Oak View Group launches stadium division

Oak View Group (OVG), a Denver, Colorado-based venue development, management and premium hospitality company, has launched a dedicated division focused on the company’s global sports venues business. OVG Stadia will bring together industry-leading stadium experts from across the company to serve as strategic partners in all regions around the world.

With the addition of OVG Stadia President Chris Wright, the new division will build on the strong roster of OVG Stadia customers in the United States, including Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California; Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Historic Dallas, Texas of Cotton Bowl Stadium and more. Wright, the former general manager of Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, will lead a team of stadium experts in planning, developing, designing, building, selling and operating a world-class stadium that reflects the iconic team and community it represents. Joining Wright are Greg Desharnais, executive vice president of OVG Stadia, specializing in stadium design, operational planning and execution, and venue management; Samantha Johnson will serve as senior vice president of sales for OVG Stadia, responsible for designing revenue-generating private event programs for each market, cultivating Deep and lasting relationships to achieve world-class results. The OVG Stadia team will report to Greg O’Dell, president of venue management for OVG360, the hospitality arm of Oak View Group.

“The depth and breadth of stadium experience that Chris Wright and his team at OVG Stadia bring presents exciting opportunities for Oak View Group as we continue to expand our offering and further enhance Our team of experts covers all areas of venue development and operations – management operations,” said O’Dell. “Our focus is on delivering the greatest benefit to our customers and partners as we grow our team to drive innovation, thought leadership and the highest standards.”

Over the past several years, Oak View Group has also built a significant stadium business specifically targeting college spaces, most notably Penn State’s iconic Beaver Stadium in College Park, Pa.; the University of Kansas’ renovated stadium in Lawrence, Kan. David Booth Memorial Stadium at Kansas; acquisition of new Stadium Club Collection that includes member clubs at the University of North Carolina, University of Arizona, Texas Tech University, University of Utah, Baylor University and Virginia Tech. OVG’s 15-member Stadium Alliance also assists MLB ballparks and stadiums across the United States in generating new revenue through incremental concerts, events and sponsorship opportunities.

Jessica Koravos said: “The growth in global stadium development is impressive and we are excited to be leading large-scale projects, new markets and a dedicated team of experts to deliver the vision to our clients and partners and experience.” President of Oakview Group International.

OVG Stadia will also expand the company’s international stadium lineup, which includes the iconic Wembley Stadium in Wembley, England; St. Andrews Stadium at Knights Hyde Park (FC Birmingham) in Birmingham, England; and Scotland’s largest stadium in Edinburgh. Ryfield Stadium.

oakviewgroup.com