Industry News
Food and Beverage Programs That Provide an Elevated and Safe Fan Experience
In Memoriam: Eric Lindberg
University of Utah will undergo $80 million renovation to Rice-Eccles Stadium
The University of Utah has announced plans for renovating the south end zone of Rice-Eccles Stadium. The university’s main focus for the renovation is revamping the facility’s premium portfolio while creating a heightened fan experience for a currently underappreciated part of the stadium. The project is set to cost the Utes $80 million, with $35 million coming from donations and the remaining from the profits of new premium seat options.
University of Texas to build $300M arena at zero cost through OVG partnership
The University of Texas has agreed to a unique deal with Oak View Group to build a new on-campus arena at zero cost to the university.
The venue will sit on 6.64 acres of land that, through a lease agreement, will be turned over to OVG, who will then build and manage the facility, as well as keep the revenues generated in the first ten years. UT will own the building and share in the revenues generated after those ten years.
University of Iowa launches table seating pilot project
The Iowa Hawkeyes have launched a pilot program to test the appeal of a new premium option called the Carver Terrace. The new addition provides tabled seating for around 100 patrons. The option is currently only available for men’s basketball games until the university determines if demand is great enough to extend the program to other sports.
University of Cincinnati unveils newly renovated Fifth Third Arena
Fifth Third Arena on the campus of the University of Cincinnati will be ready for the Bearcats’ basketball season opener. The goal of the $87 million renovation was to provide a more intimate environment, where fans are truly connected to what is going on at court level no matter where they are seated in the arena.
The renovation, which began in March 2017, provides a full facelift to the 29-year-old venue, including a completely redesigned concessions experience, new seating areas, three new bars, a stunning new Daktronics scoreboard, and 600 new premium seats.
The Soccer-Specific Stadium Boom Continues: Trends That Keep Fans Coming Back for More
The future Las Vegas Raiders land their first founding partner
TD Garden announces historic $100 million expansion
Sports betting lounge opens inside Prudential Center
Seattle officially lands NHL expansion franchise for 2021-2022 season
Saratoga Race Course Planning More Premium Seat Additions
San Francisco 49ers and SAP transform suite into a real-time analytics platform
PwC releases its annual study of the North American sports market
Pending Columbus Crew ownership announces new stadium intentions
Peeling Back the Layers of Fiserv Forum’s Interior Design
OKC Thunder elevate food offerings throughout Chesapeake Energy Arena
Oakland Athletics announce premium renovation to the Coliseum
North America’s largest esports stadium is set to open in November
NFL announces headliners for first-ever Super Bowl Music Fest
Miami Marlins release plan to reconfigure centerfield seating
Market study shows strong interest in bringing MLB back to Montreal
Little Caesars Arena deploys Evo EVent ventless griddles throughout the venue
Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment partners with Caesars Entertainment
Hard Rock Stadium begins transformation for Miami Open
FC Cincinnati reveals seating breakdown for new stadium
Audi Field Puts D.C. United in the Driver’s Seat
Appalachian State to include Kidd Brewer Stadium in campus renovation
ALSD Survey Reveals Alcohol Trends in College Athletics
Allianz Arena becomes Germany’s first stadium to adopt contactless tickets
FC Cincinnati Launches Phase Two of Premium Seating for New Build
Taking Notes: Connecting Despite Social Distancing
Not Another COVID-19 Note: The ALSD is Here to Help
Hey there, ALSD:
Never say never I suppose, but the current COVID-19 pandemic and its direct impact on our collective livelihood is likely the most complicated situation any of us will manage in our careers. In a moment where seemingly every variable is unknown to us, we are all fielding concerns from clients, from staff, from ourselves. It’s all very unsettling.
Baltimore Ravens announce premium seat upgrades
The Baltimore Ravens have announced a $24 million premium renovation to M&T Stadium – the final phase of a $120 million project.
While early phases focused on AV advancements, a field-level party suite, and stronger Wi-Fi, this final stage will feature an $8 million upgrade for 70 of the venue’s 133 suites, and a $15.8 million club level remodel.
Tropicana Field renovation to focus on creating intimacy
Merriweather Post Pavilion to develop premium portfolio
The changes that will most impact ticketing strategies in 2019
State Farm Arena Transformation and Experiential Seating Products are True to Atlanta
In making the decision to renovate their 20-year-old State Farm Arena home instead of building new, the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks approached the $192.5 million project with the mantra that “renovation is innovation.”
The transformed arena (formerly Philips Arena), which began hosting games and live events in late October, demonstrates that the Hawks are one of the NBA’s most forward-looking organizations. It is now one of the best sports and live entertainment venues in the U.S.
