “I can’t believe I “Never,” he said with a laugh. “That’s got a large Texas follow- full of people when there’s not so didn’t even say that.” “Never would I have thought that ing. And I think that crowd will much to do.” A children’s park, which was when I stood in Zilker Park in turn up for sure.” With all the complex’s previewed during the track’s downtown Austin (in 2006) and The complex recently made acreage, plans are in the works drive-through holiday light watched from the very back of news when it brought on Elevate for more attractions to draw show, is first to open, and some the crowd with probably 75,000 Sports Ventures to help sell premi- people to the site year-round. thrill rides will join the karting people and just enjoyed the show. um seating, and Epstein talked “We only received our (Planned track already on site. “We’re Never thought I’d be a part of about the new relationship. Unit Development) approval for putting in permanent rides and bringing a concert of that level to “It works for us on two levels,” development and zoning in the structures, shade structures and Austin.”

40 MARCH 2021 Bryan-College Station is located conveniently between five major Texas cities Fort Worth Dallas (87% of Texans) and is an ideal stop on any show’s routed tour. (175 miles) (181 miles) Boasting a local population of over 200,000 full-time residents plus an additional e v i population of another 60,000 students each semester, makes Bryan-College r D e Station the 14th largest city in the State of Texas (moving to a top 10 city when r iv h r D including the student body). Texas A&M University is a regular destination to over 3 Bryan / r h College Station 50,000 season ticket holders for its various athletic events with cross-marketing 5 .

1 opportunities for other non-athletic events.

Austin (110 miles) Houston (95 miles) San Antonio (169 miles)

With a 102,000+ seat capacity, Kyle Field is the 6th largest stadium in the world and the largest stadium in Texas. The venue is home to the Texas A&M Aggie football team and also hosts other special events throughout the year. Kyle Field is the ideal location for outdoor stadium concerts and large scale events.

End Stage Varies by setup West Side Amphitheater 18,706 seats

Prominently located on the Texas A&M University campus, Reed Texas A&M has a variety of unique outdoor spaces for concerts and Arena hosts a variety of events including major touring concerts, events. The most notable are the 6 & 13 acre grass fields located on family shows, private events, motorsports and comedy shows. It the Northwest side of campus. These spaces are ideal for festival also serves as the home court for the Aggie men’s and women’s style events and other outdoor programming. We also have a 17 basketball teams and women’s volleyball team. acre space ideally suited for large-scale outdoor events of any kind.

360 Capacity 12,753 seats 6 acres 18,000 capacity Rodeo/Motorsport 10,910 seats 13 acres Varies by setup (custom) End Stage Capacity 9,375 seats 17 acres 48,000 capacity 1/2 House Capacity 6,310 seats

For booking inquiries contact Darren Davis - General Manager, Reed Arena - 979.862.7330 or [email protected] ADVERTORIAL

HOW TO TIE IT ALL TOGETHER: Practicing The ‘Black Art’ Of Audio & Visual With Vanguardia

anguardia Director Jim roof at an angle to propagate and focus Griffiths has been consulting sound back over the pitch and players venues and promoters on and then back to the away supporters all things sound since 1985, in the opposite stand. when he worked on the Live Aid event at Wembley Once the architectural design is and Queen’s legendary finalized, Griffiths starts looking at VKnebworth concert, promoted by how the sound system can be used Harvey Goldsmith. It was a time to enhance the event. Vanguardia when local authorities were eager to defines four different grades of regulate and control live sound, with sound systems, from the basic PA/ the backdrop that the live industry VA systems to a professional top- was developing increasingly powerful end production system. The latter and efficient sound systems. allows bands to integrate with the house system to enhance the audio Griffiths got production and local from a concert into the far reaches authority representatives talking, to of the stadium. Griffiths liaises with prevent venues across the country sound rental companies and with from being shut down for exceeding Vanguardia’s audio computer models, sound levels. He has since helped they work out the optimum system many of the UK’s major stadiums get a design for the bowl. The models license to host concerts and festivals. show potential problem areas in are just a selection of projects, It was a logical next step to get terms of sound reflection causing Vanguardia has been or is set to be involved in designing the acoustics echoes, and calculate the maximum working on. for music venues and then designing noise levels, at which concerts can sound systems that precisely operate without violating sound level One of the biggest commissions in match the venue architecture. The regulations in the community. company history came with the consultancy has now developed So, when a client approaches Griffiths London Olympics in 2012, when to the design of audio-visual (AV) and his team and asks, ‘what’s the systems and broadcast. He set up Vanguardia designed the acoustics best sound system,’ Griffiths goes, ‘no Vanguardia with several long-term and sound for the Olympic Stadium idea, tell me what you want to do with colleagues some 15 years ago. and other venues such as the it first, what’s the budget?’ Today, the company’s long list of Copperbox and Velodrome. The clients includes England’s first fully company also oversaw the sound and The owners of Tottenham Stadium configurable NFL stadium, Tottenham acoustics of all the venues operating knew they wanted to host concerts Stadium, the iconic Wembley and during the event. When the Olympic from the start. Vanguardia was told to Twickenham stadiums, as well as a Stadium was converted into London select “the newest, the best” system proposed new state-of-the-art music Stadium, Vanguardia were consulted for the job. “They decided to go for a venue in London, and that’s just in again. sound system that wasn’t even built. the UK. We went to LA, where they were “We describe ourselves as being prototyped, and tested them,” Vanguardia also developed the full practitioners, we understand the way says Griffiths. The stadium had six acoustic consultancy from the initial the stadium or the arena operate,” concerts lined up in 2020, including environmental and masterplanning says Griffiths. Lady Gaga, Guns N’Roses, and the studies through the bowl acoustics Capital Radio Summertime Ball, which He says that Vanguardia often gets and sound systems design at the If you’ve ever been to Borussia might happen this year or next when commissioned post-construction to O2 Arena, London, which opened Dortmund’s stadium in Germany, you things return back to normal. Concert help run a successful venue, however, in 2007. “To be fair to the client, will have been intimidated by the proofing the building also prepped it in the case of London’s new Tottenham AEG, they wanted really good so-called Yellow Wall, a single-tiered for NFL sound requirements. “To host Stadium, Vanguardia was involved acoustics. Whenever there was value south stand for more than 20,000 of NFL, you need the right low-frequency engineering, they retained [the right from the start. “Daniel Levy, punch. We’ve designed sub-bass units the chairman, was very committed the club’s most ardent supporters. budget] for acoustics. We designed Tottenham has something similar, at the back of the speaker clusters, for the acoustics at the O2 differently as to preserving the White Hart Lane that feel, that thud, that low-frequency the South Stand with no separation compared to the acoustics at other atmosphere and said, ‘I want this energy that helps to generate the between upper and lower tiers, venues,” Griffiths remembers. Bon atmosphere to be intimidating’,” atmosphere. These speakers are able holding 17,500 people. The entire Jovi, who played the opening concert Griffiths recalls. “We discussed how to produce this low frequency energy structure is held up by two steel trees at the arena in 2007, praised the we’d describe intimidating, and which has already been accepted acoustics live on stage. there’s some important aspects: you – an architectural feat in the truest by the NFL sound engineers during don’t have sizable gaps between the sense of the word, achieved by lead the first NFL events at Tottenham,” The O2 put Vanguardia on the map roof and the upper facade, because architects Populous, a trusted partner explains Griffiths. internationally. “We’re now getting with big gaps, the sound escapes, of Vanguardia. It’s not just the largest projects worldwide by reputation,” which doesn’t help generate a vibrant single-tier stand in the UK; it also stands “The best” has its price, and while says Griffiths. Coca-Cola Arena in atmosphere. There is a risk also above an entire football pitch sliding Griffiths won’t push any venue to Dubai, Yas Arena in Abu Dhabi, Bercy that the sound leakage can create in and out beneath it. Vanguardia used exceed their budget, he’s a strong Arena in Paris a number of stadia in environmental and noise pollution the latest sound analysis tool which negotiator at the table, who’ll say, “if Saudi Arabia for the World Cup, Arena problems, too, and you lose the included an acoustic camera, which you want it to sound like that, this is Zagreb in Croatia, Sydney Stadium, as atmosphere.” The careful design comprised of over 70 microphones in what you’ll need. You’ve got to be well as OVG’s 23,500-capacity arena and focusing of the roof to generate an array, showing how the sound from tough. Sometimes you can’t and I at the Etihad Campus in Manchester atmosphere is also critical, he explains. the South Wall is reflected from the respect that when there are other

