LifeCity, an initiative that supports economic development in key areas like housing, food, and stormwater management, has awarded the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center a “Love Your City Award” in the Best Overall category at an awards ceremony held on March 31. The awards highlight individuals and organizations that assess, improve, and address their impact in their communities through reductions in energy use, contributions to the local economy, commitments to providing equitable opportunities for all, and more.

This marks the first award received by the Convention Center in the 10-year history of this event. The Best Overall Award was awarded to the Convention Center for improvements to its energy usage, waste reduction efforts, new green infrastructure, and more. In total, 10 areas of impact were measured and judged by a panel who deemed the Convention Center to be one of the best companies in New Orleans in their commitments to the sustainability of their facility and the environmental health of New Orleans. The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center’s Director of Sustainability, Linda Baynham, spearheads these initiatives.

“This award celebrates our determination to reduce our impact on the environment. It is not only important to our community but expected by our clients who bring thousands of visitors to New Orleans annually,” says Convention Center President Michael J. Sawaya. “The kind of cutting-edge improvements we are making, such as our change to LED lights in our exhibit halls, or the construction of our new environmentally-friendly pedestrian park, means that our ambitious $557 million dollar Capital Improvement Plan is already paying dividends for us and the city of New Orleans.”

Proceeds from the 2022 Love Your City Awards Gala were donated to VEGGI Vietnamese Farmers Cooperative, located in New Orleans East, to assist in flood prevention efforts.

Pictured: Members of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Team Celebrate with the Love Your City – Best Overall Award. (Left to Right) Erik Fructuoso, Facility Operations Foreman and True Waste Advisor; Floyd Griffin, Director of Event Operations; Linda Baynham, Director of Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility; Adam Straight, Vice President of Operations; Erik Gonzales, Assistant Director of Event Operations.

By Julian Bowman

The Fair Park Management Team, led by Fair Park First, recently shared the early renderings for the new Community Park in Dallas. This park within a park concept transforms the largest parking lot on the campus into a 14-acre natural Blackland Prairie, interwoven with the social surroundings of South Dallas.

“By merging these two themes into one cohesive vision, we are ensuring this park is intrinsically South Dallas in its identity, North Texas in its ecology, but truly unlike any place in America,” said Maria Landoni, Senior Associate and Design Lead, Studio-MLA.

The Community Park design team, led by renowned landscape architecture firm, Studio-MLA, began crafting concepts in early 2021 with the end goal of creating a unique user experience.

“We challenged Studio-MLA and this design team to embrace a 360-degree approach to this plan,” said Darren L. James, Chairman and President of Fair Park First. “We do not see the park as having one front entrance. We see it interacting with all four sides in different ways. Then, once you enter the park, we want to provide a different experience with all the elements that are inviting you to move across the space.”

The Aerial Site Plan highlights this approach with open, welcoming edges and captivating site lines interspersed with unique landscapes and extensive programmatic offerings desired by the surrounding neighborhoods. The Community Park’s major features and elements include ecological gardens, picnic areas, a community stage and pavilion, multiple play areas, a dog park, a market grove, water elements, and an abundance of outdoor spaces and amenities to relax and gather.

The Bird’s-Eye View Rendering shows the Community Park in context within Fair Park and South Dallas and its proximity to downtown Dallas. The overall design takes shape in this rendering, and a warm color palette emerges, inspired by North Texas sunrises, springtime wildflower blooms, and Sunny South Dallas murals. Varied topographies and landforms help mold and define the outdoor spaces, while water and geology move north to south (right to left on the rendering) naturally with an emergent water fountain, living water runnels, and terraced prairies. The horticulture plan, led by Studio Outside, tells the story of the Blackland Prairie that unfolds across the site from river bottoms and flood plain forests to sensory gardens and overlook orchards. These elements translate into an exciting atmosphere rich with color, textures, and uses.

The Night View Rendering spotlights the Community Stage and Central Lawn during a festival. This rendering showcases the architectural scheme architect Allison Grace Williams, FAIA, designed alongside Dallas-based architects buildingcommunityWORKSHOP. The view depicts the stage and its flanking overlook with a rock hill to the right and the Market Grove to the left. The lit-up tower on the right shows an early concept of a Lookout Tower inspired by the shape of a “Texas Twister”, which provides a panoramic view of the park. Lighting will play an essential role in the park’s warm, sunny palette even into the nighttime. The design team envisions interactive lighting elements that create a playful day to night environment that visitors interact with and control.

