By Amy Procaccini

In what has become a beloved tradition, the San Diego Convention Center announces a sweet suite of limited-edition chocolate bars to be sold during this summer’s world-renowned Comic-Con International: San Diego (Comic-Con) event. 5,000 handcrafted bars, 1,250 of each flavor, will be sold during Comic-Con from July 20-23, 2023.

The Convention Center’s Executive Chef Sufi Karaien and Pastry Chef Kristianna Zabala teamed up to develop four new flavors that honor the fun and whimsy of the convention. The Sodexo Live! culinary team makes 100 candy bars every 90 minutes inside the onsite kitchen, hand-wrapping each one with care during the weeks leading up to the major pop culture event.

First Look at the 2023 Flavors

A s’more like never before, the Oooh Bay bar is a fresh take on the classic fireside snack. Overflowing with torched ube marshmallow and house-made ube graham, the white chocolate shell brings it all together for a chocolate bar as picturesque as the San Diego Bay.

The champion of our childhoods comes to save the day again! The Lunchbox Hero bar evokes the classic PB&J in a milk chocolate shell with peanut butter rice crisps and concord grape jelly.

Strange sightings in the fields at night can only mean one thing: the out-of-this-world flavors of the Crop Circle Crunch bar (pictured) brought visitors from beyond! This sweet blueberry cornbread creation features white chocolate, crispy sweet cornbread, dried blueberries, and honeycomb candy.

Flavors pop like colorful costumes in the Cosplay Crackle bar, a spectacular combination of dark chocolate, strawberry Pop Rocks, freeze-dried strawberries, and basil garnish.

“Beyond the creative combinations, the flavors reflect the diversity of our culinary team and our region, especially evident through the vibrant ube flavor of the ‘Oooh Bay’ bar,” Karaien said. “Here in our kitchen, you know it’s summer when the chocolate-making begins!”

After the chefs develop the concepts, the Convention Center’s creative team tastes the chocolate for inspiration while developing names and themes. The bars are then brought to life through design by Grayson Van Loon, Graphic Designer and video animations by Dylan James, Digital Communications Specialist.

The craft chocolates will be priced at $10 each. In 2022, the Convention Center’s food and beverage team created more than 4,000 chocolate bars over four days, selling out every day of the convention. This tasty tradition started in 2016 as an exclusive offering for event attendees.

Golden tickets will be hidden inside four of the chocolate bars. Each golden ticket can be redeemed for a $100 Starbucks gift card. Concessions available during the event include Starbucks, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Craft Beer-Battered So Cal Fish Tacos, Carne Asada Burritos, and additional grab-and-go options throughout the building.

With a robust program of speakers, exhibits, films, and games, Comic-Con attracts more than 135,000 attendees, creating a regional economic impact of more than $160 million and tax revenues of more than $3 million to the City of San Diego.

Amy Procaccini is Strategic Brand Communications Manager for Sodexo Live!

From celebrityaccess.com

According to a recent Pricewaterhouse Coopers International (PwC) study, the global live music industry is set to exceed its pre-pandemic performance this year.

The Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2023–2027 report reveals that live music ticket sales are projected to reach $23.0 billion in 2023, surpassing the $21.5 billion generated in 2019, the last year before the global outbreak.

After experiencing a significant decline to $5.4 billion in 2020, a gradual recovery to $10.2 billion in 2021 and $20.3 billion in 2022, the live music sector is predicted to continue growing steadily.

The study forecasts continuous live music revenue growth throughout the forecast period, with an estimated $25.6 billion expected in 2027. Additionally, live music sponsorship is anticipated to reach the 2019 figure of $5.7 billion by 2024 and increase to $6.1 billion in 2027. Moreover, the combined revenue from live music and cultural events is projected to surpass the $66.6 billion mark achieved in 2019 by 2024.

PwC emphasizes the significance of the live music sector`s resurgence, stating, “After a prolonged period of inactivity during the COVID-19 pandemic, live sectors have regained momentum and are positioned to outperform the overall Entertainment & Media industry. From 2023 to 2027, revenues from live experiences are projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.6%, which is four times the 2.4% CAGR predicted for the overall consumer revenue. This highlights the enduring appeal of live experiences.”

In addition, the study highlights the recovery of cinema box office revenue, which is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2025, reaching $43 billion, up from $39.4 billion in 2019. China is anticipated to regain its position as the largest global box office market by 2024, having overtaken the United States in 2020 and 2021.

Furthermore, the study reveals that global e-sports ticket sales revenue rebounded to pre-pandemic levels in 2022, following a doubling of revenue in 2021 and a growth rate of 147.8% in 2022.

