The Nashville Predators and Bridgestone Arena are officially Certified Sensory Inclusive by KultureCity! The organization has partnered with KultureCity to improve staff members’ ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for all guests at all events.

“We strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing disorders by supplying our staff with continuous training and by offering the necessary resources and accommodations to our guests inside Smashville,” Nashville Predators Vice President of Event Operations David Chadwell said. “The certification processes our staff went through included training by leading medical professionals on how to recognize those guests and fans with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation.”

Sensory Bags Sensory bags containing special KCVIP badges, fidget tools, noise canceling headphones, and other resources are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) at the AT&T Fan Information Center located off the main concourse and near the entrance to the Lexus Lounge.

Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD, and other similar conditions. One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over stimulation and noise, which is an enormous part of the environment in a venue like Bridgestone Arena. With its new certification, Arena staff are now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when attending any event inside Smashville.

“To know that you soon will be able to see families attend a hockey game, a true community binding experience, with their loved ones who have a sensory challenge and who were not able to previously attend, is truly a heartwarming moment,” KultureCity Executive Director Traci Johnson said. “Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that the Nashville Predators and Bridgestone Arena are willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing.”

Daktronics has partnered with High Point University to manufacture and install four new LED video displays to the Millis Center in High Point, North Carolina. Installation was completed this summer to bring improved visual experience to Panthers sports and special events.

“High Point University is thrilled to enhance the game-day experience for our fans this season with the installation of new Daktronics video boards in our basketball arena,” said High Point University Athletic Director Dan Hauser. “Daktronics has been the leader in the area of video board technology and it was an easy decision to partner with a business built on customer service and quality products. We’re excited to begin the 2018-19 basketball season with hall of fame head coach Tubby Smith and a transformed Millis Center thanks to Daktronics video boards.”

The main display measures 12.5 feet high by 22 feet wide and three auxiliary displays each measure 9.5 feet high by 16.5 feet wide. All four displays feature 6-millimeter line spacing to bring crisp, clear imagery to fans, student-athletes and coaches at every event.

“This project started out with a goal of increasing the size of each display in Millis as well as trying to streamline their control system in hopes of making the operator experience more user-friendly,” said Corey Williams, Daktronics sales representative. “I think that we were able to accomplish their goals and it has brought a new feel to this great facility. We’re very grateful for the opportunity to build upon our long-standing relationship with High Point University and can’t wait to see the impact the new system will have on the fans’ game-day experience.”

Each of the video displays is capable of variable content zoning. This allows each display to show one large image or to be divided into multiple zones to show any combination of live video, instant replays, up-to-the-minute statistics, graphics, animations and sponsorship messages.

Along the sidelines, the Millis Center received four courtside LED scorer’s tables. Each table measures approximately 2 feet high by 9 feet wide and features 10-millimeter line spacing. They can provide supplemental content to the main displays such as statistics and graphics as well as offering the opportunity to highlight sponsors throughout events.

Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California, is celebrating the tenth anniversary of the venue on October 24, 2018. From 5 pm to 7:30 pm the community is invited to explore the venue, enjoy a “Taste of the Arena” at the new concession stands, explore the new concourse patio, and enter to win tickets for upcoming events.

“We wanted to find a way to let everyone enjoy exploring the new improvements at the arena so we’re hosting a party to celebrate our 10th Anniversary” said Michael Krouse, president & CEO. “Our open house will be the exact date, 10 years ago, when the very first ticketed event took place. We are celebrating with the Grand Opening of our new outdoor patio on the main concourse plus
everyone will enjoy the new design and taste of our concession stands.”

The first 100 people to enter the doors on October 24 at 5 pm will receive a swag bag. Each attendee can pick up a tour card for the opportunity to visit all five concession stands for a taste of the new menu items plus a visit to the San Manuel Club, a private space reserved for Premium Seating guests only. In addition to the music, contests, and tasty treats the home teams and partners of the Arena have been invited to join the fun with activation stations.

Known as the Entertainment Icon of the Inland Empire, Citizens Business Bank Arena has been the community’s home for sporting competitions, family shows, and concerts for 10 years.

IAVM’s Facility Manager (FM) Magazine and its Senior Editor R.V. Baugus have been announced as a recipient of the 2018 Silver Quill Award by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Southern Region. 

“It is a tremendous honor for a number of us who worked on this special issue of Facility Manager magazine to receive a Silver Quill Award,” stated Baugus.  “Diversity and inclusive leadership has been at the forefront of IAVM, and to have the magazine recognized in the Publications category based on this subject matter is very satisfying.”

The Silver Quill is being awarded to Baugus for FM’s May/June 2018 issue covering diversity and inclusive leadership initiatives within IAVM and the public assembly venue management industry.  The #WeBelong issue was one of the highest talked about and praised issues in the publication’s rich history for its lack of a cover image and unabashed look into the past and future of diversity and inclusion in our industry.