All-abilities play elements were consistently requested by the South Dallas community during the master plan process. The Community Park will have over one acre of playgrounds and play features dispersed across the site. The Playground Rendering is an early gesture of what elements will be found across the site, including sensory gardens immersed in custom play structures, slides carved into the topography, and colorful pieces that provoke joy and discovery. The half-acre playground showcased in this rendering will include an interactive water feature, custom climbers, a tot lot zone, a custom mega net structure, and roller slides nestled in the rock hill. In the rendering background, there is a peak at the Community Pavilion to the right, the Community Stage to the left, and the Community Lawn in the central, which will be a site for daily programs and activities.

Perched at one of the highest points of the site sits the Market Grove, an outdoor orchard adjacent to the stage, above a seep wall, and overlooking the Central Lawn. The Market Grove Rendering shows how the Princeton Elm orchard is arranged to host farmer’s markets and art fairs and be a shady place to gather with friends while having a meal and enjoying live music. On the right side of the rendering is an early version of a food and beverage concept that will be tucked in among the elms.

The Community Park is continuing to be defined by the design team, with input from the surrounding community and Fair Park stakeholders. The design is currently in the schematic phase through early summer 2022, with the remainder of the year being design development, construction documentation, and permitting. The Community Park is scheduled to break ground in early 2023 and open in fall 2024.

The Community Park is part of the $85 million Fair Park Your Park Capital Campaign launched in spring 2021 and is led by Fair Park First and Rise360 Consulting. The Capital Campaign will fund not only the Community Park but other greening and restoration projects across the Fair Park campus. For more information, please visit www.fairparkfirst.org.

Julian Bowman is Sr. Director of Marketing for OVG360 | Fair Park | Cotton Bowl® Stadium.

By StadiumBusiness.com

Camden Yards Sports Complex is set for a major overhaul after the Baltimore Orioles franchise announced a $1.2 billion commitment from the Maryland authorities.

In an open letter to the Major League Baseball (MLB) team’s fans, Orioles chairman John Angelos announced the state legislature had approved more than $1 billion of public funding for “reinvestment in and reimagination of” the complex, which features the O’s Oriole Park at Camden Yards and the Baltimore Ravens National Football League (NFL) team’s M&T Bank Stadium.

The announcement comes as the venue celebrates its 30th anniversary at the start of the new MLB season. It is the second-largest public commitment to an MLB team, with only the New York Yankees receiving a higher figure when constructing the new Yankee Stadium in 2009.

“In a very short span of time, we can report that the franchise has a bright future, having secured the financial resources needed to reinvest in Oriole Park’s amenities,” Angelos said.

“These public funds are just a portion of the more than ten billion dollars in economic tourism impact generated by the Orioles during the past three decades at Camden Yards.”

While not outlining specific projects at the venue, Angelos said he wants it to become a must-play destination for every world-class tour and marquee event, citing recent concerts featuring Paul McCartney and Billy Joel.

Angelos added: “The Orioles are a leading employer of thousands of workers, have relocated our Minor League affiliates to Maryland communities in Aberdeen, Bowie, and Salisbury, and are leading in diversity and equality in key positions in our front office.”

Earlier this year, Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA), the entity which oversaw the complex’s development, said it was seeking state legislative approval to borrow up to $1.2 billion to pay for renovation work at the two venues.

By Jessica Holtzman

ASM Global New Orleans (ASM) introduced its new Programming, Sales and Marketing Departments. Consisting of a mix of new employees and veterans with expanded roles, the key members include Director of Programming Gustavo Canazio, Director of Marketing Mark Waguespack and Sales Manager Caroline Guidry.

Director of Programming Gustavo Canazio is the newest addition to the company. Most recently, he was a tour director at Live Nation where he helped produce tours for the likes of Iron Maiden, Ozzy Osbourne, Post Malone, and dozens more. In his new role with ASM, Canazio will be responsible for growing the current mix of events at the Caesars Superdome, Smoothie King Center, and Champions Square.

A New Orleans native, Director of Marketing Mark Waguespack joined the team at ASM more than eight years ago. In his role as Director of Marketing he oversees all marketing and creative efforts at the ASM Global New Orleans complex. Additionally, he serves as Creative Director for ASM Global Corporate supporting the team on a national level in creating compelling ad designs, marketing materials, taglines, and sales kits.

Sales Manager Caroline Guidry has more than eleven years of experience in the hospitality industry in Southeast Louisiana. Guidry started her career working in some of New Orleans’ top hotels and joined the team at ASM in 2017. In her role as Sales Manager, she not only is responsible for overseeing the sales of all private events at the complex but also for maximizing the expanded premium experiences program.