PwC`s research also highlights a decline in physical recorded music revenue, which is expected to continue its downward trend, decreasing from $6.1 billion in 2022 to $4.5 billion by the end of the forecast period. Conversely, digital recorded music is projected to increase its share of recorded music revenue, rising from 74.3% in 2022 to 80.7% in 2027.

The Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2023–2027 report provides comprehensive projections of consumer and advertiser spending data across 13 segments and 53 countries and territories, offering valuable insights into the industry’s future.

From Shore Fire Media

Music venue and hospitality company Notes Live has inked a deal with global entertainment presenter AEG Presents for the forthcoming $55 million outdoor music coliseum Sunset Amphitheater in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Under the terms of the deal, The Sunset will present roughly 40 concerts every year in an 8,000-person state of the art open-air amphitheater in the entertainment-rich Polaris Pointe development. In a true owner-operator partnership, AEG Presents will exclusively book the acts and run day-to-day operations while Notes Live will continue to own the venue. The unique terms of the ten-year agreement underscore the exceptional nature of this collaboration. The agreement is a ten-year term. Construction on The Sunset is already underway, on schedule to open in 2024.

“I can’t express the magnitude of our excitement as we embark on this incredible journey alongside AEG Presents. This partnership not only solidifies and validates our business model but also represents a truly exceptional alliance. Anytime you can do business with an Anschutz company, it’s an honor,” said Notes Live CEO JW Roth.

Brent Fedrizzi, Co-President & COO, AEG Presents Rocky Mountains, added, ““We are looking forward to bringing world class entertainment to Colorado Springs with the addition of the Sunset Amphitheatre and our new partnership with JW.Roth and his team at Notes Live. This entertainment destination will be a crown jewel in the community for artists and fans to enjoy for years to come.”

Named last fall to Billboard’s “Venues to Watch” list, The Sunset will host some of the largest touring acts in the country in style and comfort on the same campus as Notes Live’s current mid-sized music venue Boot Barn Hall. Designed by industry renowned architects, The Sunset will offer an unparalleled view of the sun setting over Pikes Peak, America’s mountain, right behind the stage as each concert begins, flanked by the United States Air Force Academy stadium on the left and the iconic Air Force chapel on the right, as well as amenities like 92 VIP luxury firepit suites, and a $20 million signature fine dining seafood and chophouse with a magnificent rooftop bar, carrying over 150 of the rarest bourbons in the world.

Notes Live has plans to begin construction in a half dozen markets by the end of 2023 or early 2024, with expansions to six additional markets planned over the next five years.

In 2022, Notes Live, Inc. announced new music and entertainment complexes in the emerging markets of Colorado Springs, CO; Gainesville, GA, and Murfreesboro, TN. The company identifies markets in regions with growing populations but a dearth of high-quality music and entertainment venues, and offers premium concert experiences, complete with unbeatable sound and sightlines as well as elevated food and beverage offerings. In addition to having two Notes Live venues named to Billboard’s “2022 New and Renovated Venues List,” JW Roth was named a “VenuesNow 2022 All Star.”

Photo by Notes Live

By Richard Oliver

Stephen A. Zito, CVE, one of the most respected venue managers in the country, has been promoted to Assistant Director for Convention & Sports Facilities/Alamodome. The City of San Antonio announced the move recently.

In more than 30 years of extensive experience in managing sports and entertainment facilities, Zito has managed thousands of events that have drawn millions of patrons. He is the overseer of what has been a remarkable resurgence of the Alamodome, which recognized its 30th anniversary in May.

Zito was General Manager of the Alamodome for more than six years.

“Steve brings a wealth of knowledge and energy to a position that requires both,” said Patricia Muzquiz Cantor, Director of Convention & Sports Facilities for the City of San Antonio. “The Alamodome ranks as one of the most diverse, popular entertainment venues in the country, and Steve’s leadership has been a critical part of that.”

Zito’s promotion was one of several personnel moves recently announced at the Alamodome. Michael Flores, who like Zito first began working at the Dome in 1993, has been elevated from Facility Business Manager to General Manager. Flores has spent most of his professional career at the Dome, including as a Fiscal Officer and Booking and Service Manager.

Other recent hires include Victor “Tito” Caballero as Marketing Manager, Lenzy Mora as Graphic Designer, and Troy Ragland as Manager of Public Safety and Transportation.

Since January 2022, the Alamodome has hosted more than 1.2 million guests, including concerts, sporting events, and other headline moments.

On January 13, the San Antonio Spurs set the NBA record for single-game attendance when 68,323 fans packed the Alamodome for the team’s 50th anniversary celebration game against the Golden State Warriors. Two weeks later, WWE held its Royal Rumble there, and more than 51,000 showed up as the wrestling circuit set records for gate revenues.

