Summit Program
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8 am
Welcome: Pick up your pre-printed delegate badge from the allocated reception desk in association with:
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8:45 am
Welcome to Coliseum Summit US
Image: Coliseum GSVA
Introduction of Coliseum’s chair & master of ceremony
Michael Rennschmied, MA bio Founder, Coliseum, GSVA, Dubai, UAE
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8:50 am
Opening key-note 1
New Nissan Stadium to ‘fire’ up fans’ football fervor
Image: Tennessee Titans & MANICA
Dan Werly, in his key-note address in this conference, will tell Charles Adkinson the 55,000-60,000-capacity New Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee (US) is presently under construction and will serve as the new abode of the National Football League (NFL) team Tennessee Titans.
Werly will further narrate to Adkinson that the domed American football stadium is on schedule to be completed by February 2027 and a giant window will be built into the stadium giving the fans a glimpse of Nashville’s skyline throughout the game. The focus is on the seating bowl structure. One of the highlights of the new venue is the ‘Ring of Fire’ light-emitting diode (LED) videoboard which will ‘fire’ up fans’ enthusiasm.
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9:10 am
Opening key-note 2
Running Texas Motor Speedway show
Image: Texas Motor Speedway, Michael Barera, CC BY-SA 4.0
Keynote Speaker Mark Faber in a chat with James A. Renne in this conference will offer insights into running the 75,000-capacity Texas Motor Speedway – a massive 1,500-acre motorsports and entertainment complex in the Dallas-Fort Worth area (Texas, US) – the United States fourth-largest market.
Faber and Renne will be further discussing evolving fan demographics and engagement strategies creating value through entertainment experiences and maximizing and diversifying the utilization of the property so large it functions as a City on race weekend.
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‘Stadium of the Future’ to secure Jaguars’ ‘future’
Image: City of Jacksonville
Megha Parekh will inform the distinguished gathering in this meet that work has begun on renovating the National Football League (NFL) team Jacksonville Jaguars home ground – the 67,814-capacity EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida (US).
Parekh will further inform the gathering that the EverBank Stadium is being referred to as the ‘Stadium of the Future’. The project involves a multimillion dollar investment to modernize the stadium and the surrounding area. The renovation includes a partial roof cover, expanded concourses, a park-like entrance, and other features. It is all set to transform the downtown community and it will also secure the Jaguars’ future in Jacksonville.
Megha Parekh bio EVP & Chief Legal Officer, Jacksonville Jaguars, US
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9:45 am
Populous imprint on the making of GEODIS Park
Image: Populous
Phil Kolbo will inform the august audience in this assembly that in 2022 the Major League Soccer team Nashville SC took to the pitch in their new home – the 30,109-capacity GEODIS Park – the largest soccer-specific stadium in the United States and Canada.
Kolbo will state that three years later the venue is preparing to host fans from around the world for the FIFA Club World Cup™. As Architect of Record the design firm Populous worked to design an MLS stadium that authentically reflected the Nashville community and offered year-round activation opportunities.
Join Kolbo in this meet as he presents a case study on the making of GEODIS Park.
Phil Kolbo bio Principal, Populous, US
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10: am
30 Metres Underground: The Future of Sports Pitch Management
Image: Rhenac
As the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium undergoes its bold transformation into a multifunctional smart arena, innovation is being pushed to unprecedented depths, literally. Thirty metres beneath the pitch lies one of the most ambitious engineering feats in modern sports infrastructure: the Hypogeum, an underground pitch storage system designed to house and preserve natural turf away from the open air and sunlight.
Maintaining healthy, game-ready grass in such a confined, closed environment posed an immense challenge. Traditional methods were no match for the unique conditions below ground. Enter CLS, an AI-powered LED lighting and climate control system that is redefining what’s possible in turf management. The CLS system replicates natural sunlight with precision, delivering the exact spectrum of light needed to support healthy turf growth. But it doesn’t stop there. Integrated sensors, machine learning, and automation ensure that every square metre of turf receives optimal care, day or night, above or below ground.
