Representatives from the NFL, NBA, Premier League and two of the southern hemisphere’s biggest arenas were among the sector leaders to participate in day two of this year’s virtual Stadium Business Summit 2020.
Lee Zeidman, president of Los Angeles’ STAPLES Center and one of the biggest names in the global arena sector, outlined how even the most experienced operators have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Nick Sautner, chief executive of Eden Park – the home of the All Blacks – kicked things off on day two with an in-depth presentation on how New Zealand’s national stadium has re-opened in recent months and is looking to open new revenue streams in the coming years. A recent golf event and the remarkable Staydium Glamping offering are just two ways Eden Park is looking to lift its utilisation.
There was further positive news from Adam Vonthethoff, GM – Hospitality & Portfolio Development, at Adelaide Oval, one of Australia’s biggest venues. Attendees can watch all of Wednesday’s sessions here.
Skarpi Hedinsson, CTO at SoFi Stadium and the LA Rams, outlined how his team have been able to design systems which don’t exist at the same scale in other stadiums in a session entitled ‘Reimagining the Technology Infrastructure for a Stadium’.
Attendees also took a closer look at Tottenham Hotspur’s innovative mobile app, launched last year as the club’s new stadium opened. Alex Hunte, senior lead digital experience, discussed how the club developed the platform along with partner Realife Tech, a sponsor of Stadium Business Summit 2020.
Keith Brewis, a partner at Summit partner Grimshaw Architects, took us behind the scenes at the YTL Brabazon complex which is set to revitalise Bristol.
Attendees also heard from Buro Happold and Daktronics on a busy day at the virtual event.
Today’s (Thursday) final day will also see a packed schedule including Jamey Rootes, president of Houston Texans; Moon Javaid, the chief strategy officer at San Francisco 49ers; and Brian Kabatznick, EVP international facilities at Oak View Group.
Attendees can watch Wednesday’s sessions and tune into today’s here.
