From Acrisure Arena

Oak View Group (OVG), the global venue development, advisory, and investment company for the sports and live entertainment industries, and Acrisure Arena in Greater Palm Springs, the newest world-class venue in Southern California’s greatest concert destination, announced the promotion of Drew Gershenson to vice president of content, Acrisure Arena, and OVG Southwest Division. Gershenson joined OVG in December 2021 and previously served as director of booking for Acrisure Arena. He will report to John Page, senior vice president of Acrisure Arena, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, and OVG360 Facilities.

“We’re pleased to support Drew’s continued growth within Oak View Group,” Page said. “Since joining the team in 2021, Drew has proven himself to be a strategic team leader and we are confident he will bring the same passion and drive to his new role as we continue to expand our reach throughout the southwest.”

In his new role, Gershenson will continue to lead the day-to-day programming of the Acrisure Arena as well as support other OVG managed properties in the Southwest Region including Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, CA; Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona; and Tahoe Blue Arena, which is scheduled to open this summer in South Lake Tahoe.

“The southwest region represents an important area for Oak View Group. While we continue to grow our presence in Southern California and across the southwest region, Drew will play a critical role in booking and programming to support our managed properties as OVG expands to new key markets,” said Tim Leiweke, chairman and CEO, OVG. Since opening in December, Acrisure Arena has experienced tremendous success with respect to programming, and with 13 sold out events so far, both fans and the industry have taken notice. The Palm Springs market has quickly become a must-play stop for the biggest concert tours and artists in the world and it’s only going to keep getting bigger. We’re just getting started.”

With more than fifteen years of industry experience in working with artists, agents, managers, and labels, Gershenson is responsible for overseeing strategic content programming of all concerts, family shows, and special events, as well as facilitating the AHL hockey schedules.

“I am very excited for this opportunity to advance my career and grow with OVG. Tim and Francesca lead by example and have created an environment that inspires creativity, growth and success. We have all worked hard to make Acrisure Arena a premiere destination for artists to play and fans to attend,” Gershenson said. “I can’t wait to build off the momentum of our huge grand opening and continue to unlock the market’s true potential. I look forward to collaborating with my incredible colleagues in the Southwest Region to strategically align content and bookings for our venues and foster new and existing relationships and opportunities for OVG.”

Before joining OVG, Gershenson served as director of programming for ASM Global’s Paycom Center in Oklahoma City where he was responsible for booking content and working closely with NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder. Prior to that, he spent ten years at Live Nation Entertainment where he served most recently as senior tour director where he oversaw all aspects of the tour cycle including routing strategy, offer creation, contracting, on-sale, and inventory management. Gershenson holds a Bachelor of business administration, international finance and marketing from the University of Miami.

By PR Newswire/Stagwell Inc.

ARound, a next-generation fan engagement platform designed to enhance gameday fun with live, real-world augmented reality (AR) experiences – and part of the Stagwell Marketing Cloud – has expanded its professional sports partnerships to include the Kansas City Royals for the 2023 baseball season. Launching in Kauffman Stadium, “Crown Vision AR” provides the venue’s 38,000 fans with a shared AR experience that includes interactive follow-along features after base hits and plays, contests, fan loyalty features, and brand sponsorships custom to the Royals.

ARound Builds on Experiences with the Minnesota Twins and Los Angeles Rams, with Opening Day Launch at Kauffman Stadium.

“Our launches with the Twins and Rams last year showed us how engaging AR can be when it offers immersive in-game experiences while allowing fans to share in those experiences together. With the Royals, we’re bringing even more interactive and collaborative gameday features to their fingertips,” said ARound Founder and CEO Josh Beatty. “Rather than detract their attention with apps that take them away from the action on the field, ARound keeps fans focused on the real-world plays, their favorite players, and the energy around the stadium, allowing them to engage with the game like never before.”

“As we look to excite and engage the next generation of baseball fans, we know that ARound’s technology provides an amazing opportunity for the Royals,” said Kansas City Royals Vice President of Brand Innovation Tony Snethen. “Not only does augmented reality make the game more interactive, but we also believe it will serve to help users see the game in a whole new way.”

Building on its launches with the Minnesota Twins and Los Angeles Rams in 2022, ARound’s stadium experiences are becoming more immersive and interactive. Crown Vision AR features include:

Real-Time Integration: Provides automatic follow-along effects like player hit graphics and fireworks after home runs, which are based on real-time action to both educate and entertain fans with relevant connected content.
Fire-Breathing Dragon: ARound turns the Royals stadium into an interactive castle, with a fire-breathing dragon that fans can control, and make other teams feel the heat.
Mass Gaming: The entire stadium can participate in the same gaming experiences, such as the Hot Dog Derby race, Mow Monster, and BatterUp, where fans can compete for in-stadium discounts and prizes.
In-Venue Broadcast: Integration with the venue’s videoboard brings stadium AR to the masses and creates new second-screen experiences for fans to enjoy.
Team IP and Sponsor Content: Characters in Royals jerseys, background signage, and other brand activations keep the team and sponsors top-of-mind for fans. Additional opportunities for fan activations and sponsor integration include Royals promotional tie-ins, virtual rewards, and a prize launcher featuring a giant Pasquatch.
Live 3D Stats: Later this season, ARound will also feature live 3D stats and play-by-play graphics for a broadcast-level experience in the stadium.
Crown Vision AR is powered by the ARound Stadium app on iOS and Android.