42 MARCH 2021 Joe O’Herlihy, Jim Griffiths controlling camera inputs, switching, and Mark Murphy trading live graphics, instant replay, content, timing and scoring, and also driving the IPTV system and rooting all of the audio up to the audio control room,” he continues.

“How do you actually tie it all important factors during a design, together. You can spend a lot of but it is important to hold your money on your screens, on your corner. I had a situation with a big loudspeakers, but it’s being able stadium in London, which didn’t get to let your guys come in and play built in the end, where the architects the instrument right. You need the said, ‘we want to hear it but not buttons that your guys can press, see it.’ This is not uncommon from to actually run everything together,” some architects, but you have to says Murphy, who predicts that LED hold out and say, ‘this is not going to technology is going to become even comply with the raft of regulations more widespread with dropping and operational requirements of a feedback from fans to artist, just like Vanguardia added a AV component, price points and ways to display venue’.” during a live show – which is arguably which includes broadcasting, to its list the thing both artists and audiences of specialist services five years ago. images outside the 16:9 camera format, but in much smaller unique It comes in handy that Vanguardia’s miss most. Capturing fans cheering Tottenham Stadium boasts 1,700 LED shapes, too. It will create new options technical sound director, Joe on their sofas, audiences interacting screens for providing information, for sponsorship in particular and O’Herlihy, is the sound director of U2. with each other and making it sound messages and entertainment. messaging in general. He provides production advice as like tens of thousands were singing Vanguardia’s AV expert Mark Murphy well, and as anyone knows, U2 tend to and cheering in unison is “the black recalls how the owners were very While it’s currently hard to imagine a push the boundaries. art,” says Griffiths. “The broadcast clear about wanting the first purpose- is mixed for the remote audiences built NFL venue outside of North time when people will be going out to live events as they used to, Vanguardia’s full expertise will be and also separately mixed for the America. It meant that the visuals and it’s not in Griffiths’ nature to dwell needed, when venues and promoters artists so that the optimum sound overall production had been on par on any other question than how try and negotiate exceptions with can be generating to provide a ‘live’ with what their U.S. colleagues have to improve the live experience for local regulatory authorities for atmosphere.” been cultivating over many years. all involved. When live audiences this and next year’s event season, gather again in large numbers, when the main way to make up JJ Rosa did a test run at the cinema in No other stadium in the UK features there’ll still be problems to solve. for last year’s losses will be to host Ministry of Sound’s offices in London. four screens in each corner. For a Vanguardia is currently working on a more events than would usually be “She played a 40-minute set, and she couple of hundred seats in the top system to predict the effect of sound permitted. Griffiths has negotiated was getting immediate feedback. tiers this means that the view is propagation outside the venue due exceptions, for the London Olympics She was seeing and hearing all of impeded. “So, we added screens to varying wind conditions (speed in 2012, which were classed as an her family and friends. The first trial on the back of the screens,” Murphy and direction) based on Vanguardia’s “extraordinary situation,” and he didn’t go very well, the second test, explains. The spectators in the suites historical data. Lots of it. Changes will aim to do so again to “kick start everyone loved it,” says Griffiths. also got 60 reinforcement screens in atmospheric conditions, the live music industry, as there are The project, dubbed VAAR, has in total for the short bit between temperature inversions, changes many artists wanting to tour with all received some funding from the UK the suites and the bowl, when then in wind directions all impact sound the important support crew etc. also government, Innovate UK, and we are they cannot yet see the big screens. propagation significantly, which needing to work and survive from currently creating an app, OV8, and As with the audio components, affects the level at which sound can the current loss of income due to partnering with a streaming platform Vanguardia was working with the be played inside the venue. “If we the pandemic. There is likely to be that will integrate the technology. architects on the 3D model, looking could predict this effect in advance, a requirement to do more days and It may prove particularly useful, at where things are in space, before we could tell bands the likely on-site more weekends to maximize revenue when venues start reopening at moving in. level to meet off-site limits as well as and cover infrastructure costs.” limited capacity. “It may be a hybrid situation, where you’ll be getting Murphy estimates that there are some informing complainants in advance , ‘look the wind has changed, we Griffiths has been using the forced some interaction with a live audience, 12 million pixels on screens in the haven’t turned it up.’ It’s pretty downtime to work with several other but the rest may be coming from bowl of Tottenham Stadium. For important, because if you exceed acoustic consultants, a creative thousands of other people, which this kind of video display, you need licensed sound limits two things architect and designer, as well as a you can see on screen and hear.” a production system tying audio, can happen: you could be fined for singer-songwriter, JJ Rosa, to set up According to Griffiths the technology video and lighting together, Murphy breaking the law, and at worse you the Events Revival Alliance. It has would also work for sports, where explains. “They’ve got a dedicated could lose your license for staging come up with an idea to facilitate audience sounds could be captured production studio, we call it the video music events at the venue.’ And that interaction between performers and in their homes and be broadcast from gallery, similar to a TV production would be something, no one working audience in times when live gigs are each individual seat in the stadium. facility. You’ve got a dozen guys in this industry can afford right now. largely limited to online streams. In working in there on a match day, addition, the audiences are able to communicate with each other and help create the full atmosphere. Being acoustic experts, they focused on delivering a clear and authentic

MARCH 2021 43 CALIFORNIA Things continue to be quiet across the venue landscape as the live events industry continues to prepare for a comeback. Here are a few things we found happening in California. San Mateo EVENT CENTER HELPS COUNTY DURING PANDEMIC BY FILLING A HOST OF ROLES

