By R.V. Baugus

I really am not writing more obituaries than normal to share with IAVM members. It just seems that way because most of them that I write are of people I came to know as friends in this amazing industry. Tom Liegler is an anomaly, the man who stood as a pillar in this industry for decades but one that sadly for me I did not really get to know well for one reason or another.

Know ABOUT Tom? That of course is quite a different story and certainly from others I knew about the man and his impact on the public assembly venue industry. It is rare to admire someone from afar, but Tom is indeed for me that exception, someone I would always know as an industry giant.

Against that backdrop, I felt as though I had lost a long-time dear friend when news came of Tom’s passing on February 20 at the age of 94 in Palm Springs.

Chris Bigelow, an industry icon in his own right, summed up Tom beautifully: “An amazing guy. Mentor to many of us. Father of the convention center and stadium management associations.” Not much more needs to be said, but then by not doing so I would be depriving many of our readers of the same knowledge of Tom Liegler that I grew to know and respect.

“Most of us have had mentors in our lives that took us under their wings and helped guide our careers,” said Brad Gessner, CVE (pictured alongside his mentor). “Tom Liegler was one of those leaders that I was fortunate to have worked for and learn from during my tenure at the San Diego Convention Center. Mr. Liegler’s career spanned 50 years which began at the original Comiskey Park in Chicago and progressed to helping oversee the design and construction of the Colt Stadium in Houston and managing the Houston Astrodome. From Houston, he moved to Anaheim, CA, where he held the position of general manager of the Anaheim Stadium and Convention Center and where he developed one of the first (and best) service programs titled “THE ANAHEIM WAY”.

“In 1984 he became the general manager of the planned San Diego Convention Center, saw it through its design, construction, and successful grand opening and the first year of operation. He developed the service program “THE SAN DIEGO SPIRIT” which is still considered a model for client and customer service in the convention center industry.

“I encourage everyone to take the time and effort to mentor the next generation and be sure to appreciate and thank those that have mentored you. Thanks Tom!”

To Gessner’s point, Tom was acknowledged as the first recipient of the Convention Center Lifetime Achievement Award, one of his many accolades.

Daughter Tracy Liegler Albrecht said that a service is not yet scheduled but penciled in as Saturday, April 8 in the Rancho Santa Margarita or Irvine area. Further information can be found here.

Tom was born in Racine, Wisconsin, on March 24, 1928, growing up amid four generations of the Liegler family. He enlisted in the Navy in May 1945 at the end of WWII and was stationed in Oakland, California at an airlift base whose mission, “Keep ‘Em Flying”, was to keep men, machinery, and supplies moving across the Pacific. After returning home, he enrolled at Grinnell College in Iowa, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Euthenics. At Grinnell, he was a member of the football and debate teams.

Tom married the love of his life, Joyce Langmade, in January 1955 and shortly afterwards began his career with the Waterloo Whitehawks, the Triple A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox (very shortly indeed; Tom and Joyce spent their honeymoon preparing the White Sox spring training facility in Florida, giving Joyce an early initiation into how Tom would combine his love of work, baseball, and family into the energetic and enthusiastic ethos that defined his life). Tom later moved into the management suite of the White Sox, focusing on stadium operations. In 1962, he was hired by the Houston Colt 45’s baseball team, and became a central participant in the club’s transformation into the Houston Astros and the building of the world-famous Astrodome. The peak of his career came in 1965, when he was lured west by Gene Autry, owner of the then Los Angeles Angels, to oversee the design and construction of the team’s sparkling new home, Anaheim Stadium. For more than twenty years – as Anaheim and Disneyland helped make Orange County one of the world’s leading destinations for vacations, conventions and sporting events – Tom directed operations not only at the Big A, but also Anaheim Convention Center, and the city’s two golf courses. Later in his career, he worked as a consultant around the world, on stadium and convention center projects in San Diego, Ontario, Sao Paulo, Sydney, and Paris.

Tom’s love of family and faith was of utmost important in his life. He and Joyce raised three children, Scott, Teri, and Tracy. The Liegler home was lively with pets, scout activities, skit nights, and the family rarely missed an Angels game. His children continued to bless him with spouses and grandchildren. He is survived by his son Scott (Hilary), daughter Tracy Albrecht (Lance) and son-in-law Terry London, as well as grandchildren Laura, Lindsay, Emma, Mhairi and Spencer. He was preceded in death by his wife Joyce and his daughter Teri.

Tom was grateful for his Creator and his strong Catholic faith, his family, and his country which continues to be a land of opportunity.

He will be buried alongside Joyce at Ascension Cemetery 24754 Trabuco Rd, Lake Forest, CA 92630 at a date to be determined.

“May you live all the days in your life.”

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.tridentsociety.com/location/palm-desert-ca for the Liegler family.

By Tracy Liegler Albrecht

There are many family memories that are based out of venue experiences that come to mind about my dad, so here goes,

When my mom told me about her romance period with my dad it of course involved where they spent their honeymoon. Their plans got hijacked to turn south and assist with the Waterloo Whitehawk’s spring training in Florida. It was an introduction and initiation to my dad’s world of sports facilities and operations, and they had a blast driving south from Waterloo, Iowa, in January to the warmth of Florida to work among the buzz of minor league baseball.