This isn’t just a technical upgrade; it's a vision of the future for stadium design and sustainability. With better energy efficiency than high-pressure sodium (HPS) or conventional LED systems, and data-driven automation that minimizes water and fertilizer use, the system aligns perfectly with the growing demand for smarter, greener infrastructure.
Horst Theisen bio CEO, Rhenac, Germany
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Nashville City standpoint on New Nissan Stadium
Image: MANICA & Tennessee Titans
In a conversation in this conference Monica Fawknotson will tell Heather Hill at length the City of Nashville’s perspective on the development of the new stadium of the National Football League (NFL) team Tennessee Titans – the 60,000-seat New Nissan Stadium which is presently under construction in Nashville, Tennessee, US.
The duo will discuss the overall deal structure including the Titans’ role in the development, the lease agreement and the maintenance responsibilities.
Fawknotson will tell Hill the key priorities for both the Titans organization and the Metro Nashville/Davidson County, the stakeholders involved in the project and the community impact and the engagement efforts. Fawknotson will also touch on the topics – the opportunities for partnerships and the importance of the long-term relationship between the Metro Nashville/Davidson County and the Titans.
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10:30 am
Tom Osborne Legacy Complex set collegiate athletic environments bar high
Image: ME Engineers
Jeff Ewens will share in this colloquium that recognized by the American sports magazine Sports Illustrated as one of the best athletic facilities in the United States the Tom Osborne Legacy Complex at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln campus in Lincoln, Nebraska (US) is a groundbreaking facility designed to set a new national standard for the collegiate athletic environments. Opened in September 2024 the complex focuses on the comprehensive development of the student-athletes and the broader university community.
This presentation by Ewens will discuss lessons learned from the project and offer insights to those looking to elevate the athletes’ experience and maximize the long-term value.
Jeff Ewens, PE LEED AP bio Principal, ME Engineers, US
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10:45 am
FirstBank Stadium ‘first’-rate upgrades
Image: Barton Malow on LinkedIn
Edward H. Higgins will inform the distinguished gathering in this meet how the Vanderbilt University’s reimagination of the 40,350-capacity FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, US, will help deliver the pre-eminent student-athlete experience in college athletics.
Higgins will further inform that the FirstBank Stadium renovation plans include football training facility and locker rooms, major infrastructure upgrades to the Athletics Utility Corridor connecting to the rest of campus, new videoboards, and upgraded stadium acoustics and all this will combine in lending a premium matchday experience.
Edward H. Higgins bio Associate Athletics Dir., Capital Projects, Vanderbilt University, US
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11-11:45 am
Coffee break & networking in association with:
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11:45 am
Videoboard Structures – What’s Behind Your Dynamic LED Display?
Image: Geiger Engineers
From the centerhung giants that dominate hockey and basketball arenas to the towering outfield scoreboards of baseball stadiums, and the massive endzone boards in football venues, today's LED videoboards are bigger, brighter, and more dynamic than ever. But while all eyes are on the vibrant screen content, few stop to consider the crucial role of the structure behind it.
Every videoboard relies on a carefully engineered support system: the structure must handle not only the weight and dimensions of the display itself but also, if exterior, withstand environmental factors such as wind, seismic, and temperature effects. Whether you’re installing a new system from the ground up or upgrading an existing display, structural considerations are just as important as the screen technology.
We will explore challenges that we have encountered on past projects and share the engineering solutions that have allowed us to meet the demands while delivering stunning, reliable videoboard experiences.
Karen Lynch bio Principal & CEO, Geiger Engineers, US
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12:15 pm
State of the Industry: Who’s Building?
Image: University of Kansas rendering
Rob Hunden, CEO of Hunden Partners, a firm which has provided market and feasibility, impact, and planning expertise for more than 1,000 projects over 30 years, returns to deliver the 2025 state of the industry, detailing venue and district developments, industry growth, and performance data.
Rob Hunden bio President, Hunden Partners, US
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12:30 pm
Churchill Downs Racecourse ‘racing’ ahead with VITEC tool
Image: VITEC
Andy Wagner will inform the gathering in this conclave how VITEC deployed the Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) platform at the 1,65,000-capacity Churchill Downs Racecourse in Louisville, Kentucky (US) to provide a truly premium experience for the track and attendees of the Kentucky Derby (an American Grade I stakes race run).
