Infinite Energy Center partnered with Daktronics to update their double-sided LED video marquee along Interstate 85 in Duluth, Georgia. The upgrade was recently completed as both signs now use premier outdoor LED technology.

“The 85 sign has become a valuable asset to our campus,” says General Manager Joey Dennis. “Not only is it a key locator for visitors, but it is also an excellent promotional tool for our upcoming events and venue partners. We are excited about the new look and technology that Daktronics has brought to the marquee.”

Each display measures approximately 20.5 feet high by 26.5 feet wide and features 15HD pixel layouts to bring excellent image clarity and contrast with wide angle visibility for maximum appeal. The technology features rigorous environmental testing to ensure the display stands the test of time in the outdoor elements.

“We’re excited to continue our partnership with the Infinite Energy Center to help them get their messages out to the thousands of drivers that pass by the display every day,” said Glen Marts, Daktronics sales representative. “The new technology will improve the image quality of their messaging to help them connect with viewers. We look forward to this installation helping them achieve their goals for years to come.”

These signs can promote upcoming event information and presale ticket opportunities as well as live video for special events outside the venue. Daktronics Venus Control Suite provides an easy-to-use, robust control solution to schedule and run content for the event center.

Daktronics

One of Seattle’s better known institutions, T-Mobile, made its biggest splash yet with the announcement that the telecommunications has secured a 25-year, $87.5 million naming rights deal for the stadium of the MLB Seattle Mariners to now be known as T-Mobile Park.

The annual value comes to $3.5 million, which the Mariners indicate will go toward maintenance and capital improvements that the team and venue is obligated to. The deal is subject to approval by the Washington State Major League Baseball Stadium Public Facilities District.

“The Un-carrier is always shaking things up for the better, and this time we’re going BIG with the Seattle Mariners for all their fans,” said John Legere, T-Mobile CEO. “T-Mobile Park isn’t just some corporate-branded sponsorship to us … this is about supporting the community and our hometown Mariners in building a World Series-caliber team!”

“T-Mobile has a deep commitment to this community, a passion for customer service and a well-earned reputation as a leader in innovation. These are the qualities that make T-Mobile the right partner to name this iconic ballpark,” said John Stanton, Seattle Mariners Chairman and Managing Partner.

Mariners President and CEO Kevin Mather said, “Fans have come to expect a great experience at this ballpark and we have made a commitment to invest substantial Club revenues over the next 25-years to make sure that continues. This partnership with T-Mobile will help us meet that obligation so that fans will have a first-class experience at T-Mobile Park for decades to come.”

All fans can get early access to the ballpark on game days via the T-Mobile ‘Pen. This popular gathering place for fans spans from the bullpens behind Left Field to Center Field. Opening 30 minutes before all other gates, the T-Mobile ‘Pen gives fans the chance to watch Mariners batting practice and pitcher warm ups. And with this partnership, T-Mobile ‘Pen will now feature a variety of new perks including surprise giveaways and a live DJ on select game days, to go with the destination food and beverage offerings.

At the end of the new lease agreement, the total investment of Mariners revenues into the publicly owned ballpark since 1999 will add up to over $1 billion.

The process of incorporating the T-Mobile branding assets throughout the ballpark will take place over the coming months. Much of it is expected to be completed by Opening Day on March 28, 2019, when the Mariners meet the Boston Red Sox.

Signage will take on the magenta hue of T-Mobile, as will lighting around the ballpark and accent lighting in the roof trussing. Permits have been requested of the City of Seattle, and upon those approvals, fabrication will begin. Exterior signage is being targeted by Opening Day. Some internal branding could continue after. Some external lighting at the street level is planned for 2020.

In 2017 the Mariners announced that long-time partner Safeco Insurance would not be extending their naming rights deal past 2018 for the ballpark. That naming rights deal had been in place since 1998 and on the ballpark when it opened in July of 1999. Signage related to the name “Safeco Field” began coming down off the ballpark in November.

Click here for the Mariner website.

The City of Garland (TX) approved a variance that will allow the Curtis Culwell Center the rights to sell alcohol. The
Curtis Culwell Center is a Garland Independent School District (GISD) owned facility.

“This is great news that will allow us to attract more events,” said John Wilborn, venue director. “We fully expect to have more of a national presence in terms of what we book into the center.”

As a GISD owned venue, the Culwell Center will not sell alcohol at school-related events. The facility hosts numerous high school graduations, high school regional basketball tournaments, volleyball tournaments, and more.

The opportunity to give guests the opportunity to enjoy alcohol at all non-school related events, however, was too great to pass up. It was analyzed that there were 60 events that would have been appropriate for alcohol to be sold at those events.

“The projections are that by having alcohol to be sold at the CCC, we will be even more attractive to mainstream shows for national promoters,” Wilborn said.

Microsoft Theater announced Amir Mertaban as the new general manager of the 7,100-seat downtown Los Angeles venue. Mertaban previously served as the general manager of the Fox Performing Arts Center and the Riverside Municipal Auditorium and prior to that he was the assistant general manager at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Amir to our team at Microsoft Theater,” said Lee Zeidman, President, STAPLES Center, Microsoft Theater, L.A. LIVE. “Looking forward to all that he will bring to Microsoft Theater with his leadership and guidance, to continue to make the theater and L.A. LIVE a top entertainment destination for artists and fans alike.”

“Becoming the general manager for Microsoft Theater is an honor and a privilege I am excited to take on,” said Mertaban. “I am ready to dive into this building, which hosts some of the top music and live entertainment events in the world and collaborate with the team that makes it all happen.”

Amir is a native of Southern California and started his career at the LA County Fair. He worked as an event manager and in business development where he created and produced a number of events and festivals on grounds. The Fair was a great place to sink his teeth into all types of events including horse racing, NHRA drag racing, music festivals, consumer shows, trade shows, conventions, haunted attractions, and the list goes on.

Amir joined Live Nation in 2014 where he ran the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C. He was fortunate to work the White House events team on numerous events and was also on the committee to welcome the Pope to D.C.

In his most recent role as general manager with Live Nation running the Fox Performing Arts Center and the Riverside Municipal Auditorium, Amir and his team built a reputation for being the “Kings of Content.” The team produced more than 45 events annually, rallying the city and local businesses to support. He’s built his career on the tenants of collaboration and mutual benefit and he hopes that this spirit and dedication will continue in his new role at Microsoft Theater.

Larry N. Rogers, who for 14 years managed the Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center (now James Brown Arena) and turned it into a profitable business operating in the black, passed away December 14 of medical problems. He was 76.

Fittingly, the obituary note includes the following appropriate for this season: “Larry’s favorite holiday was Christmas and he would want everyone to have a merry and joyous one. Therefore, his memorial event will be held after the holidays, time and place to be announced. Memorial gifts may be made to the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area, the Golden Harvest Food Bank or the Imperial Theatre renovation fund.”

Rogers wife, Rebecca, is marketing and public relations director of the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area.

Rogers served as operations manager of the Huntington (WV) civic center when the Augusta-Richmond County Coliseum Authority hired him in 1979 as assistant general manager of the $18 million entertainment facility, which opened the following December mostly under Rogers’ expertise.

Rogers was known for booking diverse acts that constantly drew sold-out crowds to the venue. From rock to R&B to country, Rogers brought all to town, even though he admitted that initially he was not aware who some of them were when they first appeared in Augusta in the early 1980s.

Rogers later worked at other entertainment venues beginning in 1993 although Augusta was always home to him and his love with the community and its venues.

IAVM will announce more on the memorial event as soon as information is known.