By Ike Richman
The Tahoe Douglas Visitors Authority (TDVA) and Oak View Group (OVG), the global venue development, advisory, and investment company for both the sports and live entertainment industries, announced an exclusive multi-year naming rights agreement with Tahoe Blue Vodka, the world’s only vodka crafted from the pristine Tahoe water. The highly anticipated live entertainment, sports, and conference center on the south shore of Lake Tahoe will be named the Tahoe Blue Center. Located in Stateline, NV, the Tahoe Blue Center is projected to open in July 2023 and host 130 events annually.
In addition to securing naming rights to the center, Tahoe Blue Vodka’s agreement includes prominent exterior and interior signage and a commitment to sustainable efforts inside the Tahoe Blue Center. This is the first naming rights sponsorship for Tahoe Blue Vodka.
“As the naming rights partner for the new Tahoe Blue Center, we are proud to support this spectacular, 
innovative, and unparalleled venue that reflects our long-standing commitment to invest in the region, celebrate the unique Lake Tahoe lifestyle, and be a driving force as an ecological leader and innovator,” said Matt Levitt, Founder & CEO of Tahoe Blue Vodka.
Tahoe Blue Vodka was founded in 2012 by local entrepreneur Matt Levitt. The award-winning taste combines pristine Tahoe sourced water with a blend of grapes, corn, and sugarcane for a clean, gluten-free, crisp taste and a remarkably smooth finish. Tahoe Blue Vodka has won over 30 prestigious awards at the highest regarded spirits tasting competitions. Through its parent company, Tahoe Spirits, Inc., Tahoe Blue Vodka has donated over $200K of its proceeds to organizations that work to protect Lake Tahoe and its surrounding environment. Tahoe Blue Vodka is available in stores throughout Reno, Tahoe, Northern Nevada, Sacramento, San Francisco and Southern California. For more information about Tahoe Blue Vodka, please visit www.tahoebluevodka.com.
“We are excited to be forming a long-term partnership with Tahoe Blue Vodka,” said Laurie Kemmit, Vice President of OVG Global Partnerships. “The crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe inspired Matt Levitt to create Tahoe Blue Vodka, and his brand is committed to the South Tahoe Region. Sustainability is an important initiative to this project, so we are appreciative to find a community partner such as Matt and Tahoe Blue Vodka whose priority is to help preserve the Lake and surrounding area.”
The partnership was developed by OVG Global Partnerships, the sponsorship and naming rights division of Oak View Group that connects world-class brands with world-class live entertainment properties.
“The center is a significant investment in the destination’s sustainable future and year-round economic health and we’re pleased to announce this wonderful representation of local partnership,” said Carol Chaplin, President & CEO, Tahoe Douglas Visitors Authority. “Tahoe Blue Vodka is a company that was born right here in Lake Tahoe and their substantial investment will offer multiple levels of sponsorship.”
Once completed, the arena and conference center will serve as a key anchor to Lake Tahoe’s south shore and help drive visitors during the shoulder seasons while creating jobs for residents.
Located at 75 US Highway 50, Tahoe Blue Center will host dozens of concerts, family shows, conferences, banquets, meetings, community, corporate and private events, and live sporting events. The Tahoe Blue Center will accommodate up to 6,000 guests per event and is expected to see over 200,000 guests come through the doors annually. The Tahoe Blue Center is scheduled to open in July 2023.
Ike Richman is president of Richman Communications for Oak View Group.