Wagner will further inform that prior to the 2023 Derby the First Turn was deployed with a VITEC IPTV system to engage the fans and offer new sponsorship opportunities throughout the venue. The Churchill Downs Racecourse is continuing to leverage the successful launch to scale up the IPTV platform around the track and the event facilities to include new fan viewing areas, concourses and paddocks.
Andy Wagner bio VP Sales, Sports & Entertainment, VITEC, US
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2 pm
FIA: FIFA World Cup stadia hat-trick: Stadium innovation and legacy
Image: Fenwick Iribarren Architects
Fenwick Iribarren Architects (FIA) had a hat-trick of stadia designs at the last FIFA World Cup. We are recognized experts in FIFA compliant stadia (having worked on the FIFA Compliance of 5 of the 8 World Cup Stadia in Qatar), and continue to be dedicated to delivering innovative world-class stadiums that meet the highest international standards. We like to focus on innovation and sustainability: from cutting-edge design and engineering solutions to sustainable construction strategies. We will reflect on the lasting legacy these stadiums will be left with, both locally and globally. Through real case studies and behind-the-scenes insights, we will highlight the studio’s approach to designing not just iconic sports venues, but future-proof infrastructures that respond to both social and cultural challenges in the event of a World Cup. Very important is in the need to predesign the Legacy strategy in the stadiums, and to follow up on delivering post event stadiums which responds to the cultural and community values around them. The case studies will show how our innovative designs are coping in adapting successfully to their legacy intentions.
John Jackson bio Intl. BD Director, Fenwick Iribarren Architects, Spain
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Predators ‘365 days a year of renovation and growth’ story
Image: Nashville Predators
Jacob Lutz will tell Rob Hunden in a one-to-one interaction in this conference the overview of technology and game presentation in the 20,000-capacity Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, US.
Lutz will share with Hunden that the National Hockey League (NHL) team Nashville Predators adopt “365 days a year of renovation and growth” as well as maintaining one of the best game experiences in the NHL in their abode – the Bridgestone Arena.
He will further share with Hunden their approach to operating and keeping one of the world’s busiest arenas running and rebuilding the infrastructure in the midst of a disaster when the Bridgestone Arena suffered a catastrophic flood in November 2022. The Predators missed only two hockey games and the facility were up and running three days later. The stadium’s technical infrastructure was deemed a total loss but the able and efficient team were able to stand up a temporary system in 48 hours.
He will also talk about the power of community in the venue industry and how they rebuilt and commissioned an eight million dollar control room and infrastructure during the middle of a season.
The ‘Smashville’ (Nashville Predators) future plans: Renovating the Bridgestone Arena.
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2:30 pm
MatSing connected experience in venues
Image: MatSing
Carlos Hernandez will observe in this colloquium how 5G has become integral to delivering a connected experience at the sports and entertainment venues. An ultra-fast and high-capacity mobile network is imperative to elevate the fan experience. MatSing’s innovative lens antennas are now the leading antenna solution in the stadiums and the arenas in the United States with 60 percent of the National Football League (NFL) venues and 50 percent of the National Basketball Association (NBA) arenas utilizing the advanced technology for line of sight signal connection.
Hernandez will further observe that alongside, several F1 race tracks, the soccer stadiums and the music events leverage the patented multibeam lens antennas from MatSing. In this session, he will highlight how the lens antennas deliver highest capacity connectivity in the venues of different sizes and types and how the carriers and the venue owners benefit from improved performance and lower cost of ownership.
Carlos Hernandez bio Director of Key Account, MatSing, US
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2:45 pm
Cincinnati Open bold transformation
Image: Cincinnati Open
The Cincinnati Open is undergoing a bold transformation that’s redefining its place on the global tennis stage. With sweeping renovations—including 14 brand-new courts, elevated premium seating, and state-of-the-art athlete-only facilities—the tournament is setting a new benchmark for excellence in both player and fan experiences.
