Legends Global Renews Management Agreement with Mayo Civic Center
Five-Year Renewal Expands Partnership to Include Food and Beverage Operations
Legends Global and Experience Rochester today announced a contract renewal that extends Legends Global’s management and operations of the Mayo Civic Center for an additional five years, along with a new five-year agreement for food and beverage services. The renewal includes a five-year option for both venue management and F&B operations.
The expanded agreement builds on a successful partnership and positions the Mayo Civic Center for continued growth, enhanced guest experiences, and innovative culinary offerings that reinforce the center’s role as a premier meetings and events destination in the Upper Midwest.
“We’re proud of the results achieved through the collaboration between Legends Global, Experience Rochester, the Mayo Civic Center team, and the City of Rochester,” said Craig Barkdull, general manager of the Mayo Civic Center for Legends Global, which manages the venue. “With Legends’ expanded scope, we’re focused on maximizing event activity, elevating live entertainment and meetings programming, and delivering consistently exceptional experiences for our clients and guests.”
Located in the heart of downtown Rochester, Mayo Civic Center offers more than 200,000 square feet of flexible meeting and exhibit space, including Minnesota’s largest ballroom, which can seat more than 2,000 guests banquet-style. The facility also features 23 breakout rooms, a full banquet production kitchen, expansive pre-function spaces with views of the Zumbro River and downtown Rochester, and Riverfront Plaza, an outdoor reception venue.
“Mayo Civic Center plays a critical role in Rochester’s economy and downtown vitality,” said Joe Ward, president of Experience Rochester and Mayo Civic Center. “Partnering with Legends Global allows us to enhance venue operations and food and beverage service in a way that benefits our clients, guests, and community. Together, we’re focused on the next chapter of growth for Mayo Civic Center.”
Under the renewed management agreement, Legends Global will continue to oversee day-to-day operations of Mayo Civic Center, with an emphasis on operational excellence, client service, and community impact. Integrating food and beverage services under Legends Global further aligns venue operations, creating efficiencies while enhancing the overall event experience for planners, exhibitors, and attendees.
“The Mayo Civic Center is a high-performing facility with a strong reputation in the meetings and events industry,” said Dan Hoffend, executive vice president of convention centers, Legends Global. “By expanding our partnership to include food and beverage operations, we’re able to take a more holistic approach to the guest experience—combining operational expertise, culinary innovation, and service consistency to support the center’s continued success.”
Designed to meet the sophisticated production, audiovisual, and wireless requirements of today’s meeting planners, Mayo Civic Center can accommodate multiple large-scale events simultaneously. An expansion completed in 2017 significantly enhanced the center’s ability to host medical and technical conferences, large business meetings, and healthcare summits that align with Rochester’s global reputation as a hub for innovation and healthcare.
Legends Global Appoints Josh Kritzler As President, North American Venues & Content
Kritzler to Lead Venue Operations, Content, and Booking Across North American Network
Legends Global, the premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands, announced today that Josh Kritzler has been appointed President, North American Venues & Content. In this role, Kritzler will oversee the company’s portfolio of North American arenas, stadiums, theaters, and convention centers and lead venue operations, content, and booking across the network.
“As we continue to build Legends Global into the premier partner for the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands, Josh’s leadership is a natural fit,” said Dan Levy, CEO of Legends Global. “He brings an entrepreneurial mindset, deep operational experience, and a strong commercial perspective. His ability to connect strategy, content, and execution will help us better serve our partners and continue raising the bar across our North American venue network.”
Added Kritzler: “I’m excited to step into this role and work alongside our teams to bring even greater alignment across content, commercial strategy, and operations. With the most powerful venue network in North America, we’re well-positioned to deliver exciting content that brings people together and creates memorable experiences for our guests.”
Kritzler has played a key role in the company’s evolution since joining four years ago. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President, Strategy and Chief of Staff, supporting enterprise-wide strategy and playing a central role in the Legends-ASM Global integration. In 2025, he also assumed responsibility for content strategy. Prior to Legends Global, Kritzler was Co-Founder and Partner of 4FRONT, a global data, analytics, innovation, and digital media agency acquired by Legends Global in early 2022. Founded in 2007, he grew 4FRONT from a startup into a multi-office organization serving sports and entertainment clients worldwide.
Legends Global boasts a network of more than 250 venues in North America, including top stadiums such as Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, and Soldier Field in Chicago; leading arenas such as Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, and Coliseo de Puerto Rico in Puerto Rico; prominent theaters such as The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, Altria Theater in Richmond, and Coca-Cola Music Hall in Puerto Rico; and local economic-driving convention centers such as Moscone Center in San Francisco, Colorado Convention Center in Denver, and Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, among many other venues.