BY JAMES ZOLTAK

ike most venues across the nation, the San like March 12 that the county flipped that over and activated the said. Mateo (California) Event manager called me and said how same building” for the collection, After the CZU Lightning Com- Center’s regular business fast can you activate a mass test- storage and distribution of per- plex fires broke out in northern has felt the effects of the ing site,” she said. sonal protective equipment. Santa Cruz and southern San Ma- coronavirus pandemic, but The event center, 20 miles “Prices on the peninsula are teo counties in August, the event Lthat hasn’t stopped CEO Dana southeast of San Francisco, and very expensive and so we were center was pressed into service Stoehr and her staff from stepping all fairgrounds in California able to offer (the county) lower as a shelter location and resource to the plate in the San Francisco are designated as state Office of than commercial rate, which center, Stoehr said. Bay Area community’s time of Emergency Services sites, to be helped us because we had a The center also staffed mobile need. activated in the case of large- building rented,” Stoehr said. “It’s units that did outreach testing in Since March 2020, the 48-acre scale emergencies. still stuffed with PPE. We were disadvantaged communities, an facility, home of the annual San Within 24 hours, the grounds’ able to save the county money and effort that continues today. Mateo County Fair and a host of 100,000-square-foot Expo Hall my goal always (is) I don’t want A walk-up vaccination site was other meetings, conventions, con- was outfitted to accommodate to make a profit in a pandemic. established Jan. 30, in conjunction sumer and trade shows, and fes- drive-through COVID testing It’s against my principles and it’s with Sutter/Palo Alto Medical tivals, has served as a COVID-19 that stretched over several against the board’s principles. We Foundation, that should be able testing site, a shelter location months, she said. just want to stay afloat and if we to accommodate 800 people an for those who tested positive The county also rented recre- could do that and lower the costs hour. and could not shelter at home, a ational vehicles to house individu- for the spaces we’re providing and The drive-through vaccination physically distanced jury service als who tested positive but could keep people employed, that was location, launched Jan. 8, is one location, a wildfire evacuation not safely shelter at home before my goal.” of the largest in the state along center, a surge hospital, and most that effort was shifted to a hotel, Next up for the event center was with Dodger Stadium in Los recently a drive-through COVID Stoehr said. jury duty. The wheels of justice Angeles and Petco Park in San vaccination location. Another building, 55,000- still had to turn but in as safe a Diego. “We have been as busy, if not square-foot Fiesta Hall, was con- way as possible. In this case, the Multiple health care providers

busier, with the pandemic than verted into a surge hospital. event center’s 25,000-square-foot and the county are administering COURTESY VENUE we were before,” Stoehr said. “The National Guard came off-track betting building and a vaccines at the drive-through loca- The county, Stoehr said, has in and set up a MASH unit and nearby 16,000-square-foot exhib- tion. Both the Pfizer and Moderna been “incredibly proactive” in its it became a surge hospital,” she it hall were used to accommodate vaccines are being used. coronavirus response and right said. “When it became apparent the jury pool. Jury service took One health care provider from the start turned to her and they were able to take a breath place Monday through Thursday involved is storing the vaccine in the event center for help. and then figure out some other and off-track betting on Fridays, one of the facility’s kitchens. “I remember it was something options to provide surge beds, we Saturdays and Sundays, Stoehr Despite all the activity, the loss

44 MARCH 2021 LONG HISTORY: The Alex Glendale Theatre’s 100-foot tower BIG SHOTS: The drive- is a beacon in downtown through vaccination Glendale. location launched Jan. 8 at the San Mateo Event Center is one of the ARTS GROUP largest in California. MAKES ITS CASE TO REMAIN STEWARD OF HISTORIC THEATER

BY ROB KNAPP

ike other nonprof- it arts organizations, Glendale Arts is working harder than ever, as state COVID-19 restrictions prevent patrons from Lattending programming at the Alex Theatre, the 95-year-old city-owned theater that it has long operated. So when the city of Glendale, of revenue from the nonprofit cen- after negotiating with the group ter’s usual events has taken its toll. on an extension of its agreement, “We still had to cut back on decided to put out a request for staffing in June,” Stoehr said. proposals to manage the venue, Fairgrounds are uniquely it wasn’t exactly what Elissa positioned to provide some of the Glickman, CEO of Glendale facilities needed to confront the Arts, wanted to hear. She said pandemic, but some in California she understands the situation, have not seen the kind of continu- though, as city governments are ing capital improvements required forced to put a magnifying glass to be as ready as San Mateo has to their finances in response to been, said Stoehr, who is active the economic interruption of the with its decision in April, Glick- TV for Showtime, Netflix, ABC, in the International Association last year. man said. NBC, you name it.” of Venue Managers, the Western “Certainly it was ill-timed The 1,411-seat Alex, which sits The theater, known for its Fairs Association and the Inter- given the fact that we’re in about 10 miles north of down- 100-foot art deco tower atop its national Association of Fairs and the middle of the pandemic,” town Los Angeles, is home to marquee, showed Hollywood Expositions. Glickman said. “But the city has the Los Angeles Ballet, the Los screenings and first-run movies She hopes that will change, worked with a single operator Angeles Chamber Orchestra, until closing in the 1980s. In “with the attention and the for over 25 years, and while we the Gay Men’s Chorus of LA, 1992, the Glendale Redevelop- importance of everybody that has know that we’re the best at what the Musical Theatre Guild and ment Agency bought the theater come together from Cal Expo, to we do — and we’ve certainly in- the Glendale Youth Orchestra, and put $6.2 million in public us, to Sonoma to Alameda County creased the venue’s prominence as well as the Alex Film Society. funds toward restoring it. In Fairgrounds — we step up in times in both the live performance Resident companies account for 1994, Glendale Arts, then known of emergency, mostly for fire arena and in the last couple of 12% of the annual dates, Glick- as the Alex Regional Theatre support. years with film and TV — it’s ir- man said, “and then the remain- Board, took over management of “It’s not just that we have the responsible of any municipality ing 200-plus days that we do the venue. land and the buildings. We know not to go out and see what else are either one-off performances Beyond being a steward to where everything is. We have the is out there.” or again, whether it’s dance or a nearly century-old theater, supplies. We’re ready to host you Glendale Arts is responding classical music or rock ’n’ roll Glickman said, the organiza- at all times. That, in and of itself, to the RFP, which was released or film screenings, every day is tion has worked to balance the is a vast difference to walking in December. All the proposals a different day on the calendar. into an empty warehouse some- are due to the city in March and And then given our proximity to

GETTY IMAGES where.” the city is scheduled to go public film and television, we do a lot of CONTINUED ON PAGE 46