In this fireside chat, Janson Dell, COO of the Cincinnati Open, joins Jerry Mullins of Barton Malow Builders, the lead contractor on the project, for an inside look at the vision and execution behind this exciting overhaul. Together, they’ll explore the challenges of delivering a fast-tracked, large-scale renovation and share how these enhancements are attracting elite talent, amplifying the tournament’s international appeal, and positioning the Cincinnati Open as a premier destination on the professional tennis circuit.
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3 pm
Smart stadiums, smarter teams
Image: Coliseum GSVA
The use and development of technology in sports facilities has rapidly evolved, reshaping the fan experience and operational efficiency. From early adoption of digital scoreboards to today's AI-driven analytics and smart stadiums, technology leadership has become central to competitive advantage. Modern venues now integrate advanced connectivity, biometric access, and sustainability systems. These innovations not only enhance performance and safety but also deliver personalized fan engagement. Teams increasingly rely on tech leaders to drive strategic decisions, making technology a core pillar in both business operations and athletic success. The trajectory suggests continued transformation across all levels of sports infrastructure.
Andrew McIntyre bio SVP, Technology & Innovation, Tennessee Titans, US
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Lumen Field efficient-innovative sustainability practices
Image: Lumen Field
Christy Biggs will point out in this conference that the 68,740-capacity Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington (US) has a long history of high waste diversion rates with consistent numbers over 90 percent for nearly a decade. However, during the pandemic those numbers began to fall.
Biggs will further inform that the sustainability and operations team dug into what was causing the decline. Through the implementation of innovative and efficient practices the team increased the venue’s diversion rate back to 93 percent in 2024.
Christy Biggs bio Sustainability Manager, Lumen Field, US
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4:15 pm
Bringing the Thunder: Redesigning the Sonic Experience at Amalie Arena
Image: Meyer Sound
Kenny Lauer takes you behind the scenes of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s bold reimagination of sound as a strategy for fan engagement. More than just a technical upgrade, this transformation—powered by Meyer Sound—was rooted in behavior design, emotional storytelling, and a relentless focus on fan immersion. From bone-rattling bass to crystal-clear announcements, Kenny reveals how sound became a catalyst for a fan’s “emotional transportation”, that of, presence, engagement, and loyalty, proving that when you “hear it right,” the entire game changes.
Kenny will leave you with actionable insights and strategic takeaways—equipping you to create immersive, emotionally resonant experiences in your own world, whether you’re in sports, entertainment, or beyond.
Kenny Lauer bio Strategic Advisor, Meyer Sound, US
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4:30 pm
State Farm Arena Zero Waste events feat
Image: State Farm Arena
Sofi Armenakian will tell the august audience in this meet how the 16,888-capacity State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia (US) became the world’s first TRUE platinum-certified venue for Zero Waste in live sports and entertainment.
Armenakian will go on to explain what is Zero Waste? According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), “Zero Waste means designing and managing products and processes to systematically avoid and eliminate the volume and toxicity of waste and materials, conserve and recover all resources, diverting 90 percent from landfill, and not burn or bury.”
What did it take? Under Sofi Armenakian’s leadership the team at the State Farm Arena achieved zero waste certification by adopting a comprehensive approach including meticulous planning, implementation of sustainable practices and continuous monitoring.
She will make a presentation on the importance of collaboration and partnerships emphasizing how working together with the various stakeholders has been crucial in achieving Zero Waste operations. She will share examples that have contributed to the organization’s success.
Since the certification in 2022 the arena has hosted over 600 Zero Waste events and continues to lead the way in sustainable event management.
Sofi Armenakian bio Head of Sustainable Strategy, Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena, US
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4:45 pm
Innovating World Cup pitches: Research-driven solutions for modern challenges
Image: University of Tennessee
Dr. John C. Sorochan will explore in this session of the meet the latest research-backed strategies for overcoming the complex challenges of delivering world-class playing surfaces for the 2026 World Cup to take place from June 11th-July 19th, 2026 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Dr. Sorochan will cover key topics like optimizing sod production for match-ready pitches, implementing shallow construction methods for high-performance temporary fields in multiuse stadiums and managing the grow light systems to sustain elite turf in the domed environments.