“Aside from it being my favorite Pat Benatar song, #WeBelong just made great sense as the hashtag to use on the cover, because we truly all do belong,” explained Baugus.  “It is also worth noting that our Director of Marketing, Amy Fitzpatrick, had the great idea that ‘less is more’ on the cover, and she suggested the black cover with the simple white type for #WeBelong. It really conveyed the message and importance of the topic and also happens to be the only cover in the 33-year history of the magazine to have only type on the cover.”

Known as one of the most prestigious awards program in the industry, Silver Quill recognizes business communicators from throughout the IABC Southern Region.  Baugus will accept the award on October 18, 2018, in Nashville, TN.

If you missed out on reading this award-winning issue of FM, you can CLICK HERE to view our digital issue.

With profound sadness, Populous announced the passing this week of one of its founders, Jerry Anderson, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Jerry was a pioneer in the sport architecture industry. Over a four decade career, Jerry led the design and operations of the world’s most prestigious venues and sporting events, including the NFL Super Bowl, Olympic Games, NCAA championship events and the FIFA World Cup. Jerry impacted nearly every professional and collegiate sports league, and, as one of the foremost authorities in the sport and special event industry, he was widely recognized for his trailblazing experience in the planning and design of venues and events.

“Jerry made an indelible mark on Populous’ global presence, but more importantly, his work is etched in the memories of billions around the world,” said Earl Santee, FAIA, Populous Americas Managing Director. “He was a respected colleague, a friend to so many and a leader for us all, and we will greatly miss him.”

Jerry received a bachelor’s degree with honors from Montana State University, and he received his master’s degree in architecture from the University of California, Berkeley. He was recognized by Sports Business International as one of the World’s 20 Most Influential and as an Architecture Industry Leader by the Denver Business Journal.

Jerry started his career as an architect in Seattle and then later in San Francisco. His early projects included designs for the Rose Bowl, Candlestick Park, and many ski resorts. He invented the modern-day industry of major event planning, and the NFL was one of his first and longest-statured clients. He has worked on every NFL Super Bowl since Super Bowl XIX at Stanford Stadium and has helped grow the event into one of the most recognized in the world.

“Few people are more synonymous with the Super Bowl and more a part of the NFL events family than Jerry. The list of ways that Jerry made the NFL — and everything he touched — better is extraordinary,” said Peter O’Reilly, NFL Senior Vice President of Events & Club Business Development. “Though we will miss him dearly, his legacy will shine on.”

As his renown grew, Jerry built large teams that successfully planned, delivered and operated events such as the 1994 FIFA World Cup USA, the 1996 Olympic Summer Games in Atlanta and the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City. In total, he was involved extensively in the delivery of 13 Olympic Games.

Jerry was honored and humbled to be recognized for his comprehensive Olympic career by being selected to participate in the 2012 London Olympic Games Torch Relay. Reflecting on being a torch bearer, Jerry said, “I’ve had the honor to connect with the Olympic spirit in many ways over my career – from our venues, to athletes, to staff, to spectators, and to communities. But this was truly one of the most amazing and thrilling experiences of my Olympic journey – to connect so closely to people through the power of the torch and the flame. I could feel their pride, happiness, and hope everywhere I turned. It was exciting and humbling all at the same time.”

Following the success of the 2002 Salt Lake Games where Jerry was the Managing Director of Venue Development, he joined Populous and opened the firm’s Denver office. In the ensuing decades, he led a team of event architects, planners, operators and accreditation experts that grew with clients such as the National Hockey League, NCAA Final Four and College Football Playoff.
While this is an impressive list, Jerry’s true contribution was his approach to projects, clients, staff and consultants; literally every individual with whom he interacted.

“Jerry approached every project with professionalism, grace and humor. He had an immeasurable impact on me and multiple others in the business,” said Populous Senior Principal Jeff Keas. “That is his true legacy.”

Jerry perfected the art of staying calm under pressure and trained his staff always to avoid the spotlight, as he put it, “stay in the shadows.”

“Jerry loved every aspect of every detail that goes into planning an event in a stadium or venue site. He loved teaching the art and practice of event and watching his team grow into the professionals we have all become,” said Populous Senior Principal Todd Barnes. “We are all blessed to have been able to learn from a true worldwide innovator.”

As a Populous co-founder and leader, Jerry created the firm’s event and accreditation practice and grew the firm’s Denver presence to its current staff of nearly 50. He also served as Chairman of the firm’s Board of Directors and under his chairmanship, Populous has had some of its most successful years in its 35-year history.

“When you think about Jerry’s career, he had a roster of clients any professional would envy. But he was the consummate professional, and what grounded him every day was bringing leadership to the event teams as they prepared and delivered life’s most memorable moments,” Santee said. “As we reflect on what it means to carry Jerry’s torch forward, it’s an incredible legacy and a road map to leave for generations to come.”

Jerry is survived by his wife, Rebecca, and son, Jackson; a brother, Dave, and his father, Gerald.