Management Dance: Rahja Replaces Feeley, Who Succeeds Cooper
Three major management moves took place last month. Amy Rahja has been named GM of Target Center, Minneapolis. Rahja replaces David Feeley, who is the new GM of T-Mobile Center, Kansas City, Mo. Feeley replaces Jay Cooper, who started the domino effect with his retirement. All work or have worked for Legends Global, and all are active IAVM members.
David Feeley
Feeley first worked with Cooper in Chicago when both were involved with the AEG-operated Toyota Park and the Chicago Fire Major League Soccer team, Rahja recalled. Feeley replaced Cooper at T-Mobile Center in early January after serving as GM of Target Center from 2021 to 2026.
His resume on LinkedIn includes being Executive Director of Entertainment, Northeast Region, for MGM Resorts International; Director of Entertainment Operations for Horseshoe Casino; Director of Operations for SMG Worldwide; and Director of Operations for AEG. He is a graduate of North Carolina State University.
Cooper retired after 43 years in the venue business, per T-Mobile Center’s Facebook post on Jan. 16. He had been GM of T-Mobile Center for four years. His first retirement activity? A trip to Costa Rica, per his email to this journalist regarding a post-retirement interview.
Prior to moving to Kansas City, he was Vice President-Regional Operations for AEG Facilities, and before that, General Manager of Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Cooper was also directly involved in the opening and operation of the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, as Director of Operations for three years, and was Director of Operations for Olympia Entertainment, Detroit, for eight years.
A graduate of the University of Iowa, Cooper began his facility management career while still in college, directing all aspects of concert promotion and production for three venues on the University of Iowa campus. He also holds a Master of Arts degree in Sports Administration from Wayne State University in Detroit.
Connections Matter
Rahja had been Assistant General Manager at Target Center since 2022, first working for Hugh Lombardi, then Feeley. The 20,000-seat
Amy Rahja
Target Center is home to the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA Minnesota Lynx.
Pre-COVID-19, when everything changed, she had been a big participant in IAVM and said she plans to get back to it. Target Center sends a rotating group of its operations people to VMS, she said. She always tells the lucky VMS registrants that they will make connections there that will make a difference in their lives and careers going forward.
Target Center was blessed with a 30|UNDER|30 honoree this year, so they were able to send two people to VMS, she said.
She will always cherish her experience attending VMS. “As a training ground, it gives you so much exposure to different parts of the business. It gives you resources across the country. The people I met there and through Feld Entertainment are still part of my life,” she said, noting she was about to call Lombardi, who retired to Nashville, to find out how he fared during Winter Storm Fern.
Rahja joined Target Center in 2019 as Director of Booking, Marketing, and Sales. Prior to that, she worked with family show producers VStar Entertainment Group, Feld Entertainment, and Broadway Across America. She started in the business on the venue side with Olympia Entertainment, before moving to Minneapolis to work for VEE (now VStar).
She joined IAVM in 2013 while working for Feld Entertainment. She served on the Mentor Committee and the Arena Committee, “all before COVID.”
She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and IAVM’s VMS. Rahja also completed the WISE Emerging Leaders Certificate Program, earning certificates in leadership and negotiation.
“I love being in the building when all those fans arrive for an experience my team put together,” she said. “I will always love seeing their excitement.”
San Diego Convention Center Announces Leadership to Guide Capital Projects and Support the Client Experience
The San Diego Convention Center (SDCC) announces a new executive leadership structure to emphasize the client and guest experience, strengthen hospitality operations, and guide the organization through an unprecedented period of capital investment.
In support of these goals, SDCC has established two new executive leadership roles. Alyssa Turowski will serve as Chief of Hospitality and Client Experience and Corey Albright as Chief of Infrastructure and Modernization. Albright, who has been with SDCC since 2018 and served as Chief Operating Officer since 2022, previously oversaw event operations, service delivery, and organizational execution, as well as capital planning, maintenance, and procurement, during a period of record growth and increasing organizational complexity.
“Following the successful passage of Measure C, the Convention Center is preparing for a generational period of capital investment and modernization,” said Rip Rippetoe,CVE, SDCC’s President and CEO. “This executive structure reflects the scale and complexity of that effort, ensuring focused leadership to modernize the building at scale while maintaining our high level of service and execution. Corey and Alyssa bring deep expertise, strategic insight, and understanding of our industry. Their partnership, along with the support of our Deputy CEO and CFO Mardeen Mattix and our entire team, positions us for success in the busy and exciting years ahead.”
Building on this momentum, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria recently announced the City will seek City Council approval for an initial $119 million Measure C investment to advance early modernization efforts at SDCC. These early investments are intended to strengthen the Convention Center’s long-term economic impact and establish the foundation for additional Measure C-funded initiatives over time. Future projects will be advanced in collaboration with the City as part of a broader, multi-year effort to support expanded event activity, economic growth, and job creation.