His presentation will highlight advanced athlete-to-surface testing techniques that enhance both performance and player safety.
Dr. John C. Sorochan bio Distinguished Professor – Turfgrass Science, University of Tennessee, US
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Monterrey magic to work wonders in 2026 FIFA soccer spectacle
Image: Estadio Guadalajara, Alejan98, CC0 / Estadio Azteca, ProtoplasmaKid, CC BY-SA 4.0 / Estadio Monterrey, Rick González, CC BY 2.0
Alejandro Hütt Valenzuela will tell the august audience in this assembly that Monterrey is proud to be one of the 16 Host Cities for the FIFA World Cup™ 2026 and one of only three in Mexico. He will maintain that Monterrey has been chosen on the strength of its rich soccer culture and vibrant community.
Valenzuela will further state that hosting the World Cup is a unique opportunity to showcase the City of Monterrey’s soccer fervor to a global audience and reaffirm the City’s reputation. The City’s modern infrastructure, including the state-of-the-art stadiums, demonstrates its preparedness to host the event. With its stunning mountain landscapes and Monterrey emerging as a tourist destination it has much to offer the fans beyond the matches.
Alejandro Hütt Valenzuela bio Host City Manager, FWC 26 Monterrey, Mexico
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5:15 pm
Digital engagement drive fan loyalty-reap revenue
Image: Uniguest
Fred Crespo will maintain in this conference how digital engagement done in the right manner can have a positive impact on fan engagement in the stadia.
Crespo will further maintain that digital engagement enhances fan engagement by providing new avenues for interaction, community building and personalized experiences ultimately strengthening fan loyalty and potentially driving revenue. Social media, mobile apps and other digital platforms allow for realtime interaction fostering a stronger connection between the fans and their teams.
He will explore the fan journey from the perspective of digital engagement and discuss use cases that have proven results in maximizing the fan engagement quotient in the venues.
Fred Crespo bio VP of Channel Sales, Americas, Uniguest, US
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5:30 pm
John Coniglio bio Partner, Aligned Vision Group, US
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6-7:30 pm
International networking evening
We warmly invite all delegates of Coliseum Summit US 2025 to join us for a relaxed and entertaining evening on Nashville’s iconic Broadway Street — the heart of the city’s vibrant music scene.
After the first day of the summit, unwind with fellow industry professionals over drinks and snacks, as we soak in the buzz, lights, and live tunes that make Broadway one of the most unforgettable streets in America.
Image: Chait Goli
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8-8:45 am
Morning coffee & networking snacks in association with:
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8:45 am
Opening key-note
Connected stadium-venue aesthetics boost fan experiences
Image: Coliseum GSVA
Ian Ayre will share with James A. Renne in this assembly the importance of systems technology in building a truly connected stadium. Systems technology is crucial for building a truly connected stadium because it enables enhanced fan experiences, improves the operational efficiency and unlocks new revenue streams.
Ayre will also share with Renne the difference between operating a major venue (the 61,276-capacity Anfield Stadium in Anfield, Liverpool, England, UK) in the English Premier League (EPL) and a United States venue (the 30,109-capacity GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee, US) in Major League Soccer (MLS), home of the MLS team Nashville SC.
He will also underline the importance of venue aesthetics in alignment with the neighborhood as aligning a venue’s aesthetics with its surrounding neighborhood is crucial for creating a harmonious and impactful event experience.
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Beyond the Blue: Elevating the Fan and Player Experience at Boise State
Image: Boise State University
Join Chris Roberts, Design Principal at Opsis Architecture, for a dynamic one-on-one conversation with Nathan Burk, Senior Associate Athletic Director at Boise State University, as they explore the driving forces behind the transformation of Albertsons Stadium’s North Endzone. With experience leading innovative, high-impact athletic facilities, Chris brings a designer’s lens to a dialogue focused on strategy, identity, and future-proofing intercollegiate athletic projects.
