By Shana Daum

Global design firm Populous served as architect of record for the new San Francisco Giants Player Development Center at Papago Park in Phoenix, Ariz. In collaboration with the Giants, Populous provided architectural, master plan oversight, interior design, and interior signage services. This new center, which opened in February 2022, provides the team best-in-class training and development facilities.

The San Francisco Giants Player Development Center was designed to incorporate the best features of elite training facilities, allowing the team to prepare players and coaches for both the Minor and Major League seasons. Populous oversaw the master planning for the 33-acre site, which includes six outdoor practice fields (five natural grass, and one synthetic turf), an agility field and covered exterior pitching lanes, also designing and delivering the main clubhouse, an indoor practice facility (which houses a synthetic grass half field and eight indoor batting lanes) and a new field maintenance building. The impressive complex’s project team included building contractor Okland, site and field contractor Frontier Golf and landscape architect iN2iT, among other partners and consultants.

“The Giants Player Development Center redefines spring training facilities by pairing sophisticated design with best-in-class technology and elite training spaces,” said Populous associate principal Brian Simpson. “Our innovative and research-based design approach resulted in a complex that gives players access to the best spring training experience.”

The Player Development Center is designed for ease of use throughout the complex — players enjoy easy access from the main clubhouse and locker rooms to all of the playing fields and indoor areas along a centrally-organized walkway, and direct access to the agility field just outside the weight room doors. Players have the option to practice and train both indoors and outdoors on a mix of natural turf and synthetic turf, allowing them to develop flexible skills throughout the complex. At the center of the complex is a plaza that offers public access for games and exhibitions.

“We believe that together with Populous and all of our project partners, we have designed, created, built and now opened one of the most innovative development centers in baseball,” said Alfonso Felder, executive vice president of administration, San Francisco Giants. “Providing our players with the best resources to achieve their potential is our priority and we believe our new facility does just that.”

The main structure on-site, a 50,000-square-foot Clubhouse Building, offers five player locker rooms, coaching locker rooms, a weight room, player training space and hydrotherapy on the ground floor. Its second level features two classrooms, a dining hall, office/meeting spaces, and an observation deck with views to all six practice fields. The clubhouse’s sophisticated interior is designed to reflect Papago Park and its surroundings, employing a desert-like palette and incorporating warm, subtle tones and natural materials such as reclaimed wood throughout the space, as well as stunning views of the nearby topography. From the reception atrium with distressed wood finishes and a desert orange leather backdrop, to the dining space and training areas with expansive glass walls for views outside, the clubhouse turns outward and embraces its space.

Adjacent to the Clubhouse Building stands a first-of-its-kind space when it comes to MLB training facilities — a more than 30,000-square-foot building which includes an indoor half field along with hitting and pitching lanes.

Other impressive features of the San Francisco Giants Player Development Center include a new 15,380-square-foot groundskeeping and maintenance building with several sustainable features, including a wastewater recycling system for washing mowers and equipment.

The Player Development Center offers amazing views of the Papago Buttes and Camelback Mountain to the north and Four Peaks to the east. There is also access to walking trails around the exterior of the site, linking the Player Development Center to the rest of Papago Park.

Previously used as the Oakland A’s training facility from 1988-2014 and demolished, the new facility is home to the Giants and its affiliate teams including the Sacramento River Cats Triple-A, Richmond Flying Squirrels Double-A, Eugene Emeralds High-A, and San Jose Giants Low-A teams.

Shana Daum is Vice President, Public Affairs & Community Relations for the San Francisco Giants.

In a sign of the strength of the recovery of the convention and events industry, ASM Global has announced two key executive promotions: Kelvin Moore has been promoted to regional vice president and John Page to regional general manager. The promotions are part of the divisional restructuring of ASM Global’s convention center division, reflecting robust growth, according to Bob McClintock, executive vice president of the division.

“As the world is emerging from the pandemic, we’re elevating two of our executives who have made tremendous impacts on the venues they have managed and are now positioned to replicate that with teams across the country involved with our growing portfolio,” McClintock said.

Moore, a 30-year industry veteran, most recently served as the regional general manager of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, a position he has held since 2018. Since he joined the company in 2008, Moore has served as a regional general manager and general manager for Navy Pier in Chicago, the Jackson Convention Complex in Mississippi and the Lynnwood Convention Complex in Washington.

“As the industry finds its post-pandemic footing, I look forward to continuing to work with our convention center leadership team in leveraging ASM Global’s industry leading innovations to drive content and deliver exceptional experiences for organizers, attendees, exhibitors, and municipal partners throughout North America,” Moore said. “I am even more proud to be able to do so while focusing on protecting the environment, investing in people, and strengthening the communities in which we live, work, and play.”

John McNichol, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, said, “Kelvin’s knowledge and expertise had an immediate impact on our operations when he took the helm of our facility as regional general manager in 2018. Kelvin has worked diligently to enhance our operational efficiency, improve the experience of our customers, expand our sustainability initiatives, and, with the onset of the pandemic, ensure we implemented a range of protocols, best practices, and capital improvements to ensure the safe return of meetings and conventions.”

The newly named regional general manager, Page is a 24-year-ASM Global veteran. Since 2013, he has served as the general manager of the Greater Columbus Convention Center and has guided the venue through three major construction projects. Additionally, Page was recently honored as a member of the Columbus Business First’s 2021 Power 100, serves as the board chair of the Ohio State University Hospitality Management advisory board, and sits on the board of directors of Tourism Diversity Matters.