MARCH 2021 45 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 45 constituencies that it serves: the city, the taxpayers, donors, clients and patrons. “It’s not just putting money back in our pockets,” she said. “It’s how do we reinvest whatever dollars we do make, not only in the venue but back into the community.” Regardless of the matters at hand, the group has plans for the theater that are coming online as soon as … well, now. A pre-pandemic proposal to Los Angeles County philanthrop- ic organization The Ahmanson Foundation grew into a grant for a full-scale in-house livestreaming system that was on target to roll out in February. It provides “not only an opportunity to keep the venue active, but it would give our producers an opportunity to find new ways to monetize their show,” Glickman said. “By going outside four walls, they can really take it to a much larger diaspora of arts appre- ciators,” she said. “And then it creates content. So we’re not just monetizing it in the immediate but you’re also providing oppor- tunities for them to make money down the line.” Also, the theater is moving to a new comprehensive customer since it opened in 1967, is well sidered the best of its kind and relationship management sys- San Diego under way. won a national design award tem that will replace its ticket- The stadium — home to the from the American Institute of ing system. “We really needed AFL and NFL’s Chargers 1967- Architects,” David Marshall, something that wouldn’t just 2016, MLB’s Padres 1969-2003 principal, architect and presi- sell a ticket,” Glickman said. “It and the NCAA’s San Diego dent of Heritage Architecture would provide us with informa- BRUTAL END: Aztecs football program 1967- & Planning in San Diego, said tion on who our target buyers 2019, along with three Super in an email. “No other stadi- are, who our potential audienc- Bowls and two college football um had won that honor at that es are, and what revenue we’re bowl games — was built in the time.” not capturing. It being a cus- AN AWARD-WINNER brutalist architectural style, Gary Allen of the San Diego tomer relationship management a blocky, muscular style that firm Frank L. Hope & Associ- solution, it gives us an opportu- oftened featured surfaces of raw ates designed the stadium. nity to talk to the patron at each GOES DOWN concrete. Marshall’s firm is no stranger touch point.” Brutalism was popular at the to venue work in San Diego. The decision on a provider is time the stadium was designed, Heritage consulted with Petco expected soon. FOR GOOD particularly for institutional Park architects and advised Meanwhile, Glendale Arts is projects such as government them on how to preserve the making its case to the city that it and university buildings and Western Metal Supply Co. is uniquely suited for the job of BY ROB KNAPP public housing. It was more pop- building when it was adapted running the Alex. ular in places such as the U.K. into the ballpark, which opened “We feel very confident that easons come and go, and Eastern Europe than the in 2004. there is no better fit for the as do the stadiums and U.S., however, and it failed to It was also the associate Alex and for Glendale than the arenas where they’re make much of a dent in sports. architect on an award-winning organization that bears its name, played. And the time Besides San Diego, it was $26.5 million restoration of the

Glendale Arts. And we have a real has come for San Diego seen mostly in other concrete Balboa Theatre that was com- IMAGESGETTY vision for where we believe it can Stadium to go. Demoli- multipurpose stadiums that pleted in 2008. go with the city as our partner,” Stion of the venue, which has also popped up in Oakland, St. Lou- In the case of the stadium, Glickman said. gone by Jack Murphy Stadium, is, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and the city hired Heritage to assess “And,” she added, “we look Qualcomm Stadium and SDC- Philadelphia during the 1960s the historic value of the struc- forward to getting out of COVID CU Stadium (and, for 10 days and early 1970s. ture. “We determined that it so we can get back to work.” in 2011, Snapdragon Stadium) “San Diego Stadium was con- was historically significant and

46 MARCH 2021 CONCRETE GONE: city staff agreed,” Marshall said. land-Alameda County Colise- maintained and/or upgraded,” A view of the con- But in the end, San Diego um is still standing. Marshall said. “This is the biggest crete exterior of San Diego Stadium, then State University chose to build The life cycle of venues contin- fault of the city and SDSU in not called Qualcomm a new home rather than put ue to shorten, affected by rapidly realizing that the best solution Stadium, in 2006. money into refurbishing the changing technologies, shifts in was upgrading the stadium (new old place, taking out seats tastes regarding premium seating seats, scoreboard, sound system, and adding amenities such as and other factors. But Marshall etc.) instead of the colossal waste modern premium areas. The says it doesn’t have to be that way, of demolishing a respected work 35,000-seat Aztec Stadium will citing upgrades that have kept of architecture. … It would have open adjacent to the site of the the Rose Bowl and Arrowhead been a different story if the sta- demolished stadium in 2022. Stadium welcoming fans. dium sat with no one using it, but Of the brutalist stadiums of the “The key to preserving any San Diego Stadium had another ’60s and ’70s, only the Oak- old building is keeping them 50+ years in it.”

TOPSTOPS CALIFORNIA Ranked by tickets sold. Based on data from concerts and events Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2020, as reported to Pollstar. Data updated as of Jan. 27.

RANK VENUE TICKETS SOLD CAPACITY GROSS SHOWS MORE THAN 15,000 CAPACITY 1 Forum, Inglewood 199,409 17,500 $19,680,393 18 2 Golden 1 Center, Sacramento 137,381 17,500 $5,870,258 21 3 Oakland Arena, Oakland 75,674 19,200 $3,522,283 17 4 Save Mart Center, Fresno 52,625 16,000 $3,588,943 7 5 Staples Center, Los Angeles 42,935 20,000 $4,394,594 3 10,001-15,000 CAPACITY 1 Pechanga Arena, San Diego 65,496 14,000 $3,128,416 13 2 Stockton Arena, Stockton 32,592 12,000 $1,000,913 10 3 Toyota Arena, Ontario 11,523 12,000 $916,901 2 4 Mechanics Bank Arena, Bakersfield 8,320 10,400 $796,998 1 5 Viejas Arena, San Diego 6,873 12,200 $545,351 1 5,001-10,000 CAPACITY 1 Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, San Francisco 58,335 8,500 $3,395,577 7 2 Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles 12,266 6,300 $502,526 2 3 Microsoft Theater, Los Angeles 11,226 7,100 $712,996 3 2,001-5,000 CAPACITY 1 Fox Theater, Oakland 32,469 2,800 $1,506,429 14 2 Paramount Theatre, Oakland 17,260 3,040 $1,031,807 7 3 Terrace Theater, Long Beach 16,805 3,051 $1,298,331 6 4 San Jose Civic, San Jose 15,319 3,322 $731,393 9 5 Harrah’s Resort So. Calif., Events Center, Valley Center 8,220 3,250 $494,827 5 2,000 OR LESS CAPACITY 1 City National Grove, Anaheim 38,515 1,700 $2,082,035 41 2 Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Cerritos 19,104 1,800 $1,538,945 21 3 The Independent, San Francisco 16,541 550 $398,305 35 4 Troubadour, West Hollywood 14,959 500 $344,579 35 5 Mary Stuart Rogers Theatre, Modesto 12,088 1,248 $718,566 15

MARCH 2021 47 FRESHENING UP THE FIELDHOUSE How a $360M refurb will make Indy arena state of the art while keeping it retro

The Pacers have committed $65 helped drive the effort to get a cal facilities on the top two floors million to the project and signed a deal done to fund the renovations, of the five-story building. BY DON MURET 25-year lease extension. Fuson said. A few years earlier, the Pacers Rick Fuson, president and chief “Basically, all Herb really started mapping out a three- ankers Life Field- operating officer of Pacers Sports wanted was to make sure there phase arena renovation to expand house, the first & Entertainment, has been with was a place for the Pacers to premium seat offerings, retrofit retro-themed NBA the team for 37 years and was part play that would be state of the the center-hung videoboard with arena, celebrates the rich of the original group developing art moving forward,” he said. “I new LED technology, install new heritage of basketball the arena in the late 1990s. never thought it could be better, cushioned seats in the bowl, cre- in the state of Indiana. “We’ve said for all these but it’s a new building and one for ate new social spaces in the upper COURTESY INDIANA PACERS (X2) BMore than 20 years after the years that the building had good the future.” deck and build an outdoor plaza venue opened in downtown India- bones,” Fuson said. “We never for ice skating, sunrise yoga and napolis, it’s going through a major thought we would have to tear it FROM THE OUTSIDE IN live entertainment. facelift to retain its distinction for down like we did Market Square It all started in 2017 with As part of their research, the future generations. Arena and the RCA Dome, and support spaces connecting to the Pacers visited several arenas and The 18,000-seat arena, home other buildings across the coun- arena campus. stadiums to get ideas for improv- to the NBA’s Indiana Pacers, try.” The Ascension St. Vincent Cen- ing Bankers Life Fieldhouse. They was originally designed by the Herb and Mel Simon, brothers ter, a new practice facility for the toured new NBA venues Golden 1 old Ellerbe Becket. It opened as and mall developers, bought Pacers, opened that year across Center, Fiserv Forum and Chase Conseco Fieldhouse in November the Pacers in 1983. Mel died in the street from the arena. The Center, in addition to State Farm 1999 with lots of brick, a curved 2009. Herb, now 86, wanted to Simon family spent $53 million to Arena, TD Garden and Wells roofline and a tight seating bowl, make sure the team remained a build it. The 130,000-square-foot Fargo Center, three buildings that all features of old gyms dotting long-term fixture in town, which building extends to public medi- went through extensive refurbs. the Hoosier State. The venue’s original price tag was $185 million. As the building BANK PLAZA: The addition of a plaza for year-round use is part of arena renova- approaches 25 years old, sports tions. architect Populous designed comprehensive upgrades for the “Fieldhouse of the Future” at a cost of $360 million, effectively doubling the initial budget. The total project, to be com- pleted in 2022, stands among the most expensive renovations of a big league arena, apart from Mad- ison Square Garden. That was a $1 billion transformation of a venue that opened in 1968. Under the agreement funding the Bankers Life Fieldhouse ren- ovation that was signed in 2017, arena owner the Capital Improve- ment Board is providing $270 mil- lion toward the renovation, with the city contributing $25 million.