Nathan offers an inside look at the vision and leadership shaping one of the most ambitious capital projects for Boise State athletics in an effort to elevate the fan experience, enhance student-athlete wellness, and expand game-day operations. Together, they’ll unpack how the Broncos are building off a breakout season, navigating the shifting landscape of NIL, realignment, and expanded playoffs, by embracing a future in the reimagined Pac-12.
Expect an engaging exchange between two leaders who share a passion for creating community centric, high-performance environments that reflect the culture and aspirations of their institution. This session will offer valuable insights into collaborative project delivery, operational planning, and the bold thinking required to stay competitive in today’s evolving collegiate athletics arena.
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Fernando Perez bio VP of Enterprise, Sports, and Entertainment, JMA Wireless, US
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9:35 am
Chicago Fire sterling home venue plans
Image: MLS and Chicago Fire
Ted Glick will reveal in this conference the new home venue plans of the Major League Soccer (MLS) team Chicago Fire FC. It will be a soccer-specific stadium in the vacant plot of land in the South Loop known as ‘The 78’ in Chicago (US).
Glick will further reveal that it will be an open-air stadium to allow for a natural grass field which can hold up to 22,000 fans. The estimated $650 million project will be privately-funded. The stadium will be largely privately financed by the billionaire team owner Joe Mansueto.
Ted Glick bio SVP, Chief Ticketing Officer, Chicago Fire FC, US
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9:50 am
Veridas biometric innovation at Mâs Monumental Stadium
Image: Veridas
Joe Scheschareg will explore in this session of the colloquium how the Club Atlético River Plate, one of Latin America’s most iconic football clubs, partnered with the technology company Veridas to implement a cutting-edge facial access control solution at the River Plate’s home field – the 85,018-capacity Mâs Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Scheschareg will walk the distinguished audience through the origins of the project, the unique challenges faced during implementation – from fan adoption to infrastructure integration – and how these were successfully overcome.
The presentation will conclude with key takeaways and lessons learned offering valuable insights for the clubs and the venues aiming to enhance security and fan experience through biometric innovation.
Joe Scheschareg bio Sales Dev., Veridas, US
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Holistic strategies to boost safety quotient in venues
Image: MLS
Jeffrey Stonebreaker will share with the gathering in this meet that reducing risk and increasing safety at the Major League Soccer (MLS) venues involves a multifaceted approach that encompasses preventative measures, emergency response and crowd management. It includes addressing potential risks like injuries, property damage and ensuring a safe environment for all the attendees, from the players to the fans.
He will also talk about a robust security system including perimeter control, access control, surveillance, and emergency exit planning which is essential. Implementing comprehensive health and safety measures is crucial including measures to address overcrowding, potential hazards and emergency situations. This may involve capacity limits, clearly marked evacuation routes and readily available first aid facilities.
Stonebreaker will stress on holistic strategies to reduce risk and improve safety and how to move from challenges to integrated solutions in the venues.
Jeffrey Stonebreaker bio SVP Safety and Security, MLS, US
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10:20 am
Mandi King bio BDM, Arena/Stadium, Hanwha Vision, US
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10:35 am
HR technology leg-up to boosting employee engagement-retention
Image: Humanforce
Ian Anderson will observe in this conference that as sports, the venues, the stadiums, and the arenas industry rebounds from five years of substantial change and disruption the importance of human resources (HR) and workforce management technology has reached an all-time high.
Anderson will present a case study in this session and will explore how intuitive, mobile-friendly digital workforce and the people management tools can revolutionize the end-to-end employee experience, drive operational efficiency and yield better outcomes for the venues, like the 23,500-capacity Co-Op Live in Manchester, England (UK).
Hear from Anderson who will share Co-Op Live’s experience with Humanforce in the context of strategies to reduce costs and boost operational efficiency, leveraging real-time workforce analytics for informed decision-making, enhancing the overall employee experience, and boosting employee engagement and retention with the help of HR technology.
