Author: Don Muret

‘If Not Privatize, at Least Professionalize’

Posted by | May 9, 2019 | , ,

How Denzil Skinner’s example helped government-run venues evolve Denzil Skinner’s influence was felt across the facility management industry. As co-founder of FMG, among the first companies to privately operate public assembly facilities, Skinner helped steer others toward that business model, including Frank Russo. Skinner died last month of cancer at age 91. Russo, now an executive vice president with Spectra, ran the Hartford (Conn.) Civic Center, now XL Center, for nine years. The city-owned arena opened in 1975 as the home of the old Hartford Whalers hockey team. For Russo, originally trained as a city manager, what started out as a temporary assignment turned into a full-time job. “I found out how difficult it is in many cases for a city to run a business function of government,” he said. “When I saw that Denzil was privatizing buildings, it got me looking into ways that we could, if not privatize,… Continue Reading ‘If Not Privatize, at Least Professionalize’

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Roof Retrofit Grows Into a Top Priority

Roof Retrofit Grows Into a Top Priority

Posted by | May 3, 2019 |

The Carolina Panthers have studied a roof retrofit at Bank of America Stadium. (Getty Images) More teams considering additions to shelter fans, help amplify home crowd David Tepper, owner of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, recently mentioned to local reporters the concept of building a roof at Bank of America Stadium to make the venue more attractive for concerts and potentially the NCAA Final Four. His remarks may appear to be wishful thinking to some, but the Panthers have studied the roof issue dating to before Tepper bought the team in 2018, when Jerry Richardson was owner, said multiple sources who have consulted with the club over the past five years. They’re not alone. At least one other NFL team is studying a roof retrofit, plus multiple MLS teams, the Indian Wells tennis complex and municipally owned stadiums competing to host 2026 FIFA World Cup games.  In baseball, two MLB teams… Continue Reading Roof Retrofit Grows Into a Top Priority

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Arenas Are Facing New Roof Issues, Too

Arenas Are Facing New Roof Issues, Too

Posted by | May 3, 2019 |

The weight of ANC’s kinetic scoreboard planned for Wells Fargo Center requires upgrades along the roofline. (Courtesy Wells Fargo Center) The roof retrofit issue isn’t restricted to stadiums. Big league arenas are strengthening their existing roof structures to meet the demands of high-tech videoboards and extravagant touring productions.  “Arenas built over the past 15 years are really struggling to keep up with where concerts are going these days,” said Bart Miller, a principal with Walter P Moore, a structural engineering firm for sports and entertainment venues.  A decade ago, arena rooflines were designed with 120,000-pound rigging capacity. Now, many concert tours carry 200,000 pounds of equipment, and any rigging system under that number is not adequate for what’s going on in the entertainment industry, Miller said. “The loading is getting heavier and more widespread, distributed over a much larger area than it used to be,” he said. “Some loads are… Continue Reading Arenas Are Facing New Roof Issues, Too

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In Memoriam: Denzil Skinner 1927-2019

In Memoriam: Denzil Skinner 1927-2019

Posted by | May 3, 2019 | ,

The Louisiana Superdome in 1978, soon after Skinner arrived to run it. (Getty Images) Friends and associates remember the man who helped create private facility management Denzil Skinner is remembered as a pioneer in facility management. Skinner, who died April 4 at age 91, was instrumental in launching Facility Management Group, which introduced a new business model for privately operating arenas, stadiums and convention centers. The model stands strong today. Skinner’s influence can be seen through facility management firms SMG, AEG Facilities, Spectra, VenuWorks and OVG Facilities, plus all the major league teams that run venues through their respective sports and entertainment subsidiaries.  Two years ago, SMG sold for $1 billion to a private equity firm. Most recently, SMG merged with AEG Facilities, pending regulatory approval. Together, they manage 300 public assembly venues. Much of it dates to FMG. “When you think about all the companies that have taken off… Continue Reading In Memoriam: Denzil Skinner 1927-2019

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Steelers Add Simon to Facilities Team

Steelers Add Simon to Facilities Team

Posted by | May 2, 2019 | , ,

Joe Simon moves to Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, which is entering its 19th NFL season. (Getty Images) Former Clemson associate AD oversaw multiple projects at school Jimmie Sacco has a new No. 2. The Pittsburgh Steelers have hired Joe Simon as director of facility operations at Heinz Field. Simon replaces Brian Opacic, who retired after 19 years, said Sacco, the NFL team’s vice president of stadium operations and management. Simon, 43, comes from Clemson University, where he was associate athletic director for facilities management over the past five years. During that time, Simon oversaw rapid growth in facility development, including construction of a $55 million football practice facility and the $64 million renovation of Littlejohn Coliseum, Clemson’s basketball arena. During Simon’s tenure, the Atlantic Coast Conference school also completed multiple upgrades of less than $1 million tied to nonrevenue sports such as a new baseball clubhouse and renovations to the… Continue Reading Steelers Add Simon to Facilities Team

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