48 MARCH 2021 BRICK HOUSE: Suite ren- ovations stay true to the arena’s retro theme.

the original design theme intact while improving the fan experience. GETTY IMAGES “The character of the building, the integration HOOSIER DADDY: Will Hinkle Fieldhouse, a filming location for “Hoosiers,” of the brick, the ‘Hoosier be the site of more upsets in the NCAA Tournament? Hysteria’ everybody talks about, it’s got a feel that’s They also went to Wrig- very Indiana,” Stover attached to the stadium, will have 12 ley Field, a three-hour drive said. “It’s important as we basketball courts for practices during northwest of Indianapolis. go about renovating and the NCAA tournament. It all starts The Chicago Cubs spent repurposing that story to INDIANA PREPARES with Selection Sunday on March 14 $760 million to refresh expand on it through the and ends with the title game April 5. a century-old ballpark arena.” The NCAA announced that in without altering the classic The 67 Club, named af- conjunction with the county health seating bowl, its best asset. ter 1967, the year the Pacers FOR A NEW KIND departments it had decided to allow Adam Stover, a senior were founded as an Ameri- a capacity of up to 25% at tourna- principal with Populous, can Basketball Association ment games. worked on Wrigley and franchise, is situated along The Pacers also have to contend serves as lead architect for the east side. The walls OF MADNESS with the second half of the NBA sea- Bankers Life Fieldhouse were built with reclaimed son, Raines said. As of Feb. 16, those upgrades. brick from an old building dates had not been released. The “Our intent when we in Chicago matching the Pacers are now allowing up to 2,000 embarked on this project original brick on the arena’s Indiana has cornered the mar- fans in attendance for NBA games. was to make what is a fan- facade and interior. ket on March Madness this year. The city and state are ready, tastic building even better; A similar process was Because of the pandemic, the entire though. Indianapolis is home to not to take any steps back, done for the American NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament NCAA headquarters, and Bankers but to modernize where we Airlines 1914 Club, Wrigley will be held in the Hoosier State. Life Fieldhouse and Lucas Oil Stadi- could,” said Mel Raines, Field’s home plate lounge, Lucas Oil Stadium, the home of um are accustomed to holding large the Pacers’ executive vice Stover said. the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, will play events tied to Final Fours and Super president of corporate com- A mosaic wall inside host to the Elite Eight and Final Four. Bowls taking place downtown. munications, community the 67 Club, with 4,450 In addition, five arenas will hold Raines and fellow Pacers execu- engagement and facilities square feet of hospitality tournament games over the next tives Rick Fuson and Todd Taylor sit operations. “We wanted to space, honors the state four weeks: Bankers Life Fieldhouse; on boards of civic groups working keep the fieldhouse charm fairgrounds coliseum in Butler University’s Hinkle Fieldhouse, with the NCAA to handle event logis- and everything about it that Indianapolis, where the where parts of the classic movie tics that extend to lodging and the people love, but enhance Pacers first played. A quote “Hoosiers” was filmed; Indiana beautification of downtown Indianap- it.” embedded on a mirror be- Farmers Coliseum on the state fair- olis as part of the big welcome. The arena’s compact hind the bar pays homage grounds; Purdue’s Mackey Arena in “We were able to survive last seating rake remains most- to Bobby “Slick” Leonard. West Lafayette; and Indiana’s Simon year with the cancellation of the Big ly intact with the exception Leonard, a former NBA Skjodt Assembly Hall in Blooming- Ten tournament and a lot of other of the north end, where new player, coached the Pacers ton. things,” Fuson said. “When the NCAA retractable seats were in- to three ABA titles and was It’s hoops heaven personified. decided they wanted to do a bubble, stalled at stage end, which inducted into the Naismith Indianapolis alone has 100 college Indianapolis was at the top of the list. changed the geometry a bit, Memorial Basketball Hall basketball games booked in March, We switched the NBA All-Star Game Stover said. The new gray of Fame in 2014. more than 30 set for Bankers Life from this year to 2024, so we’re able seats replace the old forest On the west side is the Fieldhouse, according to Mel Raines, to bring in a lot of those people to green color scheme. new PointsBet Hardwood the Indiana Pacers’ executive vice help out as well.” As part of renovating the Club, slightly smaller at president of corporate communica- The Pacers are grateful to NCAA suites, all 52 units will have 4,000 square feet, named tions, community engagement and officials such as Dan Gavitt, senior one exposed brick wall to for a sports betting outlet. facilities operations. The men’s Big vice president of basketball, and JoAn keep that old-timey feel, A signature design element Ten tournament will take place at Scott, managing director of men’s Raines said. is the old floor from Market Lucas Oil Stadium, and the women basketball championships, as well as The two new event-level Square Arena framing will play at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. NCAA President Mark Emmert, for clubs that are part of the multiple LED screens The boys state high school tourney making it happen, Fuson said. recently completed first was moved to April to accommodate “We’re going to show the world phase provide other exam- college play, Raines said. that we can do it,” Fuson said. ples of the effort to keep CONTINUED ON PAGE 50 The Indiana Convention Center, —Don Muret

