OVG leading charge on global stadium business

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The Oak View Group (OVG) (US) has launched a dedicated division focused on expanding the company’s global stadium business – OVG Stadia.

‘Access All Areas’ stated that the OVG Stadia brings together industry leading stadium experts throughout the company to act as strategic partners in all regions globally. It is headed by Chris Wright, the former General Manager (GM) of the 65,000-capacity Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas (US).

The Oak View Group, LLC (OVG) is an American professional sports and commercial real estate company based in Denver. It manages several sports venues including the 18,300-capacity Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington, which was constructed under the company’s supervision.

‘Access All Areas’ further stated that the OVG Stadia will work to expand the company’s stadium roster internationally which includes the 90,000-capacity Wembley Stadium in Wembley, England (UK), the 29,409-capacity St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park in Birmingham, England, and the 67,144-capacity Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland (UK).

Wright is leading a team of stadium experts to plan, develop, design, build, sell, and operate the stadiums. The team includes the 20,000-capacity The O2 Arena (London, UK) former Managing Director (MD) and the former Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of The Football Association (FA) Mark Donnelly. As the Executive Vice-President (EVP), Venues and Operations, at the OVG International (a company that focuses on the live entertainment industry), Donnelly will oversee the arena and stadium development and partnership opportunities in the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

London (UK)-based The Football Association or The FA is the governing body of association football in England and the Crown Dependencies of Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. Formed in 1863, it is the oldest football association in the world and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the amateur and professional game in its territory.

Gary Hutchinson, whose extensive experience include being the Commercial Director of the Championship team Sunderland A.F.C. (UK), will be responsible for content development and strategic partnerships internationally as the OVG’s Vice-President (VP) Booking and Commercial Partnerships. The OVG Stadia team will report to Greg O’Dell, President of Venue Management at OVG360 (a full-service hospitality and venue management company that specializes in sports, live entertainment and conventions).

The OVG Stadia’s roster of stadium clients in the United States includes the 35,000-capacity Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California, the 42,901-capacity Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and the 92,100-capacity Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas.

Observed Jessica Koravos, Oak View Group International President, “The growth in stadium development across the world is remarkable and we’re excited to be leading the charge with big projects, new markets and a dedicated team of experts to offer vision and experience for our clients and partners.”

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