John Urban brings more than 30 years' experience in the sports, entertainment and venue management industry to his role as COO for the Fire. In his most recent role as VP, Legends Attractions (a partnership of the NY Yankees and Dallas Cowboys), he oversaw the successful launch and managed all aspects of the day-to-day business operations of One World Observatory. The acclaimed project has welcomed nearly 5 million visitors since opening atop New York City's One World Trade Center in May 2015.
Urban began his career at Madison Square Garden, where he held a variety of positions in the publicity, marketing and event booking areas over a 16-year span. In 1999, when Radio City Music Hall was added to the MSG family, Urban joined the project team for the venue's historic $70 million restoration and then served as GM of the legendary 6,000-seat theater for the next seven years.
Immediately prior to joining Legends, Urban served as EVP, Events & Booking at the Scottrade Center complex (home of the NHL's St. Louis Blues), where he was responsible for a wide range of sports and music programming and helped oversee the $80 million restoration and re-launch of another famed concert venue, the Peabody Opera House.
Urban holds a BA in Journalism and Master's in Sports Administration/Facility Management, both from Ohio University. He and his wife Anne reside in Streeterville.