MARCH 2021 49 tion officially starts this month, some flexibility. When we look at to include renovating suites and our next generation of fans, that’s creating new standing room areas what they’re looking for.” attached to bars on the north and south ends. FINISHING TOUCHES At the north end, where the The outdoor plaza is part of BOARD OF APPEAL: ANC Sports upgraded the Pacers’ center-hung. stage is set up for concerts, a the third phase; the removal of a new vomitory was “punched” parking garage starts this month in the bowl that connects to the to clear space for the new addi- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49 Pacers are building more loge entry pavilion on the concourse, tion. The skating rink activated boxes and theater boxes to meet providing views into the bowl in the winter will be a little bigger stretching 318 feet along one consumer demand two years after and a full view of the revamped than Rockefeller Plaza in New wall. introducing the Lexus Lofts, a center-hung. York, Raines said. “One of the coolest features similar four-seat hybrid product On the west side, seven rows Across sports, plazas are a big is if you look up under where the midlevel in the bowl. of seats will be removed in the trend as teams develop year- precast would be for the seating Similar to other big league upper deck to build a two-tiered round spaces outside their venues rise, it looks like you’re sitting markets, those four-seat group- standing platform, catering to the to generate revenue and activi- under an old gymnasium,” said ings sold out almost immediately younger generation. ties for the local community. In Todd Taylor, the Pacers’ senior to companies that can’t afford to Those hangouts, some of which Chicago, Gallagher Way, a green vice president and chief sales and buy a full suite but still want to will be ticketed spaces, were space that’s part of the Wrigley marketing officer. “You can see entertain clients in a premium inspired by Golden 1 Center’s Field makeover, is converted to a the underside of the seats.” environment, Taylor said. Sierra Nevada Draught House skating rink in the winter. Both clubs serve 600 seats Sixteen new loge boxes are and Fiserv Forum’s Panorama At Bankers Life Fieldhouse, the along the respective sidelines. being constructed in the lower Club, public gathering spaces at updated center-hung is equipped Because of COVID-19, they won’t bowl across both end zones, fewer the top of those two NBA venues, with the crispest LED technology, open until the start of the 2021-22 than 20 rows from the court. The according to Fuson and Taylor. including a 10-foot-high screen season. eight built behind the stage sold Taylor spent six years in Major on the board’s underbelly. ANC The two new clubs were driven for basketball only will open this League Baseball working for the Sports developed the software for by the need for additional high- month in time for the onslaught Texas Rangers and Milwaukee the center-hung structure like it end hospitality spaces, taken from of college and high school hoops Brewers and drew from that expe- did for the older version in 2012. data supplied by consultant CSL tournaments, Taylor said. rience and feedback from his own The videoboard was initially International, Taylor said. The new inventory, designed “focus group” of three teenage part of phase three but after the “What we heard loud and clear with counter space, roller chairs children to help form the new pandemic hit and the start of the from all of our research was that and small televisions, sells for standing room spaces at Bankers 2020-21 NBA season was delayed flexibility and options are what $60,000 to $100,000 annually Life Fieldhouse. until December, it gave the Pacers the consumer wants,” Taylor said. depending on the length of term, “In some ways, arenas are extra time to renovate the board, Before the renovation, the location and events, he said. becoming more like the outdoor Raines said.

arena had one event-level club The Pacers will start marketing venues,” Taylor said. Before the pandemic, the COURTESY INDIANA PACERS (X2) serving 1,500 seats in the first the loge boxes and theater boxes “If you think about a base- Pacers installed Appetize mobile seven rows circling the court. The soon at their preview center in the ball game, a bunch of us might point-of-sale for food and retail Pacers moved some storage areas practice facility. find ourselves going to the operations and were gradual- and relocated the WNBA Indiana “Because of the pandemic ballpark whether we’re fans or ly moving to cashless before Fever’s practice court one floor and us not having games (last not, because we can buy a fairly COVID-19 expedited the transi- above to a premium level, which fall), we were actually able to cheap ticket, hot dog and a beer tion. The arena has reverse ATM helped free space for the new start bringing people through and leave after a few innings,” machines to distribute debit cards clubs, Stover said. the building and giving them live he said. “Arena sports typically for those patrons that use cash. The original courtside club was tours,” Taylor said. “We started weren’t built that way, but these Since December, when fans also remodeled. to tease the (loge) concept, but new spaces, especially the higher were first allowed back in the because they’re not finished yet, up they are, allow for more of a arena for events including Pacers FOUR BY FOUR we haven’t started that tour.” party atmosphere. You want to games, those machines are Apart from the new clubs, the The second phase of construc- congregate with friends and have averaging 80 transactions among

50 MARCH 2021 INDIANAPOLIS STAR: The star compound’s sign uses Irving Azoff’s initials.

band’s Joe Walsh, who would later join the Eagles, Azoff’s longest-running client for more than 45 years. The country club was destroyed by fire in 1991 and the land was sold for a condo- minium development. At Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Azoff beyond the typical things the new compound moved from such as presenting concert mem- the east side to the north end, ARENA SALUTES orabilia, said Mel Raines, the steps away from the stage and Pacers’ executive vice president loading dock. The Pacers con- of corporate communications, sulted with Live Nation to help HOT MARKET: The 67 Club community engagement and design the space and added an features pieces of the floor HALL OF FAMER facilities operations. artist lounge late in the develop- from old Market Square Are- na framing LED screens. Putting Azoff’s name on the ment, Raines said. compound, which was in the “We were able to make some IRVING AZOFF process of being relocated and adjustments to the compound upgraded to better accommo- when we shut down for COVID date touring artists, “bubbled as construction was starting,” rving Azoff’s victory up” to the surface and it was the she said. “We made sure we crowds restricted to 2,000 lap is in full swing a few idea they liked best, Raines said. had all touchless restrooms and people. Usage is higher than months after he was induct- Rick Fuson, Pacers Sports & improved air filtration.” expected, Raines said. ed into the Rock & Roll Hall Entertainment president and chief As part of the compound, the Touchless systems extend of Fame. Pacers Sports & En- operating officer, called Azoff Pacers included a nice touch by to the men’s and women’s tertainment has named the about the concept. Azoff was hon- adding a wall with pieces of the restrooms at Bankers Life Inew backstage production space ored and approved the idea. basketball floor from Market Fieldhouse, where new team at Bankers Life Fieldhouse after “How could I say no?” Azoff Square Arena for artists to sign sponsor Sloan Valve Co. of the music industry kingpin. said. “Rick Fuson is one of the as they perform in the building. Chicago has converted those The ILA Star Compound, the great presidents of an arena. They (The arena’s new PointsBet fixtures, Fuson said. official title, uses Azoff’s initials. know what they’re doing. They’re Hardwood Club also features The pandemic has not The 5,000-square-foot space so artist friendly. They get the pieces of the old floor.) greatly affected the project encompasses six dressing rooms, dates you want even if you say you Azoff has some expertise de- except for a few supply chain an artist lounge and three event need a Saturday and they have to signing backstage spaces. Years issues, Fuson said. Many offices. It’s part of the first phase fight with the NBA to get it.” ago, his wife, Shelli, worked Pacers employees now work completed for a $360 million ren- Azoff said he has a soft spot in closely with their business remotely, resulting in smooth- ovation of the Indianapolis arena. his heart for Indianapolis. partner, Madison Square Garden