Ian Anderson bio BD Manager, Humanforce, US
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Nissan Stadium: A premium evolution
Image: Tennessee Titans
Introducing Nashville’s largest and most dynamic stage, home to the Tennessee Titans and a world-class destination for global performers. The new Nissan Stadium, spanning approximately 1.8 million square feet, is designed to redefine the premium live event experience. In this session, Andy will explore the stadium’s innovative premium product mix and share the sales strategy his team is using to bring this bold vision to life. From fan experience to revenue generation, get an inside look at how this transformative venue is being positioned to set a new standard in sports and entertainment.
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11:40 am
New Nissan Stadium work on in right earnest
Image: Tennessee Titans
Kellen DeCoursey will explain in length to Kenneth Johnson in this assembly how the construction of the new home of the National Football League (NFL) team Tennessee Titans – the 55,000-60,000-capacity New Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee (US) – is a collaborative effort.
DeCoursey will point out to Johnson that selecting the right team for a venue project is crucial for success. And in the case of a mega project like the New Nissan Stadium they had to select the right team and also ensure an effective structure to support them. They also had to bring together talented individuals contributing to the overall project targets.
The $2.2-billion, 2.1-million-sq-ft New Nissan Stadium will cover much more than just football and the team wants to ensure that there “isn’t a bad seat in the house”.
Kellen DeCoursey Director Stadium Development, Tennessee Titans, US
Kenneth Johnson bio EVP, National Sports and Venues, AECOM Hunt, US
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11:55 am
The human edge in premium experiences
Image: Nashville Superspeedway
In an age of cutting-edge venues and high-end amenities, it’s people, not property, that truly elevate premium events. This session explores the art of “Welcoming Well,” emphasizing hospitality, communication, and a clear sense of purpose. Discover how human connection shapes unforgettable experiences and why investing in your team is the key to long-term success. Learn how clarity in roles and culture drives guest satisfaction and sets standout events apart. This conversation offers practical insights into creating premium experiences that resonate, not just impress.
Jonathan “JT” Thomas bio VP, Corporate Sales, Nashville Superspeedway, US
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12:10 pm
ARX Kinetic Architecture push-the-envelope stadium design
Image: ARX
Puneet Khunger will inform in this conclave how the ARX Kinetic Architecture Solutions, part of the Kinetic Solutions Group, excels in the engineering of cutting-edge moving structures for the stadiums and the entertainment venues.
Khunger will further inform the august audience that ARX’s expertise lies in delivering world-class kinetic architecture that pushes the boundaries of multifunctional stadium design – from concept to commissioning and beyond.
He will further explore the future of the retractable pitches and will present a case study of the ARX work at the 62,850-capacity Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London (UK). This groundbreaking venue features a fully retractable dividing pitch enabling seamless transitions between Premier League football and the National Football League (NFL) games and supporting the top-tier events like boxing and concerts. He will also discuss the engineering innovations, operational benefits and the future potential of dynamic pitch technology in shaping the next generation of multiuse stadiums.
Puneet Khunger bio Director, ARX, UK
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Chattanooga Lookouts community commitment
Image: Erlanger Park
Rich Mozingo will inform the esteemed audience in this assembly how the Minor League Baseball (MiLB) team Chattanooga Lookouts have entered into a naming rights deal with the hospital system Erlanger and as part of this arrangement their home ground will be known as the Erlanger Park in Chattanooga, Tennessee (US).
Mozingo will further state that Chattanooga Lookouts partnership with Erlanger reflects their shared commitment to community, tradition and progress and they believe in creating a space that brings the people together and celebrates the spirit of the City.
Rich Mozingo bio President, Chattanooga Lookouts, US
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1:45 pm
Estructura prescription to keep venue structural health robust
Image: Estructura
Fernando A. Neris will point out in this conference how the natural wear and tear in the buildings, the sports venues and in the critical infrastructure over time creates damages that not only affect daily use if they go unrepaired but more importantly make the structures more vulnerable to calamities like earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, accidents, acts of terrorism, and floods. The repair work then becomes far more costly, business interruptions worsen and lives are often lost.
To improve on the routine and incomplete human inspections which are often merely visual, Neris will present a case study before the august audience on how the Estructura team partnered with the Swiss technology company GeoSIG to install a Structural Health Monitoring System (SHMS) consisting of a set of sensors that provide early detection of changes and damages which can then be repaired immediately by the Facilities Managers.