As we grew up in Chicago, Houston, and then Anaheim, we always stopped at venues whether it was our destination or if we were passing by. Dad had a recording system using 3″ x 5″ cards. We were each given one and tasked to observe and record details of the experience. Whether it was service of parking attendants and ticket takers, ushers and food sales, comfort or seating, view satisfaction and cleanliness of the buildings and grounds, dad wanted to know. His special request was attention at the restrooms for cleanliness. This was so ordinary that we knew to grab a 3″ x 5″ card when departing to a Stones or Who concert.

We often went to IAAM conventions as the destination point of a summer vacation. New Orleans, Vancouver, and San Diego come to mind. Usually traveling by car, one year we rented an Explorer 26′ motor home to get there. That was so fun I don’t even remember the city we were driving to. Dad drove it down Lombard Lane in San Francisco so it may have been Vancouver. In case you are unaware, it is considered the curviest street in the US and not a good vacation experience, to put it simply. We made it through with a few less geraniums on the garden block walls than when we started. Once at the conference it was pure fun and interaction. Lots for kids to do, mainly a pool and entertainment in the evenings. I enjoyed seeing my mom and dad interact with people they loved to see after a year’s time.

Many memories of our family outings were at the Anaheim Convention Center, and all were engaging and memorable for both us kids and my parents. The Recreational Vehicle show always involved us getting separated as we explored large and small vehicle interiors, and the last part of the night was finding each other. It also involved watching audience volunteers, including my brother Scott wrestling Victor, the Wrestling Bear (an unforgettable memory!), and handler Tuffy Truesdale at the mic. The House and Garden Show was loaded with colorful flowers and always left my mom wanting to improve the yard, my siblings and I wanting a jacuzzi. Of course, a most appreciated connection with dad was the show-biz tie to rock and roll.

My first memory of a concert was the Doors with Jefferson Airplane as the starting band. I attended with my sister Teri when I was in second grade and old enough to remember Jim Morrison drinking whiskey between songs and walking with a bit more, well, floppiness than normal, and performing as a singer and pianist despite how “relaxed” he was. My brother, sister, and I put our money together and bought “The Doors”, their debut album, and I continued to witness their short-lived career with high idealism that second graders have. The rock and roll connection was a major source of excitement and privilege in my life. It began at the dinner table when dad would throw out names to get our reactions and discuss if these bands were worthy of bookings. Always a fun exchange, once I recall dad asking about “Pink Joe” when he intended to refer to Pink Floyd! Naturally, we hailed their booking. At concerts we sat independently with a friend or two and may or may not see dad. If we did it was in the halls or from lines at the snack bar, him walking and observing the event happenings firsthand.

I’ve been told that my family functioned best at Angel games. It was meant as kind of a joke, as at home there was the usual generation gap and us kids often longed to be with our friends when not at the dinner table or sleeping. I think the statement is true. At Angel games we all loved being there and loved being together. My mom kept scoring and play details in the program, my brother intently watched and spoke of players’ strengths, my sister the academic often brought her homework and played “find the fan in 10 questions or less” with me, and I simply adored being there and being together. Together, without dad at our side and that was the normal. I would shell my peanuts and have a small pile ready for him. We knew he was perusing the facility and always showed up sometime during the game, and with an interesting story of inside information of something going on in the background.

As an adult I have been privileged to attend social events at IAVM conferences with my mom and dad while occurring near my home just outside of Palm Springs. The productive energy of this group of talented people that touched my life as a child prevails today. I know this network of venue managers touched my dad’s life on a level of much greater magnitude as he noted “Friendly” on many of his 3″ x 5″ cards.

Photo Notes: Tracy and Tom enjoyed one last baseball game in early February in Palm Springs. Tom along with Tracy and his son, Scott, last September.

By Joyce Clendening

Raleigh’s premier arts venue raised the curtain and shined the spotlight on its official new name: Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts. Hosted in its grand lobby, the center honored its new name and unveiled signage during a special ceremony on Thursday, March 2.

“Martin Marietta’s commitment to lend its name and showcase our iconic performing arts center is impressive,” said Kerry Painter, CVE, Director/General Manager of the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex. “The company saw the value of continuing to provide access to cultural arts and entertainment that reflect Raleigh’s community for years to come, while also creating a sense of pride for their employees to see their name on the venue. Providing this diverse entertainment will continue to be our primary focus as we present the best variety of events for our community.”

In January 2023, the City of Raleigh and Martin Marietta entered a 20-year agreement to name Raleigh’s premier arts venue.

The center hosts over 600 events each year, attracting approximately 400,000 guests annually to its four unique venues: Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, Meymandi Concert Hall, A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater, and Kennedy Theatre. The center’s many activities create an average of $35.4 million in economic benefit for Raleigh’s businesses, hotels, and restaurants each year.