er navigation of construction Christian rock act TobyMac He grew up in Danville, Chairman Jim Dolan, to redevel- COURTESY INDIANA PACERS (X2) schedules given increased will be the first concert perform- Illinois, a 90-minute drive west op the star dressing rooms at the safety protocols to prevent the er to use the compound when he of Indy on Interstate 74. The old Forum in Inglewood, California. spread of coronavirus. plays a Feb. 25 show at Bankers Market Square Arena, where MSG owned the Forum for eight “We got lucky,” he said. Life Fieldhouse. Pacers Sports the Pacers played from 1974 to years before selling it in May. Apart from the renovations, expected a crowd of about 1999, was a frequent stop for “That backstage experience the Pacers have reentered 3,000 to attend under capacity Midwest-born acts such as REO kind of became the standard by the market for a new naming restrictions. Speedwagon, which Azoff man- which everybody else is judged rights partner to replace Bank- The compound’s name was aged back in the ’70s. when we tour the world,” Azoff ers Life after the insurance driven by the NBA team, which Azoff’s first booking in Indy said. “If we ever get concerts firm did not renew its deal that wanted to honor Azoff after was the old Sherwood Country back with 100% capacity, I hope expired in June 2019. The team his rock hall induction. Azoff, Club, which formed a teenage the first show at Bankers Life is working on a new agree- head of Front Line Management dance club back in the 1960s. Fieldhouse is mine and I’ll try to ment internally after initially and co-founder of Oak View The James Gang played there. It make it happen.” working with consultant Van Group, owner of VenuesNow was the first time Azoff met the — Don Muret Wagner three years ago to find and Pollstar, has a long history a new partner. of booking bands in Indianapolis “We see companies start and counts Pacers owner Herb to talk again about major ex- Simon as a friend. penditures as they have saved Soon after the 2020 inductees some money over the last were announced in January of several months,” Fuson said. last year, arena officials discussed “We look forward to (signing internally how they could honor an agreement) sometime in the future. I’m confident we’ll HOME OF THE STARS: The art- have a deal done at some ist lounge in the ILA Star Com- point.” pound at Bankers Life Arena.

MARCH 2021 51 Rundgren wanted a different energy that not Todd Rundgren Brings only sounded but felt like a physical tour. “You put your all into one show and hope that show is worth the effort,” Rundgren Concerts Back Home says. “But that’s not what touring is about. It’s about adapting the show to the place that How a rock cult hero is digital concert model by putting Rundgren, you’re at and the localities you’re in.” his band and crew back to work for a couple He acknowledges that the “mood” of each putting some local flavor of months and gives fans an opportunity to show is slightly different and that they tend to into a new virtual tour experience a unique, full-production live show improve as the group finds its groove. that, while not in person, has a local flavor. “That’s why we want to do 25 shows. We The tour, which kicked off with a Buffalo, expect that things are going to get better,” BY DEBORAH SPEER New York, show, employs geofencing technol- Rundgren says. “They are going to get more ogy and NoCap’s platform to create a “venue” nuanced. We’re going to understand the odd Rundgren was feeling a tad that allows fans in specific regions (and beyond, material. So it helps us do our best.” bit antsy before departing his home with VIP and multicity ticket packages) to view Rundgren has devised ways for creating in Kauai, Hawaii, for Chicago in early a show that promises to be different from a typi- that localized “head space” for himself and February. cal livestream. Geofencing provides a virtual the band by changing the physical environ- “We’re all excited and a little con- perimeter around a real-world geographic area ment of the Chicago space for each city on cerned,” Rundgren said. “Like, this or, in this case, market. Single-show tickets cost the tour, redecorating backstage areas and Tflight to Chicago will be the first flight that I $35, five-show passes are $149 and an all-access even changing up the food. will be on in a year.” pass for the the whole tour was available as the “Everything in the venue will be local- The reason for the COVID-be-damned tour began for $700. ized,” Rundgren says. “The backstage area flight to the Windy City was to begin rehears- Initially, ticket sales were restricted to will be festooned with posters and sports als for a unique, 25-date “Clearly Human” residents of the 25 markets being targeted. But memorabilia from the town we’re playing virtual tour, produced by streaming concert demand was such that Rundgren and NoCap and, if at all possible, we’ll get food sent in production and ticketing platform NoCap, chose to relax geofencing so residents outside from a local eatery. And if not, we’ll try to get that launched Feb. 14. of markets are directed to the virtual perfor- the recipes and we’ll make it ourselves.” ROB SHANAHAN Rundgren acknowledges that despite mance “in” the city nearest their ZIP code. A limited number of tickets — 19, accord- COVID-19 still raging, he’s eager to perform While many artists have livestreamed ing to the nocapshows.com site — are priced after nearly two years off the road. His band concerts during the pandemic lockout, which at $287.50 apiece for each socially distanced and crew need to get back to work. The fans marks its one-year anniversary in March, show at the undisclosed Chicago location. need engagement. they’ve been streamed from venues or sound- A longer version of this story originally ran As famous as a tech early adopter and for stages to essentially a single, global market. in Pollstar. coloring outside the lines as for his music, Rundgren went to work on a solution to the involuntary isolation that safely replicates touring to “visit” cities around the country without leaving a central location. “Clearly Human” may be the first digital tour of its kind for Rundgren, but it’s not his first time at the livestreaming rodeo. With his background in computer program- ming, Rundgren briefly considered the field after leaving his first band, Nazz, in 1969. He decided to dive into record producing instead, but the lure of technology never left him. “We did our first live streaming concert on the internet in 2002,” manager Eric Gardner of Panacea Entertainment says. “We made a practice in the ’70s of selecting one show STEPPING OUT: Todd Rundgren has de- veloped a legion of die-hard fans who’ll on every tour and shooting it for home video follow him anywhere. With his digital purposes and also for licensing to television.” “Clearly Human” tour, they can follow The “Clearly Human” tour updates the him from anywhere.

