Las Vegas Events announced on Aug. 17 its long-tenured president, Pat Christenson, will retire on Dec. 31, 2023. Christenson will continue to work with the new president once the position has been filled, prior to the start of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo this December.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin in Madison where he won an NCAA wrestling national championship at 167 pounds as a senior in 1976, Christenson has carved out an impressive career in Las Vegas in venue development, event programming and development and sponsorship.

Christenson moved to Las Vegas in 1980 to be an assistant wrestling coach and event coordinator. In 1983, he was promoted to assistant director of the newly built 18,500-seat Thomas & Mack Center which was unfinished and projected to be a cash drain on UNLV. At the same time, UNLV took over management of the 30,000-seat Las Vegas Silver Bowl (now Sam Boyd Stadium).

Christenson was charged with developing programming and developing an operation for both venues. From 1983-1992, the Thomas & Mack Center and the Las Vegas Silver Bowl were arguably the two most successful collegiate venues in the country. Christenson booked every event that toured the country, averaging 175 events per year in both venues. By 1990, both venues were solvent, had completed $15 million worth of improvements and amassed a sizeable reserve.

In 1991, Christenson was promoted to director of both venues where he lobbied for and managed a $40 million renovation of both venues. From 1991-1995, they sold out every show averaging more than 135,000 tickets per year. The Eagles, Metallica, Dave Mathews Band, N’Sync, Lollapalooza, George Strait, and three U2 tours followed. He also lured the Grateful Dead to the Silver Bowl.

Christenson worked with Cox Communications to provide half the funding and then designed and opened a much-needed Olympic sports venue for UNLV and the Cox Pavilion.

In 2001, Christenson accepted a position as president of Las Vegas Events. In this capacity, he has been responsible for securing “Signature Events” and then ensuring their growth and success.

During his tenure, Las Vegas Events has increased the number of events it has supported from 21 in 2001 to an average of 41 over the past five years prior to the start of the pandemic. Most notably, the list includes two events Las Vegas Events produced – the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo® and the FEI World Cup Jumping and Dressage Finals.

In addition, LVE secured and supported four conference basketball tournaments, Electric Daisy Carnival, Rock in Rio, Life Is Beautiful, USA Sevens, NBA Summer League, and numerous USBC Open Championships. The non-gaming economic impact of these events has increased from $108.9 million in 2001 to an average of more than $535.8 million for the period of 2015-2019.

As both the director of the Thomas & Mack Center and president of Las Vegas Events, Christenson has played a prominent role in the growth of the NFR since it first arrived in 1985.

Known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo in the world, the NFR attracts the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing, and bull riding to compete for a share of the increased purse and the coveted PRCA gold buckle.

In 2001, the NFR drew visitors for only tickets sold in the Thomas & Mack Center. Christenson created the “NFR Experience” with a goal of dramatically increasing visitation by developing and promoting events outside the Thomas & Mack Center. Today, it is estimated that the NFR Experience draws more than 400,000 visitors annually, participating in 200-plus events made up of 25 NFR viewing parties, 70 concerts, The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas, World Series of Team Roping, and more.

Christenson is a member of the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame (Class of 2013), the University of Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame (Class of 2019) and the Wisconsin Wrestling Hall of Fame and has been a member of the Board of Governors for the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. During his career, he has served on the Boards of MDA, Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation, Opportunity Village and Grant a Gift Autism Foundation. In 2007, he was named Las Vegas’ “Most Influential Sports Figure” by the Las Vegas Sun.

By Ike Richman

Arizona State University announced the new on-campus multi-purpose arena will be named Mullett Arena in recognition of Donald “Donze” and Barbara Mullett’s commitment to ASU and Sun Devil Athletics.

Mullett Arena, which is managed and operated by OVG360, will house Sun Devil hockey, gymnastics and wrestling, as well as concerts, family shows, community events and the Mountain America Community Iceplex. The Mullett Arena is also the new home of the National Hockey League’s Arizona Coyotes.

The 5,000-seat state-of-the-art multi-purpose venue includes two NHL regulation-size ice sheets, 20 luxury suites, a large club lounge and event-level premium club seats. Mullett Arena is the new home for Sun Devil Hockey with over 8,000 square feet set aside for ASU’s locker room, weight room, lounge, and coaches’ offices.

“The Mullett family has supported Sun Devil Hockey through every stage of its existence and expanded their support of Sun Devil Athletics in the years since. In appreciation of Don and Barbara’s commitment, we’re thrilled to introduce Mullett Arena,” said Vice President for University Athletics Ray Anderson. “With this building dedication, ASU and the Mullett’s shared vision comes to life as we take another step toward elevating our elite student-athlete experience and further serving our community.”

Mullett Arena, in the Novus Innovation Corridor, will house Sun Devil Athletics’ events and competitions as well as the adjacent Mountain America Community Iceplex, and will serve as a public venue for the university and community to host concerts, conferences, youth competitions, educational opportunities, and more. The second full-size ice sheet will also be accessible to students, the community and youth ice hockey programs at every level, providing an additional public sheet to one of the fastest-growing states for youth hockey participation in the country.

