After the cryptocurrency exchange FTX collapsed into bankruptcy in late 2022, the arena the Miami Heat played in because known only as the “Miami-Dade Arena.” We may soon have a new name for the arena — the Kaseya Center.

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava released a proposal for a $117 million naming rights deal with the software company based in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood. County commissioners will vote on the agreement April 4. The NBA hasn’t signed off on an agreement. The sponsorship deal cannot be finalized without league approval.

FTX only held naming rights on the arena for the 2021-22 season and the beginning of the 2022-23 season. From 2000 to 2021, the center was known as the AmericanAirlines Arena.

Kaseya is a privately held company with about 900 employees in Miami. The company will receive $4.6 million in subsidies from Miami-Dade county if it meets its goals to hire 3,000 more employees in Miami.

By Annie Merrill

Dan Phillips, AIA, has joined HOK’s Sports + Recreation + Entertainment practice as a principal and senior project designer. Based in Dallas, Phillips brings more than three decades of experience designing high-profile stadiums, ballparks, arenas, and training facilities across the globe.

“Dan is known for his ability to bring a client’s vision to life while supporting their revenue generation goals,” said Nate Appleman, HOK’s director of Sports + Recreation + Entertainment. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to HOK.”

Phillips has dedicated his career to designing sports facilities that deliver an exceptional experience for fans and athletes. His recent notable collegiate projects include Amon G. Carter Stadium and Schollmaier Arena at Texas Christian University, Brian Patterson Performance Center at Rice University, College Park Center Arena at the University of Texas at Arlington, and Hunt Family Baseball Development Center at the University of Arkansas. He also has designed spring training facilities for Major League Baseball’s Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers and helped lead the design of Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers.

“Dan’s deep experience with clients in the region and commitment to design excellence will play a crucial role in the growth of our Sports + Recreation + Entertainment practice in Texas and beyond,” said Jay Tatum, HOK’s managing principal for Texas. “He will be instrumental as we design and deliver sports facility work from our Dallas, Houston, and Austin studios.”

Annie Merrill is Associate / Communications Manager for HOK and based in Kansas City, Missouri.

By Karen Caro

The Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority announced the hiring of Robin Canada to the position of Director of Human Resources. Canada has more than 15 years of experience as a human resources director. She will be responsible for recruitment, employee relations, benefits, compensation, training, development, payroll, and labor relations for Cobb Galleria Centre, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, and ArtsBridge Foundation.

“Robin’s background and credentials bring a new perspective to our venues that will elevate our employee experience,” said Michele Swann, General Manager & CEO of the Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority.

Canada holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management from Purdue University as well as SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications. She has worked for multiple hotel brands in several states, most recently at the Atlanta Westin Perimeter.

Karen Caro is Marketing Manager for Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta.

Audiovisual systems manufacturer Daktronics has been appointed by North Carolina State University to manufacture and install a new video display at Wayne Day Family Field at Carter-Finley Stadium.

The HDR-capable display will be one of the largest in the Atlantic Coast Conference, spanning more than 7,100 square feet and featuring more than 6.6 million pixels. It will be installed in the spring.

The display will be located in the north end zone of the stadium and will measure around 43 feet high by 166 feet wide. It will be capable of variable content zoning, allowing it to show live video, instant replays, statistics and game information, graphics and animations, and sponsorship messages.

Corey Williams, Daktronics sales representative, said: “This display is going to be significantly larger than the previous display and will require extensive coordination and engineering to make this project become a reality. We’re extremely proud to partner with NC State and their amazing team of people and look forward to being a part of this landmark installation on campus.”

By Sue Oxarart

ASM Global-managed Toyota Arena has announced the position of general manager has been filled by Gus Le Grand, who took on the day-to-day duties on March 20. “We are pleased to welcome Gus to Ontario and look forward to his expertise in managing our entertainment venue,” said Michael Krouse, Regional Vice President of ASM Global. “His experience in the live entertainment industry as well as the food and beverage sector will benefit the guests of Toyota Arena.”

Le Grand has over twenty years of accumulated experience in the Hospitality and Entertainment industry. His passion for the business began when he moved to Maryland from Wisconsin at the age of twenty-one. Through hard work and dedication Le Grand obtained a management role and became the Assistant General Manager at Ram’s Head Live! Within this position he managed an astounding 300 employees while handling all scheduling, inventory, and day to day operations. In this capacity, his passion for the industry and customer service became glaringly evident.

Within six months Le Grand was promoted into the role of General Manager where he played an integral role in Ram’s Head Live!’s $2.8 million-dollar annual revenue. Most recently, he was at Live! Casino Hotel in Hanover, MD. His love for music and people drives him daily to help others to succeed.

Le Grand is active in mentoring others to reach their full potential. he will relocate to Southern California where learning about the region that will be his new home, the arena, and getting to know the guests of Toyota Arena will be his top priorities.

Sue Oxarart is Director of Marketing and Communications for the Greater Ontario Convention & Visitors Bureau / Ontario Convention Center.