By Jordan Van Dootingh

As part of the extensive, ongoing commitment of the Cavs, Monsters and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse organization to maintain and foster an inclusive environment that is welcoming to everyone, two restrooms at the FieldHouse have been permanently converted into all-gender facilities in order to increase safe and appropriate accommodations for all visitors.

The new gender-inclusive restrooms will provide comfortable and convenient restroom access to transgender and gender non-conforming guests, as well as any guest who may require the assistance of a caregiver, parent or child of a different gender.

The all-gender restrooms are located near Portals 29-30 on the lower Street Level concourse, adjacent to the Power Portal, and near Portals 58-59 on the FirstEnergy Loudville upper level concourse next to the Overlook Bar.

In addition to the two new all-gender restrooms, men, women and family restrooms can also be found on each level of the venue. All 62 private suites at the FieldHouse also have a private restroom available inside each suite.

Jordan Van Dootingh is Coordinator Corporate Communications for Cavaliers Operating Company, LLC. in Cleveland, Ohio.

By Ryan Miller

Optus Stadium in Burswood, Western Australia, announced that its brewing partnership with Gage Roads Brew Co.has been extended for a further five years.

The Stadium’s brewing experience, showcasing up to six Gage Roads products at General Public bars, has been integral to the development of the customer experience at the Stadium and the new announcement ensures that this world leading experience is maintained until 2027.

“Western Australia’s Stadium has proudly served Western Australian beer since 2017 and we are delighted to confirm that will continue,” said Mike McKenna, Chief Executive of the Stadium.

“Customer feedback since 2017 indicates that the broad range and quality of product on offer is an important part of the Stadium experience and we’re proud to confirm that this will continue to be the case, in partnership with Gage Roads.”

Fans have supported the full range of core beers, including Single Fin Summer Ale and Side Track XPA, enjoyed being amongst the first to taste Gage Roads’ new releases with Pipe Dreams Coastal Lager being launched at the Stadium last year, and experienced special brews such as the Best Red Ale, brewed exclusively for consumption in the Stadium during the 2019 Manchester United tour.

Gage Roads product will also be available at many of the experiences around Stadium Park including the City View Café, Stadium Park Karts bar and at Christmas Markets.

“We’re proud to be involved in a partnership that’s delivering a variety of fresh craft beers to local fans,” said Gage Roads Managing Director, John Hoedemaker.

“We brew our beer just 14 kilometres down the road from Optus Stadium, so fans will continue to enjoy the freshest beer possible.

“Since 2018, Gage Roads has served more than five million beers to fans at Optus Stadium, across a variety of great sport and entertainment events. We look forward to continuing that in the coming years.”

Since the first beer was poured at Optus Stadium at the first event three years ago, Gage Roads has expanded significantly. The Palmyra based brewery has increased their sales 162 per cent, adding 58 jobs and now employing 132 people.

While fans at Optus Stadium have benefited from the growth of Gage Roads, the success of the independent brewer has flowed on to regional Western Australia with Gage Roads now the biggest buyer of WA grown barely, the majority of which comes from the Wheatbelt.

Photo: John Hoedemaker, Gage Roads Managing Director

Please find attached images of Gage Roads Managing Director, John Hoedemaker for publication purposes.

Ryan Miller is with Optus Stadium in Burswood, Western Australia.

By Dennis Dennehy

First Avenue, one of the country’s leading independent concert promoters and venue owners, and AXS, a leader in mobile ticketing, marketing and data solutions, have entered an exclusive ticketing partnership that includes the six venues owned or operated by the Minneapolis-based company: First Avenue, 7th St Entry, Turf Club, Fine Line, The Fitzgerald Theater, and the Palace Theatre, which First Avenue co-operates with Jam Productions. First Avenue will utilize the full suite of AXS products and services to enhance every level of the event lifecycle, from where fans discover and purchase tickets to how they enter the venues.

“As independent venues and concert promoters, the First Avenue team is constantly looking for innovative ways to offer the best experience from start to finish for the fans. We are thrilled to welcome AXS as our official ticketing partner, elevating our fan experience with new features like 3D seat maps at our theaters, seamless mobile tickets and transfer and a broad array of marketing and distribution capabilities, helping fans discover and purchase tickets wherever they are on the internet. They make the buying processes incredibly easy and secure, which is exactly what we want to offer,” says Nate Kranz, First Avenue’s General Manager.

AXS’ patented ID-based mobile ticketing solution, AXS Mobile ID, powers seamless and secure ticket delivery, transfer, resale and contactless entry into the venues. Additionally, the AXS Anywhere technology allows for promotion and purchasing on major social media, streaming, and discovery sites such as YouTube, Spotify, Facebook, Songkick, and Bandsintown.

“Independent venues are the lifeblood of our industry and AXS is committed to bringing the best technology to help them generate new revenues and deliver a world-class consumer experience. As a pillar of their community for over 50 years, we could be not be more excited about our partnership with First Avenue,” said Stephanie Streeter, Senior Director for AXS Music.

Dennis Dennehy is Chief Communications Officer for AEG Presents.

Dave Straley is the Event Coordinator at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center on the campus of the University of Florida. Dave has risen through the ranks of the “O’Dome” beginning as a part-time student worker in 2013 to his full time administrator role since 2017. He oversees both the “Changeover” and “Floor Crew” divisions in addition to being the leading administrator for all UF Women’s Volleyball and Basketball games, various tradeshows, banquets, and other arena events. He enjoys his free time on the beach, weightlifting, and spending time with friends and family.”

“I was elated to find out I was awarded the 30 Under 30 award, not for myself but for every single person that has helped me along my journey. This award reinvigorated my passion and helps make the long days and nights along with working holidays and weekends, all worth it! ” 

Join your Foundation in congratulating Dave on being honored as one of the 30|UNDER|30 Class of 2020 and don’t forget to come back each Thursday as we spotlight another honoree!

Many thanks to our volunteer members who are recruiting new members to the Association. As of today, we’ve brought in 36 new members because our leadership is promoting the value of belonging to IAVM. Here are the top five recruiters of the JustOne campaign:

• Andrea Smalls – Georgia International Convention Center/GICC – 8 new members
• Jim Brown, CVE – First National Bank Arena – 3 members
• Bill Bavirsha, CVE – UIC Sports Complex – 3 members
• Kerry Painter, CVE, CEM, CMP – Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex – 3 members
• Paul Turner, CVE – AT&T Stadium – 3 members

All of these leaders are part of IAVM’s Group Membership Program. Group membership is an easy way to get more of your team members involved, either as Professional Group Members or Allied Group Members.

This annual recruitment campaign enables IAVM’s volunteer leaders to recruit one new member. Who makes up the IAVM Leadership? The Board of Directors, Foundation Board of Trustees, Regents, Governors, Committees and Task Forces – 298 individuals — spread the word about the value of IAVM membership.

Why is this important? In these challenging times, our collective voices make a difference with our advocacy efforts. IAVM’s governance is working hard to identify the next round of leaders that will propel the Association into the future, but more importantly, deliver expanded connections from diverse backgrounds that will enhance sharing opportunities at our schools and conferences and on boards and committees.

There is still time to build on our success. Encourage your peers, employees, suppliers or neighboring venues to join soon. The campaign ends on March 31, 2021.

REWARD: The Board, Committee, Council, Task Force, Region and individual that refers the most members will be recognized at VC21 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Questions, contact Member Services at membership@iavm.org.