This Premium Renovation at Prudential Center Blends the Past with the Future
New IRS Guidance on Tax Reform Puts All-Inclusive Premium Seating at Risk
Arena Americas awarded with seating contract from the PGA of America
New United Center restaurant opens for events and to the general public
1914 Club offers a modern feel at historic Wrigley Field
Timberwolves and Lynx investing in more Target Center renovations
University of Texas partners with Populous to renovate Royal-Memorial Stadium
The University of Texas has announced a $175 million renovation to Royal-Memorial Stadium’s south end zone. The project, designed by Populous, is set to begin in the summer of 2019 and be completed prior to the start of the 2021 football season.
While not making any changes to the seating capacity of the stadium, the renovation will include a field-level club modeled after AT&T Stadium, premium additions, a new video board, and other improvements. The premium addition will feature 94 loge boxes, 780 club seats, and four additional suites.
Elevate Sports Ventures enters the college market
Elevate Sports Ventures joins the college athletics market through its newly formed Elevate on Campus, which will provide the University of Kentucky with ticket sales, services, and strategy for all events at Rupp Arena and Kroger Field. These events include all men’s basketball and football games, along with over 100 SEC events hosted by the university.
Big Blue adds to the sports venue audiovisual conversation
Milwaukee’s new $524 million Fiserv Forum opens its doors
Milwaukee begins deconstructing Bradley Center
Houston Texans unveil Luxe Suites and BMW Postgame Experience
The Houston Texans have unveiled a full upgrade of NRG Park's premium portfolio, now rebranded as Houston Texans Luxe.
Several members of the local Houston media were recently invited to experience all of the venue's new premium amenities, including a team of local celebrity chefs and the BMW Postgame Experience, which provides fans with the opportunity to enjoy on-field postgame festivities.
Premier seating sales get underway for new LA Stadium
University of Louisville showcases expansion of Cardinal Stadium
University of Dayton Arena Renovation: New Body, Same Soul
Sales Positive for New Fayetteville Team
Memorial Stadium to Undergo a Renovation of the South Endzone
Fundraising a Possibility for Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University hints at future fundraising efforts to upgrade football facilities. Although the university is in the midst of a $600 million capital campaign, no athletic facilities are included on the project. Vanderbilt Stadium has gone without a renovation since 1981 while the rest of the SEC has experienced a venue renovation since 2006. As Vanderbilt contemplates a renovation, there are a number of comparable renovations around the country. TCU’s $100 million stadium renovation is scheduled for completion in 2019, including two levels of premium spaces.
"American Cut" Signature Steakhouse for US Open
This year’s U.S. Open tennis tournament showcased a whole new style of food court. Partnering with LDV Hospitality’s American Cut and chef Marc Forgione, U.S. Tennis Association named the area Champions by American Cut, to help celebrate the event’s 50th anniversary. Viewing the event as their fall kickoff, LDV Hospitality president John Meadow is excited to showcase American Cut as the signature steakhouse for the Open. Access to the space is guaranteed to premium ticket holders, while all remaining fans must purchase passes separately.
Aramark to Use Bikes for Beer Sales
New Bucks Venue Garners Praise
University of Wisconsin Plans Multi-Venue Renovation
Financial Deal on New Red Sox Stadium
Boston Red Sox Triple-A affiliate agrees to pay $36 million toward the city of Worcester’s new $86 million venue. While the stadium will remain city owned, the team will receive all in-venue revenues. The venue is expected to host at least 133 events per year; eight by the city owned events and the remaining 125 by the team. Per documents released by the city, Madison Properties will provide the land for the stadium as the company looks to develop the district surrounding the venue into a commercial and real estate district.
Premium Renovations at University of Arkansas
Bryan Sperber to Step Down as President of ISM Raceway
49ers can't add shade at Levi's Stadium, will drop price of bottled water
UConn scraps plan to move memorial for club seats
Levi's Stadium Adds To Hospitality Offerings With Introduction Of Topgolf Swing Suite
Texas announces $175-million stadium expansion
Video/Photo Gallery: Dudy Noble Field Construction Update
Mississippi State is currently building a new $55 million dollar baseball stadium. There are new lounge areas and premium seating that have been completed, along with new entry plazas and a video board. The second stage of the project will be completed before the 2019 season. This stage will include finishing the entire upper deck of the grandstand including Diamond suites, and new bathrooms and concessions on the lower deck of the grandstand. Multiple rooms are being built below the grandstand, for example the team clubhouse and training rooms.
How would a McKalla MLS stadium stack up to ones in Dallas, Houston?
