Anjali Raval
Vice President of Marketing and Promotions SoFi Stadium, YouTube Theater and Hollywood Park
It’s always busy in Inglewood. Last year, there were more than 150 events at SoFi Stadium, YouTube Theater and the broader Hollywood Park campus, including some with intensely high profiles.
“The volume of events at both SoFi Stadium and YouTube Theater was remarkable from Wrestlemania 39 to Taylor Swift’s mini-residency, plus nearly 100 shows at YouTube Theater,” said Anjali Raval, the venues’ vice president of marketing and promotions. “The marketing and communications team worked collaboratively in creating dynamic and strategic campaigns to help support the local promoters and partners for increased awareness and engagement. We had a very busy year with long days and nights, back-to-back events, and our team tirelessly and graciously pulled it off.”
Of the 19 concerts at SoFi Stadium in 2023, 12 were headlined or co-headlined by women, Raval points out. When she started in the business a quarter century ago, woman execs were rare. Representation is still below par, but things are changing.
“It’s impressive to witness women shattering touring records and boosting economies, which makes me hopeful for more representation and inclusivity,” she said. “However, this will not change overnight and is an ongoing challenge in our industry. Fostering the next generation is crucial, giving women more opportunities, mentorship, and support to develop confidence and find their voice for long-term progress. It’s imperative for women to have a seat at the table.”
Getting to that table means mentoring and building support systems along the way.
“I managed to find mentorship through several of my male bosses and colleagues, but what I found most meaningful was that I was among a group of really dynamic, smart, talented, hardworking women who were also getting their bearings in the industry,” she said. “We all started off as peers, and through the years, developed lifelong friendships and a support system that still, to this day, is very present and thriving. I feel incredibly proud of how far we’ve all come. The advice I would give to my mentees is to be a sponge. Absorb every part of the business you encounter, let it soak in, and then find the path that most excites you. You have to do what you love. Don’t let anyone deter you from your sense of purpose. And stay authentic.”
And stay busy, as Inglewood will for the foreseeable future.
“SoFi Stadium has announced 11 major tours, plus Hollywood Park will host three festivals including Rolling Loud CA, Hard Summer, and Fool in Love on the grounds adjacent to SoFi Stadium, which is very exciting,” she said. YouTube Theater is becoming increasingly recognizable and will host more returning artists in the new year solidifying it as a must-play venue in Inglewood. Additionally, Hollywood Park will continue to develop the nearly 300 acres including the retail district which will celebrate the best of Los Angeles in preparation for future global events including 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, 2027 Super Bowl LXI, and 2028 Olympics.”