In addition to the three departmental leads, ASM New Orleans has hired Jessica Holtzman as Event Marketing & Media Manager, Tiana Watts as Graphic Design & Marketing Specialist, Stephanie White as Premium Seating Supervisor, and Kathryn Murphy as Sales Account Executive to further enhance our team.

“We’re excited to welcome new members to our team and promote valued employees to new roles,” said Zane Collings, general manager of the Caesars Superdome, Smoothie King Center, and Champions Square. “This is only the beginning as we get back to driving business, creating content, providing exemplary marketing support, and bringing unforgettable live-entertainment experiences to New Orleans and the State of Louisiana.”

Jessica Holtzman is ASM New Orleans Event Marketing & Media Manager.

By Tad Carper

Cleveland Cavaliers, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, and Rock Entertainment Group and Chief Executive Officer Len Komoroski jointly announced that Komoroski will step away from his role as CEO at the conclusion of the Cavaliers current season. Komoroski’s career with the Cavaliers began in 2003 as President. He took on the CEO title in 2013. Komoroski will remain affiliated with Rock Entertainment Group, focused on REG’s growth and development as well as special projects and initiatives.

Komoroski’s leadership and the passionate work of the entire organization has resulted in an award-winning foundation and one that is well-positioned with momentum towards continued growth and sustained success.

The acquisition of the Cleveland Monsters (AHL), the Cleveland Charge (NBA G League) and the Cavs Legion (NBA2K) franchises were also accomplished during Komoroski’s tenure, with all three teams earning league-level awards for business operations.

“I am immensely grateful to Dan Gilbert for providing the inspiration, resources, and platform to build an incredible team of leaders that have been committed to a culture of excellence and innovation,” Komoroski said. “Dan always speaks of ‘Doing Well by Doing Good’ as a guiding principle and it has been a privilege to work in an environment where we embrace that as a pillar of operating and can positively impact Cleveland and our entire region in a range of different and diverse ways.

“Since I first spoke to Dan about this transition several years ago, we reflected on the ambitious bucket list and journey we’ve had from the time Dan acquired the franchise. From building a world class business team, becoming leaders in commercializing our platform, executing the Transformation of the FieldHouse and establishing it as one of the top entertainment and major event venues in the world, an NBA championship and much more. The 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend seemed like the perfect capstone to the 19 years I have been honored to be a part of this remarkable enterprise along with all of our great team members.”

“Over the past two decades, Len accomplished so much on behalf of our organization. I cannot overemphasize the value of Len’s contributions to the Cavaliers, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, and the entire Cleveland community,” said Cavs Chairman Dan Gilbert. “His strategic direction, collaboration, and innovation have been and will continue to deliver long-term success of our business and for our fans. I am grateful for his leadership in helping to establish a world-class championship culture for our team members and ensuring that the future of the organization is positioned for continued long-term success.”

Together with key civic and community officials, Komoroski played a leadership role in creating the public/private partnership agreement formed between the team, Cuyahoga County, and City of Cleveland for the Transformation, a project that entirely renovated and re-positioned the nearly 26-year-old venue. As part of the partnership, the Cavs extended their lease for seven additional years at the venue until 2034. The Transformation project stands as one of the most successful commercialization results of a new or renovated venue in NBA history.

Through the work of Komoroski and the community-minded, innovative business team assembled to guide the franchise, the organization has established and grown a dynamic and impactful social responsibility platform as a core operating pillar. The Cavaliers have also been named a top five finalist for the prestigious Sports Business Journal (SBJ) “Sports Team of the Year” award three times over the past decade. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse was named a finalist in the “Sports Facility of the Year” category in SBJ’s industry awards for 2020, the year following the completion of the venue’s massive, recent $185 million Transformation.

“Len has been a driving force behind the transformation of the Cavaliers organization over the past two decades,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “His great business instincts, creativity, and strong relationships have made him one of the most respected operators in our industry, and he’s always been generous in sharing insights and best practices with the league office and our teams. We thank him for his many years of outstanding service in the NBA family.”

At the same time, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and Cleveland have secured some the highest profile and most economically impactful special events ever hosted over the last two decades. Multiple Men’s and Women’s NCAA tournament and championship events, the 2016 Republican National Convention, 2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, and most recently, the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend.

Tad Carper is Chief Communications Officer of the Cleveland Cavaliers.