Pechanga Arena rudder in Steve Eckerson hands

Article posted by Coliseum, May 29^th, 2023

Image: ASM Global

ASM Global, the world’s largest producer of live entertainment experiences, has selected one of United States most experienced General Managers, Steve Eckerson, to continue the unprecedented streak of Pechanga Arena’s (in San Diego, California, US) attendance records as the venue nears its 60^th anniversary.

‘ASM Global’ stated that under ASM Global’s renowned international management, the Pechanga Arena has enjoyed record-breaking years fueled with performances by the world’s leading artistes. This includes earning the No. 8 ranking of top venues worldwide (10,001-15,000 capacity) with $31.3 million in gross sales and 357,000 tickets sold in 2022, as published in Billboard’s ‘Year in Touring 2022’ bulletin.

Los Angeles (US)-based ASM Global is the world’s leading producer of entertainment experiences. It is the global leader in venue and event strategy and management – delivering locally tailored solutions and cutting-edge technologies to achieve maximum results for venue owners. The company’s elite venue network spans five continents, with a portfolio of more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centers, and performing arts venues.

The 16,100-capacity Pechanga Arena is an indoor arena built in 1966 and located in the Midway area of San Diego, California, US. The arena seats 12,000 for indoor football, 12,920 for ice hockey, indoor soccer and box lacrosse, 14,500 for basketball and tennis, 5,450 for amphitheater concerts and stage shows, 8,900-14,800 for arena concerts, 13,000 for ice shows and the circus, and 16,100 for boxing and mixed martial arts.

‘ASM Global’ further stated that among the venues in the United States, the Pechanga Arena now ranks No. 4 and No. 1 in California. A pillar in the community for decades, the arena was recently awarded for supporting community efforts through five food distribution events with Feeding San Diego, 11 blood drives with the San Diego Red Cross and hosting the Veteran Village of San Diego Stand Down last July.

Following a record-setting 2022, the arena is on track for greater growth in 2023, having already hosted the legendary classic American rock band The Eagles this past March and looking forward to two nights of the American rock band Blink-182 performing in their hometown, one of the most beloved international artistes Luis Miguel (Mexican singer) and the triumphant return of the American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen and the American rock band – the E Street Band – to San Diego after 42 years.

Said Eckerson, “I look forward to working with the stellar team already in place at the Pechanga Arena and with the City of San Diego to enjoy our continued success together. The Pechanga Arena has been of interest to me for many years. When the opportunity presented itself to serve as the General Manager, I knew it would be the right move for me to support ASM Global by coming to San Diego. The arena has a rich history in San Diego with so many first memories made for young sports and music fans.”

A 30-plus-year industry veteran, Eckerson worked for the ASM Global at the 10,000-capacity Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater and Convention Center in Bakersfield, California, since 2016 serving as the General Manager. Prior to his experience in Bakersfield, he served as the General Manager for the 11,089-capacity Toyota (then Citizens Business Bank) Arena in Ontario, California, opening that facility in 2007. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Vermont in Burlington (US) where he was also a record setting goalie for the hockey team and now a member of the University of Vermont Athletic Hall of Fame.

Eckerson succeeds Steve Tadlock who served as the General Manager from 2021 to 2023 and successfully reopened a dormant arena after 512 days of pandemic-related closure. Before Tadlock the arena was led by Ernie Hahn who served as the General Manager and Partner since 1996.

Stated Felix Mussenden, ASM Global Senior Vice-President, “The ASM Global is looking forward to our continued San Diego success under the leadership of Steve with the support of the Hahn family who have been stewards of the arena for more than 30 years. Our foremost goal with Steve is to utilize ASM Global’s unparalleled international relationships with premier entertainment offerings that benefit this entire region.”

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