“It is an honor for Barb, me, and our family to have our name associated with Sun Devil Athletics’ new on-campus multi-purpose facility,” Mullett said. “With the recent establishment of the Barbara H. Mullett Family Foundation, we’re so proud to have Mullett Arena as part of our initial commitment from the foundation.”

Through the recognition of Mullett Arena, the Mullett family is extending existing support of Sun Devil Hockey and Sun Devil Athletics. In 2014, support from the Mullett family was instrumental in elevating ASU Hockey to NCAA Division I status.

“There is only one person whose name should be on our ice and on our arena, and it’s Don Mullett. Without ‘Donze,’ this arena doesn’t happen, and NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey doesn’t exist at ASU. The Mullett’s family legacy will forever be cemented at ASU and nothing will make our ACHA and NCAA alumni happier,” said Sun Devil Hockey head coach Greg Powers.

“Hockey is a constant in our family and an element of our lives that brings us so much joy. It is so special for us to now associate that love for the game with Arizona State University and the state of Arizona with this remarkable building. As awe-struck as we are to watch elite college hockey in this state-of-the-art facility, we’re finding even more meaning in the assurance that Mullett Arena will be home to little tykes, learn-to-skates, and club and adult leagues who share our love for the sport,” Mullett said.

The Mullett family is a strong advocate for growing the sport. In 1998, Don built the Mullett Ice Center in Heartland, Wisconsin, which is home to Arrowhead High School men’s and women’s hockey as well as youth and adult leagues.

At ASU, the new Mullett Arena includes 20 luxury suites, two group suites, a large club lounge and event-level premium club seats. The club lounge has a Center Ice Club on the main concourse that runs along center ice and can host up to 500 fans. On the 300-level, a social deck will run the length of the east side of the venue, providing an open-air, aerial view of the arena where fans can interact while still experiencing exceptional sightlines to the competition. The arena also will be able to serve as a backup site for sports played on hardwood, such as volleyball.

Additionally, a 942-seat student section will occupy the entire west side of the venue to provide an enhanced gameday experience for ASU students.

In addition to Sun Devil Hockey’s space, Mullett Arena includes eight additional locker rooms between the main arena and the community ice sheet that can be utilized for visiting teams, youth programs, ASU club programs, and live events.

“Arizona State University is empowered to realize its vision for a 21st century university through the imagination and philanthropy of its donors,” said ASU President Michael M. Crow. “The generosity and confidence demonstrated by the Mullett family for our hockey program and our broader desire to be of service, matched with a state-of-the art facility, will allow us to build on ASU’s tradition of character-building competition and excellence.”

PR guru Ike Richman (our words) is President of Richman Communications in East Norriton, Pennsylvania.

Photo: Don Mullett speaks at the naming of the new Mullett Arena on Aug. 23. Photo by Charlie Leight/ASU News

By Stephani Nagle

Vibrant, the Moline-based financial services company whose namesake credit union serves more than 55,000 members nationwide, has acquired the naming rights to the Illinois Quad City Civic Center Authority’s 12,000-seat multi-purpose arena and conference center located in Moline, Illinois. The venue, formerly known as the TaxSlayer Center, will be renamed Vibrant Arena at The MARK on September 1, 2022.

“The Quad Cities is our home, it’s part of who we are, and it means a lot to be the first local business to hold the naming rights to this arena,” said Matt McCombs, President and CEO of Vibrant. “Many of us started seeing concerts at The MARK back in the 1990s and nodding back to those roots in the new name was part of our discussions from the very beginning. We see this as our opportunity to invest in our community in a way that has a positive impact on everyone here.”

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Vibrant,” said Scott Mullen, Vibrant Arena at The MARK’s Executive Director. “They are a local company with fresh ideas that will make our award-winning venue even more attractive and a place where our guests can proudly enjoy the top-caliber entertainment options we provide.” There are several updates planned for the arena including new graphics, a state-of-the-art video wall in the main lobby, a new Vibrant Lounge VIP Area and updated color schemes throughout the venue.

The Center is one of the top-performing mid-sized arenas in the country and has hosted thousands of top artists and events, including Neil Diamond, Frank Sinatra, Billy Joel, The Eagles, Van Halen, Cher, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, Luke Bryan, Pearl Jam, KISS, Michael Bublé, Journey, Paul McCartney, and many others.

The arena is also home to two local sports franchises: The Quad City Storm of the SPHL, which opens its 2022-23 season in Moline on October 21, 2022, and the Quad City Steamwheelers, which competed in the IFL’s national championship last weekend as its 2022 Eastern Conference Champions.

“It’s great that Vibrant was willing to incorporate The MARK back into the building name,” says Illinois Quad City Civic Center Authority Chair, Stacy Happ, “The MARK was such a source of pride over the years and acknowledging that heritage illustrates Vibrant’s understanding and appreciation of our community.”

“TaxSlayer has been a tremendous partner since 2017 and they graciously allowed us to shop the market to pursue other companies for a more attractive deal,” Mullen said. “I am extremely pleased that it has worked out so well for all involved.”

