Kara Kawakami

Kara Kawakami
Manager, Premium Sales
Minnesota Vikings Football, LLC

Kara joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2021, as Manager of Premium Sales. Prior to her time at the Minnesota Vikings, Kara spent five years at Minnesota United as the Premium Seating & Hospitality Manager. During her tenure at Minnesota United, she helped launch the organization into its first year as an MLS Franchise. She worked to build a premium philosophy to support the customized needs of premium guests and multi-year relationships, and transitioned through TCF Bank Stadium into the opening of Allianz Field. After opening Allianz Field in 2019, Kara oversaw the service and strategy of all multi-year suite and loge box clients and focused on creating an exceptional experience and service for all premium areas, representing 3 inclusive clubs, loge boxes and suites.

Kara has also served on the Women in Sports Events Twin Cities (WISETC) Executive Board since 2017 helping to launch the local chapter, building out the Chapter’s events and programming. Currently, she focuses on strategic development, assisting with all board operations and launching the local Advisory Board in 2022.

Kara graduated from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in 2011 with a degree in Sport Management. She began her career in sports with the Major League Soccer National Sales Center training program and obtained her first ticket sales role at FC Dallas. Eventually returning to Minneapolis, MN – Kara spent time on various projects in fundraising, business development and events. In 2014, Kara rejoined the sports industry working with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx in premium hospitality. During her tenure, she managed the transition of suite multi-year clients through the completion of the new practice facilities, Mayo Clinic Square, and the opening of the Target Center Suite and Renovated Premium Level. Among some of her key projects were overseeing the launch of Chairman’s Club and Suites, guest chef programming, suite benefits and service offerings, and the launch of Mayo Clinic Square hospitality and events.