Neris will further demonstrate how the GeoSIG SHMS installation in the 20,000-seat Puerto Rico Coliseum in San Juan (the island’s [Puerto Rico] capital and largest City) tracks potential damages from the sports events and the concerts pinpointing the exact area suffering any damage. In this era of increasing climate-related challenges and always-on seismic activity this targeted, precise, realtime, 24/7 monitoring data – at a minimum rate of 50 samples and calculations per second – on the property’s structural integrity provides proactive maintenance, protects lives and assets, reduces risk for the insurance carriers, slashes post-disaster recovery spending, and also enhances the safety outcomes.
Fernando A. Neris, P.E. bio President, Estructura, US
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2 pm
Image: New York Racing Association and Populous
Katie Keenan CEO, New York Racing Association, US
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2:15 pm
Sound Design for Modern Sports Venues
Image: Solotech
Solotech works with many of the most talented artists in World Concert Touring. Only the very best in sound design will meet the arduous standards that these shows demand.
The standard for the highest quality in sound design and performance doesn’t end at the concert tour, sound is just as critical for sports venues and every bit as demanding.
And the pressure points continue to grow, fans expect “concert sound” at every event that venues host. And sound system excellence not only amplifies content but fan experience and adrenaline levels as well.
Michael Conner will discuss how Solotech deliver’s sound systems that meet and exceed the elite performance standards in Modern Sports Venues. This session will discuss topics including intelligibility, acoustics, life safety requirements, artist riders, frequency response, redundancy, power back up, quality consistency across the venue, and loudness mapping and measurement.
Michael Conner bio Sports Venues Global Market Leader, Solotech, US
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2:45 pm
Improving the gameday experience with facial authentication
Image: Wicket
Jeff Josephson will discuss in this colloquium on how as fan expectations rise and the stadium operations grow more complex the sports organizations are under pressure to deliver smoother, faster and more secure gameday experiences. From long lines at the entry gates to slow concessions and manual credential checks operational friction can worsen the fan experience, strain the staff and reduce gameday revenue.
Josephson will further explore in this session how biometric technologies like facial authentication can streamline the entire journey for both the fans and the employees. He will share insights from Wicket, a privacy-first facial authentication platform used by over 50 sports organizations worldwide. Whether it’s enabling frictionless ticketing and payments, or accelerating staff credentialing at the secure access points, Wicket’s technology is designed to work across diverse environments with the multiple vendors and systems.
He will also discuss real-world examples, lessons learned from the large-scale deployments and a practical perspective on how to roll out biometrics effectively without adding friction for the users.
Jeff Josephson bio EVP, Head of Sales, Wicket, US
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3 pm
Ron Patel bio President, New Mexico United, US
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3:15 pm
Ian White bio BD Global Lead, Sports Facilities, L-Acoustics, US
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Modular design reshaping sports venues’ future
Image: Dirk Lindner (Stufish) and Michael Reaves (Getty Images)
Patrick Ledwith will tell Rob Hunden in a fireside chat in this meet that as Los Angeles (US) prepares to welcome the Olympic and Paralympic Games once again in 2028 how modular design and innovative construction methods are reshaping the future of the sports and entertainment venues across the globe.
The duo will discuss the challenges of the fast-track build programs which these major events demand and how legacy outcomes for the Host Cities can be achieved with early engagement of the supply chain.
Case studies will be presented from London (UK), Paris (France), Jakarta (Indonesia), and the World Expo 2025 in Japan which got off to a start on April 13th and will conclude on October 13th. Learn how these temporary-to-permanent transformations can unlock legacy value, drive return on investment (ROI) and meet the evolving market demands.
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4-5 pm
Behind-the-scenes of Nissan Stadium
Image: Coliseum GSVA
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5:30-6:30 pm
Behind-the-scenes of Bridgestone Arena in association with:
Image: Coliseum GSVA
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8-10 pm
FIFA Club World Cup game: Al Hilal vs CF Pachuca, GEODIS Park, Nashville, 8 pm CDT
Image: Coliseum GSVA