The first event hosted under the new Vibrant Arena at The MARK name will be Styx, REO Speedwagon, and Loverboy on September 6. That show marks the start of a busy fall schedule that includes the Taco & Margarita Festival on September 10, Thomas Rhett on October 13, Bert Kreischer on October 28, Judas Priest with Queensrÿche on October 29, and Carrie Underwood on November 12.

By MLB.com

The Philadelphia Phillies and KultureCity, the nation’s leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility and acceptance for those with invisible disabilities, are bringing a new sensory activation vehicle (S.A.V.) experience to Citizens Bank Park – and it could be a game changer for fans with sensory processing disorders.

Created by KultureCity and designed by medical professionals, this unique mobile experience allows the Phillies to have a dedicated room and play space for individuals with sensory processing sensitivities who may need a quieter and more secure environment while attending games at the ballpark.

“It is our goal to provide a safe space for those individuals who may have invisible disabilities and need sensory relief while at the ballpark,” said Phillies Director of Facility Operations Ed Speer. “We look forward to bringing this one-of-a-kind mobile sensory activation experience to the ballpark with KultureCity, which has been a tremendous partner in helping us make Citizens Bank Park even more inclusive for our fans.”

“Our communities shape our lives and to know that the Phillies are willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing. We’re honored to partner to provide a truly inclusive experience for all fans and guests,” said KultureCity Executive Director Uma Srivastava.

Inside the S.A.V. is a sensory room outfitted with bean bags from Yogibo and visual light panels by Nanoleaf, as well as activity panels and bubble walls. The space can be used by one family/group/individual at a time when they need to step away to decompress, enabling families to take a quick break if needed before going back to enjoying the ballgame.

The sensory activation experience is located at the First Base Plaza. Since it is mobile, the vehicle will also have the ability to be transported to other parts of the ballpark and off-site locations.

The experience is part of KultureCity’s sensory inclusive program, designed to “Make the Nevers Possible” and help guests with sensory needs like PTSD, autism, dementia and strokes, just to name a few, feel welcomed. With one out of six individuals in the United States having a sensory processing disorder, the need for sensory refuge is greater than ever.

As part of the program, fans will also have access to sensory bags at Guest Services (both on the Main Concourse and Terrace Level). Designed to help sensory needs in both adults and children, the sensory bags are filled with items that can help lessen sensory overload and include headphones, various fidget toys and visual feeling and “I need” cue cards. Included with the sensory bags will be a lanyard with a QR code, providing easy access to the KultureCity website, which will have downloadable and customized social stories for visiting Citizens Bank Park. Also available will be a weighted laptop, which can be drawn on with a water pen.

In addition, Phillies front office and gameday staff received online training on how to help fans who may have sensory needs. KultureCity decals and other signage will also be located throughout the ballpark on ticket windows and in elevator lobbies, helping with awareness about the KultureCity initiative.

Major League Baseball’s Minnesota Twins announced the public launch of ARound, a first-of-its-kind stadium-level shared augmented reality (AR) platform, at Target Field in Minneapolis. This first-ever experience in a live sports setting keeps audiences engaged by capturing their attention during game downtime through immersive, interactive and shared experiences with fellow fans across the venue.

ARound, part of Stagwell, uses 3D spatial computing to localize content to individual users throughout the venue, enabling Target Field’s 40,000 attendees to see the same real-time 3D effects and participate in the same shared experiences. Using the ARound app, fans point their smartphone at the field to open up a universe of multi-user AR games such as Batter Up, Blockbuster, and Fishin’ Frenzy – all designed to be played by interfacing with the physical ballpark and fellow fans in real time.

“We’re excited to introduce our fans to this never-before-seen technology as we continue to evolve and enhance the Target Field experience,” said Minnesota Twins Senior Director, Brand Experience & Innovation Chris Iles. “Part multi-player video game, part augmented reality, with the ability for future expansion into an interactive next-gen stats platform, we believe what we’ve built with ARound will provide fans a next-level experience available only at Target Field.”

“Current AR platforms isolate users in singular experiences. ARound believes massive, multi-user AR enables a host of creative opportunities to redefine what it means to be part of a connected fan experience,” said ARound Founder and CEO Josh Beatty. “Be it a player, a mascot, a brand, a play or even another fan, ARound captures people’s attention and brings them closer to what’s right in front of them – during times they might otherwise be unengaged and on their phones – turning distraction to interaction and enhancing their overall experience.”

Fans can see and interact with real-time content led by action on the field, such as after homeruns, mascot races, or when the Twins take the field. During natural downtime, users can compete against their friends or fans in other sections to see who can knock down the most virtual blocks in the real-life outfield by throwing virtual baseballs or hot dogs at the structure.

“Shared augmented reality is the next frontier that sports teams, brands and other organizations should adopt as they look for ways to engage their audiences,” said Stagwell Chairman and CEO Mark Penn. “At Stagwell, we don’t just talk about the next frontiers of marketing and technology – we build them, and support founders through their growth.”