Corey Albright to Lead Capital Investment and Modernization
Albright will provide executive leadership for SDCC’s capital investment and evolving modernization efforts, with oversight of capital projects, maintenance, information technology, and procurement. The new role is designed to position the organization to responsibly advance early investments while preparing for a broader, multi-year Measure C program that will shape the Convention Center’s future.
Albright brings more than 15 years of executive leadership experience across enterprise operations, capital delivery, and procurement strategy within complex, always-on environments. Since joining the San Diego Convention Center Corporation in 2018, he has served in progressively senior roles, most recently as Chief Operating Officer. A native San Diegan and U.S. Navy combat veteran, Albright has completed multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2024, the San Diego Business Journal named Albright a San Diego Veteran of Influence. He has served in nonprofit board, civic advisory, and academic advisory capacities supporting community development, public accountability, and workforce advancement.
Alyssa Turowski to Lead Hospitality and Client Experience
Turowski will oversee hospitality operations, event execution, and service delivery to ensure consistently high-quality outcomes for clients, partners, and guests. She will also serve as the primary liaison with the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) for the planning and execution of citywide events. Her leadership will be instrumental as SDCC continues to enhance service standards while managing capital activity.
A seasoned hospitality leader with more than 20 years of industry experience, Turowski has served as General Manager of the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines and Westin San Diego. She began her hospitality career with Starwood Hotels and Resorts, and has held roles including Revenue/Reservations Manager, Director of Front Office, Director of Rooms, Director of Operations, and General Manager. With a strong track record of leadership, she is passionate about building, developing, and inspiring teams to cultivate exceptional guest experiences. Turowski serves as Vice Chair of the San Diego County Lodging Association Board of Directors, and she has previously served on the San Diego Convention Center and San Diego Tourism Marketing District Boards.
Predators Hire Eric Wooden as Senior Vice President of Arena Transformation
Wooden Will Oversee the Multi-Year Renovation Project at Bridgestone Arena, “Smashville’s Next Stage”
Nashville Predators, Bridgestone Arena and SS&E CEO Sean Henry announced today that the organization has hired Eric Wooden as Senior Vice President of Arena Transformation. In this role, Wooden will manage Smashville’s Next Stage – the multi-year renovation project that will transform Bridgestone Arena into an open, extroverted and world-class destination for the best fans in sports. Throughout the process, Wooden will ensure the project aligns with the organization’s values of inclusion, sustainability and community connection.
Wooden will oversee all phases of the renovation, including planning, design, construction and commissioning; and guarantee that once finished, the updates continue the arena’s legacy of being the heartbeat of SMASHVILLE. During the renovation, Wooden will work with Predators leadership, stakeholders, partners and city leaders to collaborate on ideas and updates. Additionally, Wooden will lead the development of new amenities, premium spaces, restaurants, bars and gathering areas to enhance guest experience.
“As we take the center of SMASHVILLE to new heights, we are thrilled to have Eric join our team,” Henry said. “Eric has a rare ability to seamlessly combine innovation, elevated guest services, distinctive game-day food and beverage, and cutting-edge technology together, all while honoring the traditions that make our building so special. His history of translating those elements into thoughtful renovations and design has consistently produced exceptional outcomes for fans, players, performers, employees, and partners alike. He brings a meticulous eye for detail, a deep understanding of how people experience space, and a proven ability to align design with long-term impact and sustainability. The future of Bridgestone Arena is incredibly bright, and we’re excited to have Eric helping lead the way.”
Wooden is a seasoned hospitality and venue consultant known for shaping some of the most recognized sports and entertainment destinations in the United States and Europe. He began his career with the NBA’s Detroit Pistons, learning the operational side of professional sports while helping guide several multimillion-dollar renovation projects. He went on to serve as vice president of sales for a start-up high-definition television company, where he played a key role in producing one of the first national HD broadcasts of the NBA, an innovative project that refined his sales and production expertise.
Wooden has since designed hospitality plans for and helped open major sports venues around the world. His portfolio includes projects for Atlético de Madrid, FC Barcelona, KFC YUM! Center, the New Orleans Superdome, the San Francisco Giants and many others. In Nashville, Wooden hascontributed to the Nashville Sounds’ stadium and the Band Box, the Music City Center and the New Nissan Stadium.
“I am unbelievably excited to join the Smashville family and am grateful to Bill Haslam, Sean Henry, Michelle Kennedy and the entire Predators organization for this opportunity,” Wooden said. “This is an exceptional franchise with a great culture and vision, and I am thankful to be a part of it. I look forward to helping take Bridgestone Arena to the next level with Smashville’s Next Stage.”
Smashville’s Next Stage will comprehensively transform the venue into a best-in-class destination for patrons, performers and athletes. Envisioned as a premier gathering place where the world comes together to experience sports, entertainment, and hospitality, this next chapter reinforces Bridgestone Arena’s enduring role at the heart of Nashville and Broadway’s future.