The NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers have revealed plans to expand capacity at Raymond James Stadium to cater to an unprecedented demand for 2022 season passes.

The Buccaneers have announced an additional seating area named The Krewe’s Nest, which will be located in the south end zone at Raymond James Stadium. The additional 3,600 seats will increase the stadium’s capacity to nearly 70,000 for one of the most anticipated seasons in Buccaneers history.

“The upcoming 2022 season includes one of the most exciting slates of home games in our franchise history and we are excited to announce that this year, more fans than ever before will have the opportunity to watch the games at Raymond James Stadium,” said Buccaneers chief operating officer, Brian Ford.

“We continuously look for ways to improve the gameday experience for our great fans and to provide an unmatched home-field advantage for our team. With nearly 70,000 fans in attendance for home games, this will be one of the most memorable seasons in Raymond James Stadium history.”

In addition to discounted parking, Krewe’s Nest season pass holders will also receive 2022 playoff purchase priority and the opportunity to upgrade seats for the 2023 season.

The Buccaneers’ move to expand capacity comes with the franchise guaranteed at least another season with legendary quarterback Tom Brady. The 44-year-old in February announced his retirement after a glittering NFL career, only to swiftly backtrack the following month by stating he would return for the 2022 season.

Ahead of the 2021 season, the Buccaneers unveiled the Champions Lounge and a series of other enhancements at Raymond James Stadium.

Photo by Populous

By Kristen Durst

Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center in Madison, Wisconsin, is celebrating its 25th Anniversary. The Frank Lloyd Wright designed facility opened in July 1997 after extensive civic debate. In its first 25 years, Monona Terrace has generated over $697 million in economic impact from conferences and conventions, held over 16,000 events, and welcomed nearly nine million visitors and attendees.

Monona Terrace is marking the special occasion with a free community celebration on Saturday,
July 23 at its William T. Evjue Rooftop Gardens. The event will feature local and regional bands,
dance performances and conclude with a spectacular drone show over Lake Monona.

“Monona Terrace has seen tremendous growth in our first 25 years, just a glimpse of what the
future has in store,” said Executive Director Connie Thompson. “This celebration is a thank you to the community for their support and the essential role they’ve played in our success.”

Kristen Durst is Community and Public Relations Manager for Monona Terrace Community and Convention Center.

By R.V. Baugus

Since 2014, Todd Hunt, CVE, has served as an instructor at IAVM’s Venue Management School. He has had an opportunity over those eight-plus years to hear other’s names called as recipients of the prestigious Ray Ward Award, so named after the father of industry professional development, Ray Ward. You may now add the name of Todd Hunt to that impressive and decorated list of winners.

For the past two years, Hunt has served as senior vice president at Venue Coalition, a live entertainment consulting company focused on booking artists, Attractions, and touring productions in arena and theater venues.

Hunt, who for most of his career is known as a venue professional in his beloved home state of Mississippi, expressed both surprise and gratitude when his name was called in early June at IAVM’s VMS at the Saddlebrook Resort near Tampa, Florida.

“I was certainly surprised yet very honored to receive this year’s Ray Ward Award,” Hunt said. “To be recognized for my contributions to education within our industry is a remarkable feeling. As a second-generation venue manager, this industry means a tremendous amount to me.

“I also come from a long line of educators, so teaching at VMS is something that is truly in my blood! It’s quite an honor to be included with the legends who are previous recipients of the award.”

Save for a couple of years early in his career when Hunt worked at the UTC Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, his home has been in the Magnolia State of Mississippi first at the Tupelo Coliseum followed by an almost eight-year stint as Director of Humphrey Coliseum and Athletic Concessions at Mississippi State University (where he earned his B.B.A. in Management and to this day is one of the most ardent Hail State supporters). From there it was on to BancorpSouth Arena and Conference Center once again in Tupelo before moving on to Venue Coalition.

Hunt also earned an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the University of Mississippi, so the role of education is obviously important in his life and career.

“I first attended VMS as a student in 2006 and began my teaching career in 2013,” he said. “I joined the Board of Regents in 2015, served as the VMA exchange instructor teaching at the Australian school in 2016, was selected to go through the leadership chairs in 2017, and served as chair of the school in 2019.

“Being selected to join the faculty ranks alongside many of the same instructors who taught me just a few years prior was a dream come true. Now to receive the Ray Ward Award? Truly a fantastic feeling!”

Hunt went on to acknowledge the greatness of Ray Ward while also thanking those who have propelled him in his distinguished career.

“Ray may have been small in stature, but he was a giant in the industry,” Hunt said. “His dedication to VMS and to lifelong learning set a great example for us to follow.

“I certainly wouldn’t be in this position without the support of my family, who have graciously allowed me to spend a week each year at the school. And Michael Marion and the late Terry Butler were the two venue managers who encouraged me to give back to the industry. Teaching at VMS is one of the most fulfilling things I have done in my professional career.”

That fulfillment is now capped by receiving the highest honor given by VMS.

By Karen Caro

The Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority announced the promotion of Nick Panter to the position of Executive Chef at the Cobb Galleria Centre and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Panter joined the culinary team in 2015 as Chef de Cuisine and has been promoted throughout his tenure to Sous Chef and Executive Sous Chef. As Executive Chef, Panter will oversee the entire kitchen and stewarding operation at both venues.

Born in Texas, Panter grew up in Oklahoma and New Mexico where he learned the art of creating powerful, spicy and craveable dishes drawing inspiration from Southeast Asian cuisine. Passionate about giving each guest a unique dining experience, Chef Panter plans to build upon the use of sustainable sourcing while expanding the network of local purveyors.

A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Panter is married with three daughters.

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

The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center announced that Elaine Williams, CMP, CEM-AP, has been named as the facility’s Senior Director of Sales and Event Services. In this new role, Williams will be responsible for developing and overseeing the Sales and Event Services functions from planning to execution.

Williams’ career in the Convention Center began with ARAMARK in 1996 when she was named Sales Manager. While working for ARAMARK, Williams rose through the ranks to achieve the positions of Director of Sales, Director of Operations, and Interim General Manager. She joined the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center sales team in 2007 as a National Sales Manager. Most recently, Williams served as the Director of Sales for the facility.

In May 2021, Williams became the first facility representative in the history of the International Association of Exhibits and Events (IAEE) to earn an Advanced Professional certification in Exhibition Management.

“Elaine recently celebrated her 15-year anniversary working at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center,” said Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President. “Her contributions have been meaningful, and she consistently exceeds the expectations of our internal and external customers. Placing her in this new role demonstrates our faith that Elaine will continue to achieve great heights in our industry for many more years to come.”