Oak View Group (OVG), a global leader in venue development, management, premium hospitality services and 360-degree solutions, announced today the launch of a dedicated division focused on the company’s global stadium business. Joining an expanding array of services offered by OVG360, OVG Stadia will bring together industry leading stadium experts throughout the company to act as strategic partners in all regions globally.
With the addition of Chris Wright, President, OVG Stadia, the new division will build on a robust OVG roster of stadium clients in the U.S. including Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, CA, Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA and the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, TX, among others. Wright, the former GM of Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, NV, will lead the team of stadium experts to plan, develop, design, build, sell and operate world-class stadiums that reflect the iconic teams and communities they represent. Joining Wright is Greg Desharnais, Executive Vice President of OVG Stadia, specializing in stadium design, operational planning and execution, and venue management and Samantha Johnson, who will serve as the SVP of Sales for OVG Stadia, responsible for designing revenue generating private event programs specific to each market, cultivating deep and lasting relationships to deliver world class results. The OVG Stadia team will report to Greg O’Dell, President, Venue Management, OVG360.
“The depth and breadth of stadium experience that Chris Wright and his team at OVG Stadia bring, presents an exciting opportunity for Oak View Group as we continue to expand our services and further strengthen our cohort of experts, covering every area of the venue development and management business,” said Greg O’Dell, President, Venue Management, OVG360. “Our focus is on providing the greatest benefit to our clients and partners as we grow our teams to drive innovation, thought leadership and the highest standards.”
Over the last several years OVG has also established a significant stadium business specific to the college space, highlighted by Penn State’s iconic Beaver Stadium, the renovated David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, and the acquisition of a new Stadium Club collection, featuring membership clubs at the University of North Carolina, University of Arizona, Texas Tech University, the University of Utah, Baylor University and Virginia Tech University. OVG’s Stadium Alliance, consisting of 15 members, also assists major league ballparks and stadiums across the U.S. in generating new revenue through incremental concerts, events and sponsorship opportunities.
“The growth in stadium development across the world is remarkable and we’re excited to be leading the charge with big projects, new markets and a dedicated team of experts to offer vision and experience for our clients and partners,” said Jessica Koravos, President, Oak View Group International.
OVG Stadia will also expand the company’s stadium roster internationally which includes the iconic Wembley Stadium, St. Andrew’s at Knighthead Park (Birmingham FC), and Scotland’s largest, Murrayfield Stadium. In addition to Wright, Desharnais and Johnson, OVG Stadia will bring together a number of executives with deep experience operating or monetizing stadiums across the globe, including:
Mark Donnelly, EVP, Venues and Operations, OVG International, overseeing arena and stadium development and partnership opportunities in the UK, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Ela Greatorex, Vice President, Venue Development, supporting international development of arenas and stadiums. Ela previously held a venue management role undertaking operations and infrastructure consultancy for UEFA on their Champions League Finals.
Gary Hutchinson, Vice President, Booking & Commercial Partnerships, OVG International and MD Chrysalis Leisure Management, responsible for content development and strategic partnerships internationally.
DeLayne Martin, Director of Business Development and Anja Marcusiu, Business Development Manager, supporting business development, client operational reviews, programming creation and revenue generation opportunities for new and existing stadiums around the globe.