Currently, Texas has 3 different MLS stadium deals underway in the cities of Dallas, Houston, and Austin. Both Dallas and Houston have forked over money to build these stadiums, but Austin is in the process of creating a deal with Precourt that would have them financing the stadium, allowing the opportunity for the Columbus Crew to come down to Austin. Dallas is a sprawling area looking to get a lot of use out of their stadium, while Houston is a more under-utilized, high stress urban environment looking to revamp their atmosphere.
The New Season Ticket, Seat Optional
Alabama announces renovation plan for Bryant-Denny, Coleman
Onondaga County War Memorial Stadium Renovations Ahead of Syracuse Crunch Season
Las Vegas Raiders Stadium Club PSLs $20-75K
DC United Audi Field, The Fact Sheet
Just for Fun: 25 Top College Football Stadiums
Dallas Cowboys Again Ranked World’s Most Valuable Sports Team
Ground lease approved for Nashville's Major League Soccer stadium
NYC’s first soccer stadium may rise next to Yankee Stadium
The New York Times reports that New York City’s first soccer stadium could rise next to Yankee Stadium. No deal has been reached, but the news is a change from earlier reports that the stadium would be part of a redevelopment in the Bronx.
Regardless of its final location, the stadium planned $400 million, 26,000 seat stadium would be part of a much larger mixed-use development that would include housing, offices, a school, and shopping.
Second Leg of St. Louis Stadium's Ballpark Village Breaks Ground
With 15% Complete, Las Vegas Stadium On Track
The joint venture of Mortenson Construction and McCarthy Building Cos. is 15% done with construction on the $1.8 billion Las Vegas stadium, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. This will be the future home for the NFL's Oakland Raiders when the franchise moves for the 2020 season.
Team officials said excavating approximately 1 million cubic yards has been completed without any "surprises". The stadium's upper levels are due by the end of July, when crews are scheduled to start vertical construction with prefabricated steel.
INFOGRAPHIC: Three Ways Online Video is Changing What it Means to be a Sports Fan
Turner to Lead $200M Cincinnati FC Stadium Project
Western & Southern Open Renovations Nearly Complete
Supreme Court Opens the Door to Sports Gambling Legalization
Baltimore Ravens Follow Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Lower Concessions Prices
When Mercedes-Benz Stadium announced its “Fan First” food and beverage pricing in the new Atlanta venue, many in the sports industry wondered if the model could be duplicated elsewhere.
Well, we’re going to find out during the 2018 NFL season.
The Baltimore Ravens are introducing a similar initiative, “Flock Friendly Fare”, at M&T Bank Stadium. Twenty-one menu items will be sold this upcoming season at 33% lower prices on average, including $3 hot dogs and $5 domestic beers.
MLS Announces FC Cincinnati as Its Next Expansion Franchise
Saratoga Race Course Planning More Premium Seat Additions
New York Racing Association (NYRA) hopes to bolster non-gambling revenues at Saratoga Race Course by constructing a three-story luxury viewing facility near the finish line.
Racing operations have struggled in recent years, and the 36,000-square-foot premium seat area is expected to diversify revenue streams that currently rely heavily on electronic gambling – $2.55 billion was wagered at NYRA’s three tracks in 2017.
Maslow’s Hierarchy Applied to Premium Seating
Maslow’s theory has been studied backwards and forwards in psychological circles and applied to numerous examples. Today, add one more to that list. Let’s overlay Maslow’s hierarchy of needs on top of the premium seating levels at the new Los Angeles Stadium at Hollywood Park, opening in 2020.
This stadium will feature three categories of premium seating: Club, VIP, and All-Access.
Jacksonville Jaguars Owner Shahid Khan Makes Bid to Buy Wembley Stadium
Minnesota United Sells Out Season Ticket Allotment
Paris Saint-Germain Wishes to Install Safe-Standing Area in Parc des Princes
NBA and Twitch Announce Streaming Rights Partnership for 2K League
English Park, Home of Virginia Tech Baseball, Adds Fan and Team Amenities
Virginia Tech is in the process of renovating its baseball field, English Park. The $18 million renovation has installed an updated entrance, grandstand, and press box tower, in addition to new premium seats. Also part of the project, pre-existing storage space has been transformed into a home locker room, team meeting room, and a trainer’s room.
UD Arena Continues Its Multi-Phase, Multi-Level Renovation
Phase two of UD Arena’s $72 million renovation will continue, starting in May. The arena will become an active construction zone, open only to administration offices. The Donoher Center will remain open during the summer, as it was renovated during phase one completed last year.