About ARound

By Rick Van Warner

In a day that will go down in club history, the Toronto Blue Jays officially unveiled the completed first phase of Rogers Centre renovations featuring a brand-new Outfield District that will transform the fan experience at the 34-year-old ballpark. Blue Jays fans can enjoy the spaces starting with the 2023 Home Opener on April 11, with five distinct neighborhoods and many additional new social spaces available to everyone with a game ticket.

Mark Shapiro, President & CEO, Toronto Blue Jays, was joined by Edward Rogers, Chair of the Toronto Blue Jays and Chair of Rogers and Tony Staffieri, President and CEO, Rogers, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to reveal the largest-scale infrastructure project since Rogers Centre opened in 1989. The new Outfield District is part of a multi-year $300 million privately funded renovation that will be completed between 2024 and 2025.

“We have the unique privilege of representing a dynamic city and have reflected that energy in the reimagined ballpark,” Shapiro said. “We are extremely excited to debut these spaces to both lifelong and new Blue Jays fans.”

The result is a dramatically different Rogers Centre experience, immediately noticeable when fans enter the ballpark. Designed with Populous, the new Outfield District – available to every fan with a game ticket – features social spaces to gather with friends and get closer to the action; live entertainment off the field; and food and beverage menus that reflect the city of Toronto.

“We’ve worked to completely transform the stadium into a ballpark that features the latest amenities for a wide range of fans and provides best-in-class facilities for players and their families,” said Ben Naudet, Populous project designer for the Rogers Centre Outfield District. “We couldn’t be more excited with the design and functional changes made to modernize the fan experience and build a great ballpark.”

“Rogers Centre is home to Canada’s baseball team, and I’m delighted to see the first phase of this renovation project come to life for Blue Jays fans,” Rogers said. “We’re proud of the team and we’re proud to invest in the ballpark, a landmark in the heart of downtown Toronto.”

“We’re deeply committed to supporting the team and to delivering the best fan experience both on and off the field,” Staffieri said. “These renovations will bring the heart of the city into the ballpark and create a sense of community for fans attending the game.”

The Blue Jays began the first phase of renovation construction on October 14, 2022, with PCL Construction. The structural demolition took 35 days and approximately 21,000 worker hours, with the new build beginning on November 14, 2022.

“The dynamics for how fans experience a game and their expectations for different options are evolving quickly,” said Derek Sommers, Populous associate principal. “We designed everything in the Rogers Centre Outfield District with this in mind, fostering more of a social, dynamic atmosphere.”

Five Outfield Neighborhoods
1. Corona Rooftop Patio (500L right field) – this rooftop patio oasis is the new place to be nestled in Toronto’s iconic skyline where fans can gather with friends while enjoying live music beneath the CN Tower and a summer patio menu.

2. Park Social (500L left field) – a park within the park for fans of all ages featuring games, food truck-style bites, and comfortable places to hang out while watching the game.

3. The Stop (100L center field behind the batter’s eye) – your neighborhood bar to grab a quick drink and bite with friends on the way to your next Outfield District destination; an ode to stadium history in a space originally planned as a transit stop.

4. The Catch Bar (100L right field above the visitors’ bullpen) – the place to see and be seen; grab a cocktail and perch above the visitors’ bullpen with unprecedented views to catch all the action up close.

5. WestJet Flight Deck (200L center field) – the place fans know (and love!) has a refresh with retro arcade games, brewery-style menu, and the same great vibe.

New Social Spaces
1. Schneiders Porch (200L right field corner) – this open-air porch has epic views of right field as well as one-of-a-kind hot dog culinary creations and direct bar access, so you don’t miss a minute of the action.

2. Rogers Landing (right field corner beside the visitors’ bullpen) – bring your glove to this open-air home run landing pad with uninterrupted front-row views of the outfield and visitors’ bullpen.

3. Bleacher Seating (100L bowl behind the visitors’ bullpen) – calling all hardcore fans… watch opposing pitchers in these retro-style bleachers directly behind the visitors’ bullpen.

4. Left and Right Field Balconies (100L concourse outfield corners overlooking the home and visitors’ bullpens respectively) – prime bullpen views await to watch pitchers warm up while taking in the action over left and right field.

5. Drink Rails (throughout ballpark) – grab a drink and post-up at a new spot every inning, with countless options around the concourse.

Additional Completed Projects
1. Raised Bullpens (left and right field) – bringing fans closer to the action to cheer on their Blue Jays pitchers.

2. Player Weight Room (field level) – 5,000 square foot best-in-class facility to help players prepare, compete, and recover.

3. Players’ Family Spaces (field level) – dedicated kids’ room and spouses’ lounge to support the team behind the Blue Jays team.

4. Staff Spaces (100L) – overhauled game day staff facilities to support more than 1,000 staff who are essential to the Blue Jays fan experience.

