Kelsey Gillespie
Director, Events | Los Angeles Football Club
The 22,000-capacity BMO Stadium neighboring the L.A. Memorial Coliseum has become a premier destination for artists, and it’s no coincidence that it happened following the arrival of Kelsey Gillespie.
She arrived at the Southern California venue as director of events in 2021 after eight years at AMB Sports and Entertainment, where she helped open Mercedes-Benz Stadium as well as launch Atlanta’s MLS team. Gillespie carried that success over to BMO Stadium, which ranked No. 5 on Pollstar’s Top 100 Stadiums of 2023 with a gross surpassing $109 million.
“Our greatest accomplishment was that we not just successfully executed more than 22 concerts, 53 soccer games and 200-plus private events in our building but that we broke records, and continued to level up what we do all while being one of the busiest entertainment venues in Los Angeles,” Gillespie said. “No one is doing what we do at BMO Stadium, and we do it all on a natural grass field. To accomplish all of that in the heart of L.A. was no small feat.”
Gillespie’s resume speaks for itself, having been a part of two MLS Cup-winning teams in her career and seeing the launch of Angel City FC, L.A.’s National Women’s Soccer League team, a feat she knows can serve as inspiration for women in any industry. She credits her mother for instilling “the unwavering belief that women can achieve anything” as well as Don Rovak and Pete Soto for getting her into the sports and entertainment business.
“The current state of women in our industry is extraordinary, but we still have work to do,” Gillespie said. “Representation matters, and that’s representation at all levels to show leadership has no gender. More than ever people are supporting female entertainers, and everyone is watching women’s sports; what an amazing time to be in this industry! Continue to invest in women and diversity because there is so much more to accomplish.”
Building on what was a record 2023 for BMO Stadium, Gillespie believes she still has a lot more to accomplish this year with a schedule that includes Foo Fighters, Odesza and Kane Brown.
“Live events create moments that unite, inspire and entertain people of all walks of life. I’m sure people will be craving these types of experiences this year,” said Gillespie, whose favorite concert experience last year was hosting blink-182. “ We’re just getting started with another year packed full of live events at BMO Stadium. I’m excited to continue raising the bar to new heights with our wonderful stadium operations team.”