The Dome will host its fifth Men’s Final Four in 2025, and recently was selected to host the Women’s Final Four in 2029. On December 29, the Valero Alamo Bowl attracted 63,000 fans.

“None of this would be possible without the countless hours and commitment from the team of the Alamodome,” said Zito, part of the leadership that opened the Dome on May 15, 1993. “We always focus on our ‘One Team’ philosophy, and that team has many players. San Antonio has become a very viable market for all genres of entertainment, and for more than 30 years the Alamodome has been the centerpiece of that.”

Zito previously served as President of Sports & Entertainment for Andy Frain Services, Sr. Vice President of Facilities and Events for the Memphis Grizzlies/FedEx Forum and was Vice President of Facilities and Events for the San Antonio Spurs/AT&T Center (formerly the SBC Center). He has been intimately involved in the design, construction, and operations of several new facilities.

The Alamodome just completed one of the most successful years in its history. In the final five months of 2022 alone, the stadium hosted five headline stadium concerts that drew nearly 230,000 fans and generated more than $31 million in gross receipts. The events included the Motley Crue and Def Leppard Stadium Tour, Bad Bunny, Rammstein, Grupo Firme and Elton John.

Additionally, the Dome saw more than 150,000 spectators attend seven University of Texas at San Antonio football games, including the Conference USA championship on Dec. 2. In total, the Alamodome held 135 event days in 2022, with a similar schedule for 2023, exceeding the average of 115 event dates in previous years.

Coming up on the Alamodome schedule are performances by global superstars Karol G (Aug. 31), P!nk (Sept. 25) and Guns ‘N Roses (Sept. 26). The next UTSA football season kicks off in September.

Zito acknowledged the promoters who have helped make the facility so successful, including the Valero Alamo Bowl, Live Nation, Feld Entertainment, University Interscholastic League, Cheer Power, NCAA, San Antonio Home and Garden Show, San Antonio Sports, the Spurs and AEG, among others.

Richard Oliver is Communications Manager at the Alamodome.

Philip P. Greco, Owner and President of The Odeum Expo Center in Villa Park, Illinois, and longtime resident of Villa Park and Elmhurst, passed away peacefully at his Elmhurst home surrounded by family and loved ones on June 20, 2023.

Phil battled the devastating disease of ALS for 5 ½ years with tremendous strength and courage. His optimism, wit, and humor throughout have been an inspiration to all who shared in his life.

Phil was a graduate of Marmion Military Academy and Elmhurst College. For 40 years, he served as the Owner and President of The Odeum Expo Center, a family business that hosted a variety of special events including concerts, indoor soccer, corporate events, and public tradeshows. Phil loved the challenge of producing unique and complex events that were visited by over 1.2 million visitors each year.

“Phil and I spent many years together in District III back in the good old days,” said Brad Walsh, facility director at the Odeum Expo Center. “He was a tremendous guy and a great friend to everyone he ever met. He’ll be missed by all who had the opportunity to know him.”

Through the years, Phil also remained involved with PEP Industries, a manufacturing company established by the family in 1947, which specializes in ecclesiastical furnishings for Catholic churches.

Phil was involved with many community events and organizations. He volunteered his time and expertise with the Elmhurst Summer Fest, Village of Villa Park Economic Development Committee, International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM), Villa Park Chamber of Commerce, along with many other organizations and events in Villa Park and Elmhurst. Phil played a key role in establishing the DuPage County Convention and Visitors Bureau, serving on the inaugural board of directors and continuing to serve for many years thereafter.

Over his lifetime, Phil was recognized for his service and generosity. Most notably, Phil, along with the Odeum and his family, were recognized By DuPage County Board and Village of Villa Park Board of Trustees with several Proclamations for their investment and commitment to the community. One such contribution was the development and construction of The Great Western Trail Head Arch.

In his own fight with ALS, Phil helped fund a study with Northwestern Memorial Hospital studying the positive and clinical effects of yoga and breathing exercises on ALS patients. This study will soon be published and has already proved helpful for many patients with lung disease.

Phil leaves behind his wife, Kathleen (nee Olinger); daughter Jordan (Blake) Lejcar, granddaughter Loretta, brother Patrick Greco, Sr., and sisters Francine “Sis” Greco (Bruce Campbell) and Renee Greco, his nieces and nephews Patrick Greco Jr (Antoinette), Carly Greco (Dave Bischoff), Shannon (Jeff) Rodenberg, Tara (Andy) Wilhoit, Colin (Taylor) Murphy, Jeff (Melissa) Schultz, and Kristen Schultz, and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Phil loved his family, all of whom were so proud of him. He was an inspiration to all of us and will be truly missed.

Memorial donations, in Phil’s name, may be made to the Les Turner ALS Foundation for research at
Northwestern Memorial Hospital by clicking here.