Additional New Innovation
1. Tap N Go (section 104) is a new automated market to speed up service where fans tap payment on entry, select their food and beverage items, and are automatically charged on exit.

2. Walk Thru Bru (sections 125 and 519) are self-serve beverage-focused concessions so fans can spend more time enjoying the game.

Rick Van Warner is with Great Ink.

The Iowa-based venue management company VenuWorks announced the hire of Seth Greenberg for the role of Executive Director of the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena in Pelham, Alabama.

“I am pleased to welcome Seth to the VenuWorks family and our team in Pelham. Seth’s extensive ice facility management, ice programming, and hockey experience is the ideal combination for the new leader of the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena,” said Steve Peters, CVE, President of VenuWorks. “I am confident Seth will bring a new level of excitement to the community and venue, and I look forward to working with him to continue to grow the business in Pelham.”

Greenberg joins VenuWorks with a wealth of relevant industry experience in event programming and ice facility management. Most recently, he served as General Manager for the Alice Noble Ice Arena in Wooster, OH, but he began his career as Assistant Arena Manager & Program Director at Gilmour Academy in Gates Mills, OH in 2002, overseeing operations and staffing for two ice sheets, event programming, and creating and directing youth hockey clinics, camps, and tournaments.

“Joining the VenuWorks family is a dream come true. I am truly humbled for the opportunity to work with one of the top facility management companies in the country,” Greenberg said. “Being able to tap into and learn from VenuWorks’ vast resources and experiences will only make me a better, more effective leader.”

“The city is thrilled to have Seth join the VenuWorks team. Seth’s expertise working with ice arenas and his commitment to customer service and quality in operations are going to greatly benefit the citizens and visitors of Pelham,” added Pelham City Manager Gretchen DiFante.

Greenberg started his new position at the complex on Monday, April 3rd.

From Tacoma Weekly

On April 21, 1983, the Tacoma Dome officially opened as a premiere events center in the Pacific Northwest and remains the largest indoor venue in the state. That means the Dome’s 40th birthday happens this month, and Tacoma Venues & Events invites the community to take part in marking the occasion.

On April 28 and 29, “T-Town: Play. Explore. Learn. – City Services Expo” will take over the Dome for a free, family-friendly event offering a unique, hands-on experience for the community to engage with City of Tacoma departments, celebrate the Tacoma Dome’s birthday, and learn about career and trade opportunities with the new “Work” element added to this year’s “T-Town.”

Departments from the City of Tacoma and Tacoma Public Utilities will provide interactive experiences including an opportunity to Touch A Truck with vehicles from Environmental Services, Tacoma Police Department, Tacoma Fire Department, Public Works, Tacoma Water, Rail and Power, and many more. Activities include backstage tours, live demonstrations, job and opportunities, and Tacoma Rainiers’ mascot Rhubarb the Reindeer will make a special appearance on Saturday at 11 a.m.

Fan favorite concession food and beverage, along with entertainment, will be provided as part of the Dome’s 40thanniversary celebration. On Saturday, the entertainment stage will feature music from throughout the Dome’s history with bands Radio 80, Night Fever, and Sin City. Backstage tours will take guests through the history of the Dome, one decade at a time. Guests will also receive a free clear bag courtesy of Pepsi, and other giveaways.

Tacoma Public Schools (TPS), in partnership with Korsmo Construction, enhance 2023’s T-Town with the Tacoma Public Schools and Korsmo Construction Trades & Hiring Fair. Up to 2,000 students from TPS will visit the Trades & Hiring Fair. With over 100 booths, there is something for everyone in the family – career exploration for high school students, summer job opportunities with higher paying careers in the trades for 16-18-year-olds, and job opportunities for adults considering a new career.

The Trades & Hiring Fair will have representation from maritime, transportation, logistics, and construction, to name a few. Trades-related companies, local educational and apprentice-related exhibitors will be present.

The Dome has an illustrious history from its construction to the international superstars who entertained audiences over the years. One of the largest wood domed structures in the world, it was built 152 feet high using 1.6 million board feet of lumber and enough concrete to build a sidewalk 70 miles long. The construction cost then was just $44 million, which pales in comparison to what it would cost today.

The dome portion of the building was created through a framework of 288 prefabricated triangular units each weighing approximately 5,000 pounds. The entire Tacoma Dome is 530 feet in diameter with more than 275 support points, and its grid includes an estimated 2.5 miles of welding.

Seating in the Dome’s arena can accommodate up to 21,000 people and it has met that number in its day thanks to world-class concerts and events. Its first sporting event was the World’s Toughest Rodeo held one week after its grand opening and the first music event welcomed David Bowie that summer. The Dome quickly turned Tacoma into the music capital of the Northwest with stars such as Dolly Parton, Prince, Willie Nelson, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Diamond, and Elton John who played there first in 1995, then again in 2019, then he returned in 2022 for what he says was his last tour, aptly named the “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” tour.

After a COVID closure and completed renovations inside and out, today the Dome remains a one-of-a-kind venue for community events, state and regional high school sports, and world-renowned entertainment.