52 MARCH 2021 down. Sam Houston Coliseum was set as the formance featured opening sets by Robert LIVE! LANDMARKS new home when the event resumed in 1938. Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett and logged a gross Next year’s event will mark the rodeo’s 90th of $12.7 million. The ticket count smashed his anniversary. own attendance record at a 2013 appearance, Last year’s 20-day stretch of RodeoHous- when 80,020 seats were sold. RODEOHOUSTON, A ton, which kicked off March 3, was one of the Reba McEntire is also one of the country earliest live entertainment events in North superstars with a considerable number of America to be affected by the novel corona- repeat appearances at the event. She also virus. Local government officials ordered has the record for the most tickets sold for a YEARLY HIGHLIGHT, it closed nine days into the run, with all the multiple-show stint, according to reported sales remaining concerts canceled in response to data. Total attendance from her appearance at the health emergency. the Astrodome in March 1996 hit 174,300 from WILL RETURN FOR But before the pandemic, indeed during three performances with a gross listed at $2.1 most of the last century, the Houston rodeo million, about $3.5 million in today’s dollars. has provided a stage for some of the concert Houston’s own Clint Black also has a industry’s top stars — beginning with Gene three-show run at the Astrodome stored in 90TH YEAR IN 2022 Autry, who gave the first superstar perfor- the archives. His engagement came during mance in 1942. In the years since “The Sing- the rodeo’s 1992 event. The ticket count ing Cowboy” made his appearance at the totaled 170,803, and all three performances Houston Fat Stock Show, as it was originally that year were sold out. He also appeared the ne of America’s largest live named, the country music genre has been following year along with Wynonna Judd in entertainment events every year the most represented among the landmark the early years of her solo career. Together is the Houston Livestock Show concerts at the rodeo in past decades. they moved 107,737 tickets at two concerts, and Rodeo, or RodeoHouston, as In 1966, the Astrodome became the home and later in 1993, released a duet together it was officially named in 1996. of the event for 36 years until George Strait and toured during the summer. The event features major concert headlined the rodeo’s final concert there in Among other reports of two-show stints at Oentertainment along with rodeo competi- 2002. That finale on March 3 saw 68,266 tick- the Astrodome, Garth Brooks tops that cate- tions and other activities and attractions ets sold, breaking all attendance records for gory with a sold ticket count of 125,204 for his staged in the country’s fourth-largest city. a concert at the Houston stadium — dubbed performances in February 1993. His concerts In past years it has traditionally occurred for the “Eighth Wonder of the World” when it earned $1.3 million ($2.3 million today). Note: about three weeks during the first quarter of opened. The following year the rodeo moved Since 2003, no two-show engagements for the year, typically beginning in late February to its current home, NRG Stadium (originally the rodeo have been reported and included in or March. It is one of the first large-scale live Reliant Stadium). the archives for NRG Stadium. events of the year in North America. Strait is one of the artists with the most Although country music artists may However, with the devastating effects of box-office data recorded in the archives. account for the majority of headliners who the COVID-19 pandemic during the past The “King of Country” has performed a to- appear at RodeoHouston, other genres are year, the 2021 rodeo is the first one in 84 years tal of 30 times at RodeoHouston — from his also represented among historical concert to be canceled in its entirety. There were ear- first appearance in 1984 through the most draws. The archives include concerts by Styx lier plans to postpone it until May, but on Feb. recent one on March 17, 2019, according to (2013), Mary J. Blige (2013), ZZ Top (2007), 3, an announcement was made that it was statements released by the rodeo. From all Neil Diamond (2002), Lynyrd Skynyrd canceled outright. It is only the second com- of his shows, overall attendance tops 1.7 (1996), Patti LaBelle (1992) and Huey Lewis plete cancellation in the 89 years since the million. and the News (1992). rodeo began, the last being in 1937 after the At the 2019 concert, he set an attendance Among these artists, ZZ Top drew the larg- original site, Sam Houston Hall, had burned record of 80,108 at NRG Stadium. That per- est crowd, 70,014 at NRG Stadium on March 18, 2007, with a gross (adjusted for inflation) of $2.4 million. Mary J. Blige produced the SADDLE UP: Be- top gross of $3.7 million (2021 value) for her yoncé arrives on single performance March 1, 2013. Her ticket horseback for her count was 66,322. 2004 RodeoHous- Neil Diamond and Lynyrd Skynyrd ton performance. also top the $1 million threshold in today’s dollars, with $1.3 million and $1.2 million, respectively. Ticket counts were 53,324 for Diamond and 58,000 for Skynyrd. RodeoHouston also has special days on the schedule each year, including Go Tejano Day, which has been a part of the rodeo for decades. The most recent performance was March 10, 2019, and featured Los Tigres Del Norte and an attendance tally of 75,586. Black Heritage Day is also included on the schedule annually. Cardi B headed up the slate of performers at the most recent event March 1, 2019. The ticket count for that per- formance was just six less than the Go Tejano Day tally the same year. — Bob Allen GETTY IMAGES

MARCH 2021 53 LIVE! ROUNDUP oxing Capital of On the other side of the live entertain- the World” may not stick ment spectrum, three orchestral events as the new moniker for land on the chart, two of them at Holland Texas, but American Air- Performing Arts Center’s Peter Kiewit “ lines Center in Dallas has Concert Hall in Omaha, Nebraska, and one PUNCHING hosted only the second at Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center in boxingB event with fans in the U.S. report- Midland, Texas. ed during the COVID-19 era. The first, a The Omaha Symphony Orchestra kicked Premier Boxing Champions Fight Night off its 2021 centennial season Jan. 15-16 IT UP: at the Alamodome in San Antonio, drew with works by Ralph Vaughan Williams a crowd of 9,024 on Oct. 31. and Antonín Dvorák, drawing 368 attend- The Dallas event, produced by ees for both nights. It is No. 12 with $15,371 Golden Boy Promotions, earns the No. in sales. On Jan. 30-31, the orchestra’s 1 ranking on Hot Tickets and occurred Symphony Pops Series featured “The Paul A BIG BOUT on Jan. 2 with 4,218 boxing fans in Simon Songbook” with 370 tickets sold and attendance. Ticket revenue topped out a gross of $18,945 to rank eighth. at $353,835. In the main event, Ryan The Midland Odessa Symphony and Garcia defeated Luke Campbell for the Chorale’s Masterworks series is No. 14 with IN BIG D World Boxing Council interim light- its “Mostly Mozart” concert on Jan. 30 that weight title. logged a ticket count of 653. — Bob Allen HOTTICKETS MARCH 2021 Ranked by gross. All data based on figures supplied to Pollstar. Date range 1/1/21-1/31/21. Data updated as of 2/12/21.

RANK GROSS EVENT VENUE ATTENDEES PROMOTER DATE SHOWS 1 $353,835 Golden Boy Presents: American Airlines Center, Dallas 4,218 Golden Boy Promotions Jan. 2 1 Garcia vs. Campbell 2 $55,169 Air Supply Florida Theatre, Jacksonville 702 In-house Jan. 31 1 3 $41,285 Ben Allen Hertz Arena, Estero, Fla. 2,057 In-house Jan. 9 1 4 $37,073 Brian Regan Florida Theatre, Jacksonville 758 In-house Jan. 23 1 5 $30,733 Mitchell Tenpenny Cotton Eyed Joe, Knoxville, Tenn. 1,280 West Entertainment Jan. 23 1 6 $27,881 Jim Breuer The Vogel, Red Bank, N.J. 573 In-house, The Basie Presents Jan. 15-16 4 7 $21,870 Read Southall Twisted J Live, Stephenville, Texas 996 In-house Jan. 16 1 8 $18,945 Omaha Symphony Peter Kiewit Concert Hall, Omaha, Neb. 370 In-house Jan. 30-31 2 Orchestra 9 $18,510 Read Southall Heritage Hall, Ardmore, Okla. 588 In-house Jan. 23 1 10 $18,110 Rob Schneider Capitol Theatre, Clearwater, Fla. 279 Ruth Eckerd Hall Presents Jan. 23 1 11 $17,062 Sister Hazel Florida Theatre, Jacksonville 481 In-house Jan. 16 1 12 $15,371 Omaha Symphony Peter Kiewit Concert Hall, Omaha, Neb. 368 In-house Jan. 15-16 2

Orchestra COMPILED BY [email protected] 13 $14,060 Read Southall Rusty Bucket BBQ and Tavern, Midland, Texas 358 In-house Jan. 2 1 14 $13,214 Midland-Odessa Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center, 653 Midland-Odessa Jan. 30 1 Symphony & Chorale Midland, Texas Symphony & Chorale 15 $11,998 Eaglemania: World’s Mayo Performing Arts Center, Morristown, N.J. 223 In-house Jan. 23 2 Greatest Eagles Trib. Bnd 16 $11,368 Tusk: World’s No. 1 Capitol Theatre, Clearwater, Fla. 233 Ruth Eckerd Hall Presents Jan. 15 1 Trib. to Fleetwood Mac 17 $11,046 Rumours - A Fleetwood Club LA, Destin, Fla. 435 In-house Jan. 22-23 2 Mac Tribute 18 $10,865 Read Southall Hurricane Harry’s, College Station, Texas 406 In-house Jan. 15 1 19 $9,358 Annual Elvis Birthday Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank, N.J. 182 In-house, The Basie Presents Jan. 29-30 2 Bash 20 $8,342 Interstellar Echoes - Club LA, Destin, Fla. 327 In-house Jan. 15-16 2 Tribute to Pink Floyd

54 MARCH 2021 SPECIAL ISSUE ISSUE DATE: APRIL 2021 RESERVATIONS BY: MARCH 15

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