In phase two, new club seats will be added between the 200 and 300 levels. Wider concourses will allow fans more room to move. Additionally, 3,200 seats in the 300 and 400 levels on the east side of the arena will be replaced and improved with plastic backs, padded seats, and cupholders.
LSU Seeks Alcohol Sales Throughout Tiger Stadium
ESPN Launches App to Combat Cord-Cutting Threats
Spur of the Moment
The Upper Deck is the New Front Row
2018 ALSD Salary Survey (Lg. Market Sales/Service)
Green Bay's Titletown Targets Economic Expansion
During recent renovations, Lambeau Field redefined itself as a 365-day-a-year center for entertainment and business. The Packers are progressing that notion of redevelopment with Titletown. The two-phase, mixed-use project surrounding Lambeau Field will continue to bring visitors to the area, while investing in the community and ensuring Green Bay will flourish for years to come.
The Spoelstra Surprise at ALSD 2017
Why the Phoenix Raceway Project Powered by DC Solar Is a First for Motorsports
Q&A with Bryan Sperber, President, Phoenix Raceway
In this interview from the 2017 ALSD Conference and Tradeshow with Bryan Sperber, President of Phoenix Raceway, discover the reimagination of his venue, including its revamped infield with garage access and fan zone, renovated and new premium offerings, and reconfiguration of the start-finish line.
INTERVIEW EXCERPTS:
San Jose Sharks welcome Franklin Group as newest corporate partner
The San Jose Sharks have reached an agreement with the Franklin Group to become the team’s official promotional partner. The Franklin Group, a New York-based company with nationwide operations, provides integrated marketing solutions to a diverse group of industries and organizations, including the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Learfield, and Monumental Sports & Entertainment.
East of Ordinary
Philadelphia 76ers announce Franklin Group as official partner
PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 14, 2017 – The Philadelphia 76ers today announced Franklin Group as an Official Partner of the team. The Brooklyn-based company, with sales offices across the United States, provides integrated marketing and printing solutions for a diverse group of industries, organizations and commercial entities. The Franklin Group has provided the Sixers with fan-facing printed items including pocket schedules, banners for press conferences and events, plaques, media and staff credentials, brochures, mailings and more.
Orlando City Stadium Roars in Its Opening
Seton Hall and Franklin Group announce multi-year partnership
Seton Hall Athletics and its multimedia rights holder, Learfield, have announced a five-year partnership with Franklin Group. Beginning at the start of the 2017-18 athletic season, the Brooklyn-based company will be designated as the “Preferred Print, Promotional and Signage Company for Seton Hall Athletics.”
For more than 25 years, Franklin Group has served numerous industries, including professional sports. The Seton Hall deal marks the company’s first partnership in college athletics.
Why the NHL Chose Las Vegas
What Is the Future of Professional Sports in Las Vegas?
Las Vegas’ new NHL club is not the only professional sports team or league with an eye towards Sin City, but talk is cheap, and a Vegas franchise, as Bill Foley knows, isn’t. So do other teams and leagues have a future in the desert? Here are some of the facts that may or may not lead one to believe that Las Vegas will be the next big destination in sports.
Las Vegas Metro Population
2.15 Million (2015)
Visitors to Las Vegas
42,312,216 (2015)
A Grand Slam Spectacle
Each year, the US Open tennis tournament attracts 750,000 guests to the blue courts of the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (NTC) in Flushing Meadows in Queens, New York. During the event's fortnight, the USTA's 46-acre complex morphs into an immersive festival for the players, patrons, and corporate partners to bask in the pageantry and drama of the sport's largest Grand Slam tournament.
Design for the Fans, the City, and the Planet…Now and for the Future
A glittering new addition to Sacramento’s downtown, Golden 1 Center opened this October with Paul McCartney in concert. This $557 million, 17,500-seat multi-use arena, which serves as the home of the NBA’s Sacramento Kings as well as a year-round event calendar, does not resurrect the past but offers a convincing vision of the future of arena design.
The New Color of Night
So I was on a road trip earlier this summer to Las Vegas, a uniquely American town with uniquely American architecture. I headed over to see Mark Faber who is the Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships at AEG and is responsible for securing the premium sales and sponsorship agreements at T-Mobile Arena, the latest-and-greatest sports and entertainment venue, which has sprung up in the Mojave like a desert flower.
Franklin Group partners with Monumental Sports & Entertainment
For over 20 years, Franklin Group has served a diverse group of industries and organizations, providing clients with creative, strategic solutions to meet their promotional and print needs.
“We are honored to join forces with Monumental Sports & Entertainment, their teams and digital network,” says Steven Zuller, CEO of Franklin Group. “They are leaders in the sports industry, and we are dedicated to creating a great long-term partnership with such a premium brand.”