Elevate Sports Ventures, a partnership initially formed by executives from the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, and Creative Artists Agency (CAA), has significantly bolstered its ranks. The firm has announced the inclusion of industry giants Oak View Group (OVG), Live Nation, and Ticketmaster as Powered Partners, signaling a major move to dominate the premium services sector within the global sports and entertainment landscape. This strategic alliance positions Elevate Sports Ventures to directly challenge established players like Legends Hospitality, backed by the New York Yankees and Dallas Cowboys.
Al Guido, President of the 49ers and a key executive at Elevate Sports Ventures, brings valuable experience from his prior role as a Senior Executive with the Cowboys and Legends Hospitality during the development of AT&T Stadium and Levi’s Stadium. The addition of these powered partners is seen as crucial in achieving Elevate Sports Ventures’ ambitious goal of surpassing Legends Hospitality in the competitive market.
The integration of Oak View Group (OVG) is particularly noteworthy, bringing CEO Tim Leiweke into the fold. Leiweke’s extensive experience as the former president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) adds considerable weight to the partnership. OVG’s development division is expected to benefit significantly as Elevate Sports Ventures will provide support for premium seating and suite sales, as well as service strategies for the proposed renovations at Seattle Center’s KeyArena. This project is intrinsically linked to Seattle’s bid to become home to a new NHL expansion team.
This enhanced partnership effectively secures Elevate Sports Ventures’ first major client since its inception in January 2018. Seattle’s KeyArena is now set to be the flagship project for this consortium of seasoned sports business leaders, who are optimistic about a favorable outcome in the anticipated NHL expansion vote expected in Fall 2018.
“We are eager to immerse ourselves in the Seattle project and collaborate with our powered partners at OVG,” stated Guido. “Our current focus is on formulating comprehensive plans for the launch, working closely with OVG and Populous on the design aspects, particularly refining premium areas and suites, and developing engaging experience centers. We are excited to unveil the revitalized brand and narrative of this venue to both the sports and entertainment industry and the city of Seattle. This entertainment center is fundamental to conveying that story.”
Despite the pending NHL expansion vote, Elevate Sports Ventures is poised to commence operations in Seattle imminently. The KeyArena renovations are estimated to be a substantial $600 million investment, underscoring the scale and ambition of this project.
Seattle Hockey Partners CEO and President Tod Leiweke expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are honored to be associated with such exceptionally skilled powered partners that constitute the OVG family. We are confident that their world-class expertise will be instrumental in realizing the vision for our Seattle arena.”
Darren Heitner, the author, is the Founder of HEITNER LEGAL, P.L.L.C., based in South Florida, and Sports Agent Blog. He is also the author of “How to Play the Game: What Every Sports Attorney Needs to Know.”
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