During the March 2nd event, executive leadership from Martin Marietta, the City, and the center discussed the exciting new partnership. In addition to the grand lobby, the venue’s newly branded name will also be featured throughout the grounds, as well as a new 8’ x 5’ x 2.5’ boulder from Martin Marietta’s Garner Quarry that sits prominently on the outdoor Lichtin Plaza.

“At Martin Marietta, we are invested in the strength of our communities and committed to the long-term success of our neighbors and stakeholders,” said Martin Marietta Chairman and CEO Ward Nye. “It is a true honor to partner with the City of Raleigh and the Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex to ensure this historic and elegant venue will continue to serve our community and be an ongoing beacon for renowned artists and performers for many years to come.”

Joyce Clendening is Media Relations Manager with McKeeman Communications.

By Liz Davis

AMS Planning & Research, an arts management consulting practice with offices in Connecticut and California, announced the expansion of its presence in the Midwest with the addition of Jon Faris as a Director of the company. Faris assumed his new role March 1.

Faris joined AMS as an Associate in October 2021, working on a range of projects from feasibility studies to serving as owner’s counsel and guiding strategic planning initiatives. Steven A. Wolff, Principal of AMS said, “Jon brings together industry insight, an understanding of how our clients do their work and hands-on project and facility development expertise that will help our clients realize successful projects in a rapidly changing environment.”

Based in Chicago, Illinois, Faris was the Managing Director of Writers Theatre for fourteen years. He led the design and construction of its new state-of-the-art theatre center, designed by internationally renowned architect and MacArthur Fellow recipient Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang Architects with planning support provided by AMS. Faris also partnered with Executive Director Kate Lipuma to lead the company’s day-to-day operations, working closely with the leadership team to develop strategy and support the marketing, fundraising, production, finance, facilities, education, and artistic departments.

After Writers Theatre, Faris was the Head of Production Operations for Category41, an immersive and experiential entertainment studio that creates experience-driven entertainment at the intersection of digital and physical. Category41’s experiences immerse audiences in surprising and visceral universes that shift how we see, feel, and interact with the world around us. Deeply engaged in this paradigm shift, Jon worked with creative teams to execute projects from inception to operations, including business modeling, budgeting, and production and operational management.

“It is an honor to join AMS Planning & Research during a time when the performing arts and entertainment sectors are undergoing significant change and transition,” Faris said. “Our work with clients helps them make sense of their current situations and plan for a new future. I am excited to bring my experience both in theatre and the immersive and experiential entertainment fields to serve AMS’s clients while deepening AMS’s work with arts communities in Chicago and throughout the Midwest. As those of us who have come up through Chicago’s theatre community know, we value authenticity, collaboration, and a spirit of innovation and risk-taking, qualities shared with the leadership team at AMS.”

Liz Davis is Business Development and Office Manager for AMS Planning & Research.

By Courtney Hornsby

Following a national talent search, the City of West Monroe and Sports Facilities Companies announced their selection of Jamie Johnson for General Manager of their new sports complex, West Monroe Sports & Events. The West Monroe native brings his athletics-focused professional experience, years of public and private sector management, and a life-long passion for sports to the facility. Johnson is the co-owner of D-BAT Monroe, a baseball and softball equipment company and training facility franchise. He also spent over five years playing professional ball for the Detroit Tigers.

“Until now, we haven’t had a local venue large enough for major sports and events. I am blessed to have the opportunity to make an impact through sports in my hometown,” Johnson said. “I have big first-year aspirations that include stacking our calendar with a wide range of exciting events and sports tournaments. Our goal is for people nationwide to recognize and get excited about playing at West Monroe Sports & Events and visiting our city.”

The 112,000-square-foot indoor sports venue is slated to open in Fall 2023 and will become a regional hub for multi-purpose sports tourism and local programming. The facility is comprised of eight full-size basketball courts that can convert to 16 volleyball courts or 24 pickleball courts, meeting and event spaces, an open-air spectator mezzanine, and onsite concessions.

“We are thrilled to have Jamie on board,” said Mayor Staci Mitchell. “His leadership experience, customer service expertise, and local knowledge make him a great choice for our facility. He is backed by our national management firm, and we are confident that he will be a big asset in executing the vision of the city and providing guests with an incredible experience.”

“We are working very closely with the Monroe West Monroe Convention & Visitors Bureau to line up a variety of exciting volleyball and basketball tournaments, gymnastic competitions, and pickleball events, to name a few. These bookings will catalyze an influx in tourism revenue for local businesses, restaurants, and hotels,” added SFC Account Executive Jessica Kuhl. “In addition to driving economic impact, this facility will bring multi-faceted benefits and create new opportunities for the City of West Monroe.”

Progress on the construction of West Monroe Sports & Events continues to progress with the walls and roof of the facility nearly completed. Currently, the focus has shifted to installing necessary infrastructure such as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. The complex will feature an adjoining hotel connected by a covered corridor for a ‘stay and play’ experience that sets it apart. The venue will boost tourism for West Monroe by hosting large, notable sports tournaments that attract teams and spectators from across the Southeast.

Courtney Hornsby is with the City of West Monroe.