Author: Don Muret

HKS Architect Jerry Fawcett Dies

HKS Architect Jerry Fawcett Dies

Posted by | Jun 6, 2019 | , ,

Jerry Fawcett, whose work included Dell Diamond in Round Rock, Texas, and Banner Island Ballpark in Stockton, Calif., died May 29 in Dallas. Texan made mark in colleges and baseball, the sport that held his heart Jerry Fawcett, a sports architect Texas born and bred who is credited with launching the college practice at HKS and solidifying its minor league baseball group, died May 29 in Dallas. He was 71. “Jerry was a true Southern gentleman and a real professional,” said Byron Chambers, a principal and design director at Populous. Chambers worked with Fawcett at HKS before joining Gensler to start a design studio in Dallas with Fawcett and Jonathan Kelly in 2014. Fawcett rejoined HKS in 2018 and worked there until his death. His colleagues described Fawcett as sincere, caring and a man of deep faith. He was also a huge baseball fan who absorbed himself in the game,… Continue Reading HKS Architect Jerry Fawcett Dies

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Generation Next: Mike Melisi

Generation Next: Mike Melisi

Posted by | Jun 3, 2019 |

Aramark’s General Manager for Fenway Park, Boston  Aramark executive Mike Melisi has been a fixture at Fenway Park for 13 years, ever since he was hired on the spot as an intern in the company’s finance department. Melisi, 33, now serves as the concessionaire’s general manager at the historic ballpark, home of the Boston Red Sox. It’s a position he has held since midway through the 2017 season after being promoted from senior controller. It all started in the spring of 2006. Marco DePalma, a friend and Suffolk University student (now a police officer), had just landed an operations internship with Aramark. DePalma contacted Melisi and gave him a tip that the food vendor had a finance internship to fill over the summer.  “On his first day, he called me and said if I could make it down to Fenway within an hour I’d have the job,” Melisi said. “I… Continue Reading Generation Next: Mike Melisi

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Generation Next: David Garcia

Generation Next: David Garcia

Posted by | Jun 3, 2019 |

Vice President of Guest Experience, Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena David Garcia leaned on his personal Disney experience to help transform the culture for three big league teams in his hometown of Atlanta.  In his role as vice president of guest experience for the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena, Garcia touches all aspects of event operations after the NBA team combined its premium and guest services departments into one group under Hawks owner Tony Ressler.  The Hawks hired Garcia after he spent about three years as director of fan experience for AMB Sports & Entertainment, parent company of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC of MLS, and operator of Mercedes-Benz Stadium. For Garcia, 33, the common thread for both positions was The Walt Disney Co., where he took a job out of college as a financial analyst in Orlando. Over the past 20 years, multiple teams have… Continue Reading Generation Next: David Garcia

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Teams, Venues Getting Ready to Place Their Bets

Teams, Venues Getting Ready to Place Their Bets

Posted by | Jun 3, 2019 |

At Capital One Arena, the old Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille will become a sportsbook and restaurant. (Courtesy Monumental Sports & Entertainment) As some states work out sports wagering laws, arenas and stadiums make plans The sports betting landscape is gradually taking shape across the arena and stadium industry. One year after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the Professional Amateur Sports Protection Act, teams and facilities are working through all the regulations of their respective states and leagues. For those whose states make sports wagering legal, they want to be ready to capitalize on a new revenue source and offer a new amenity for their fans. To date, 11 states plus the District of Columbia have legalized sports betting with various restrictions, depending on the state. In Washington, the district approved the measure in December, allowing four sports venues to develop sports books — Capital One Arena, Nationals Park, Audi Field… Continue Reading Teams, Venues Getting Ready to Place Their Bets

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Summer Refreshments: Live Nation Starts Rolling Out Renovations at Amphitheaters

Summer Refreshments: Live Nation Starts Rolling Out Renovations at Amphitheaters

Posted by | Jun 3, 2019 | ,

Bob Seger performs May 16 at PNC Music Pavilion in Charlotte, N.C. New LED videoboards replace old projection technology at Live Nation’s amphitheaters. (Don Muret / Staff) Sports architect Dan Meis developed a plan that packages improvements for every part of the operation, from premium spaces to the back of the house Live nation is investing millions of dollars to renovate its 50-plus amphitheaters over the next five years. The upgrades touch all aspects of operations, from parking to concessions, restrooms and technology, said Tom See, the company’s president of concerts for U.S. venues. Reserved lawn sections, improved premium spaces with communal boxes and VIP clubs, plus back-of-house renovations to better accommodate touring artists, are part of refreshing the outdoor music venues, See said. He declined to give the precise amount that Live Nation is spending on the work. It’s a daunting process, considering the vast number of amphitheaters across Live… Continue Reading Summer Refreshments: Live Nation Starts Rolling Out Renovations at Amphitheaters

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