“I am deeply honored for this next-step opportunity in my ASM career, one that will allow me to work more closely with our clients and municipal partners across the region and provide customized solutions and the innovation that is the hallmark of ASM to those venues,” Page said.

By Blair Cardinal

Entertainment booking veteran Joe Giordano has been named vice president of Oak View Group’s Arena & Stadium Alliance, a collection of the top 38 venues in North America that provides a platform for booking, content development, procurement, and sponsorship sales opportunities.

Giordano takes up the role after nearly a decade with ASM Global, where he most recently worked as assistant general manager at the 19,199-seat BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He previously worked as a regional booking manager and developed content for 40-plus ASM Global venues.

In his new role, Giordano will report to Chris Granger, president of OVG360, the third-party, service-oriented division of Oak View Group that was formed last month. Giordano will replace Jeff Nickler, who is staying with OVG as senior vice president and general manager of the new Moody Center arena in Austin.

“I know what it’s like to manage a building that must punch well above its weight to attract major shows. I know the importance of entrepreneurialism and creativity in our industry,” Giordano said. “I’m a building operator, and this business is personal to me. To this end, I understand the collective impact the Alliance yields, and I want to make sure every Alliance member continues to feel supported by the power of Oak View Group working on their behalf – from Global Partnerships to Content & Booking to an entire array of arena services. I’m excited to get started!”

“Joe’s success has been driven by his deep relationships – with his colleagues and clients, as well as with top industry touring professionals, promoters, agents, artist management, and athletic directors,” Granger said. “He’s an inclusive and proactive leader, focused on helping others succeed; he’s an expert negotiator, able to identify mutual wins; and he’s a master at content development, striking the perfect blend of strategy, creativity, and boldness. We’re thrilled to welcome Joe to the OVG family.”

Blair Cardinal is VP, Communications for OVG360.

Photo courtesy of Oak View Group

Sara Beatty, CVP, has been named Director of Theater Operations at Kansas City’s Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Her expanded role includes financial, contract, and programmatic management of ticketed events at the venue. Beatty has been part of the Kauffman Center staff since 2012, when she joined the organization during its inaugural year as a production services supervisor. Her subsequent transition to theater operations manager added administrative stability to busy team and a busy calendar of event clients.

“I am humbled and fortunate to continue working in a world class venue, which I love, surrounded by some of the best colleagues in the industry,” Beatty said. “I am beyond excited to tackle this new role with a renewed energy and cannot wait to see what the future holds.”

Beatty is active with IAVM’s volunteer leadership, including multiyear commitments to the Performing Arts Committee. A graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s MFA theater program, she maintains an AEA stage management membership. When not at the Kauffman Center, Beatty and her husband enjoy spending time with their two kids around Parkville, Missouri.

By Mary Klida

Karen Totaro, CVE, general manager for ASM Global, announced Freeman as the exclusive electric service provider in Huntington Place in Detroit. For almost a century, Freeman has been servicing trade shows, conferences, and events across the country, and is an electric service provider for the Anaheim Convention Center, San Diego Convention Center, Los Angeles Convention Center, Las Vegas Convention Center, McCormick Place in Chicago, NRG Park in Houston, and the Moscone Center in San Francisco, among others.

“Freeman is one of the most successful and well-established event service companies in the business that offers an exclusive branch dedicated to providing electrical services to many of the largest convention centers in the country,” said Totaro, general manager of Huntington Place. “This new contract is one more step in our efforts to be bold and provide the highest level of customer service in the industry. Our reputation is enhanced by who we choose to partner with, and we are so pleased to partner with Freeman.”

The selection was made after completion of a thorough review process. According to materials submitted by Freeman, Huntington Place in Detroit is a destination on the rise as the city is investing back into the downtown area making it an attractive destination for many in the hospitality industry, including the international event industry. Huntington Place has transformed itself and is a beautiful building right in the heart of downtown Detroit.

“Freeman’s 95-years of success has relied, to a great extent, on trusted partnerships with our affiliates — including the major event venues,” said Janet Dell, Freeman President and COO. “We’re proud to work at Huntington Place, and we value ASM Global’s capable, efficient, knowledgeable management. They help bring in business because they know what’s needed, what’s possible, and how to make things happen for all the conferences and trade shows our clients bring to Detroit.”

As of April 1, Freeman assumed all prior orders for electric service and abide by the Huntington Place Efficiency Memorandum for labor services. To create a smooth transition for customers, the Freeman crew will be working with Conti Hi-Tech, current electric provider in the venue to relay event orders and transfer onsite equipment.

“We have an opportunity to look at our services and processes and fine tune all those aspects that can make a positive impact for our clients,” Totaro said. “Freeman has excelled at customer service, and we know their experience and commitment to our customers will serve Huntington Place and the entire Detroit community well.”

Once onboard, FreemanOnline® the proprietary online ordering portal, or “Customer Support Center,” will replace the Conti Electric order links on the Online Ordering page in the Huntington Place website. Exhibitors will be able to order electrical services, labor and equipment, and access order history from Freeman through any web-enabled device 24/7. Onsite customer service assistance can be requested with no login required. The Freeman Customer Support Center has been recognized by J.D Power for excellence every year since 2010.

“We’re proud to bring Freeman’s extensive safety program, experienced team with state-of-the-art equipment, and recognized customer service as the electrical provider at Huntington Place,” said Chris Schimek, EVP, Freeman Event & Exhibit Services. “Combined with our intimate knowledge of the facility and tenured partnership with ASM Global, this is great news for all those exhibiting at and visiting events there.”

Mary Klida is Senior Marketing & Communications Manager for Huntington Place in Detroit.