2023 Women Of Live: Becky Colwell
GM, Kia Forum | VP Music & Events, Intuit Dome
Los Angeles continues to prove it is no ordinary entertainment market, and its venues continue to innovate and deliver in new and interesting ways.
“All our shows were impactful but being part of Maná’s historic residency and Harry Styles’ sold-out 15-show run were definitely highlights,” says Becky Colwell, who was named to a dual-role position between Kia Forum and the under-construction Intuit Dome in Inglewood in October 2022. “It was great to see the dedication of these artists’ fans and the euphoria that filled our venue was extraordinary. The weekend that Maná and Harry both performed at the Kia Forum was one for the books.”
With the second date of Harry Styles’ Forum residency her first day on the new job — a “both electric and a truly unforgettable” experience — Colwell says the momentum continues with more events than ever before.
“We’re constantly looking for ways to improve the guest experience,” she said. “After the successful launch of Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology at the Kia Forum, we’ve now spread it throughout our venue, making concession purchases even more convenient. We’ve expanded our merchandise opportunities so more fans have the ability to conveniently purchase merch and allow artists to provide a greater variety of swag to concert-goers.”
Naming her first female boss, venue executive veteran Dolly Vogt, as a mentor, Colwell says, “The Kia Forum has consistently had women in leadership positions. There is always room for more but I’m thrilled to see that the industry now has more female GMs, assistant GMs, bookers, tour managers, touring personnel, and venue staff across all departments than ever. I’m grateful for the progress the industry has made on greater diversity.”
In February, Colwell and a crew of Kia Forum staff took a hardhat tour of the facility as the $2 billion prepares for a fall 2024 opening.
“The construction and progress of Intuit Dome is something that we are very excited about,” says Colwell, formerly general manager of the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. “I am eager for that arena to come online and raise the bar for live sports and entertainment.”
