Watsco Center: Legends Global selected as new venue manager
The University of Miami has named Legends Global, the premier partner to the world's greatest live events, venues, and brands, as the new venue manager for the Watsco Center. The management agreement extends the partnership through September 2028, with an option to extend an additional three-year term.
“We are excited to expand our partnership with Legends Global to include managing the Watsco Center,” Vice President/Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich said. “Legends Global is a world-class venue operator, and we are confident their expertise will help make Watsco a destination venue for years to come.”
The University of Miami and Legends Global began their partnership in April 2021, focusing on marketing and rights, which expanded in December 2023 to encompass all facets of revenue generation within Miami’s athletics programs. The transformative partnership, the first of its kind in collegiate athletics, includes overseeing athletics sponsorships, ticketing, annual fund initiatives, and an off-campus Miami Hurricanes retail store. In addition to the expanded scope within athletics, Legends Global helps the University to enhance campus-wide partnerships that include both athletic and non-athletic assets. Since the expansion of the partnership, Legends Global has achieved all-time revenue records across athletics sponsorship, ticket sales, and annual giving.
“Over the last five years, our partnership with University of Miami athletics has seen a tremendous amount of success, and we’re excited to now extend that collaboration to include management of the Watsco Center,” said Tim Statezni, executive vice president, college, Legends Global. “The arena is a cornerstone for both the Canes’ and broader community, and we’re proud to help carry its legacy forward.”
Jesse Marks, who was recently named chief revenue officer for Legends Global at University of Miami Athletics, will oversee the new agreement. A seasoned sports business executive with experience across both collegiate and professional sports, Marks previously served as Chief Revenue Officer at Northwestern University, where he led the program’s revenue strategy including ticket sales, merchandise, licensing, and partnerships and played a key role in the development of the new Ryan Field project. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Miami and spent nine years with the Hurricane Club, serving as Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development. Marks also held the role of Executive Director for the Miami Dolphins Foundation prior to his tenure at Northwestern.
Additionally, Legends Global has selected Adam Sinclair as the Watsco Center’s new general manager. Formerly the director of facilities for the venue from 2004 – 2007, Sinclair returns to the Watsco Center with more than 23 years of experience in venue management. Throughout his career, he gained significant expertise in roles at prominent venues like NRG Park, American Airlines Center, Capital One Arena and The National Tennis Center and US Open. Sinclair will oversee day-to-day operations at the 8,000+ capacity Watsco Center, including the overall management, promotion and operation of the facility.
The Watsco Center is a 200,000-square foot, multipurpose entertainment facility, located in the heart of beautiful Coral Gables, Florida on the University of Miami campus. Opening its doors in January 2003 as the first mid-size venue that had opened south of downtown in Miami-Dade County, the Watsco Center currently remains the largest facility of its kind south of downtown Miami. The Watsco Center offers an ideal capacity for concerts, conferences, lectures series and banquets, and also houses locker rooms, training room facilities, convention space and banquet facilities.
Since its opening, the Watsco Center has hosted a number of memorable events and sold-out shows, including Green Day, Coldplay, John Mayer, Drake, The Fray, and Barry Manilow, as well as, being the setting for televised events and award shows such as the 2004 Presidential Debates, Unplugged featuring Ricky Martin and Thalia, Premio Lo Nuestro, Premios Juventud, Billboard’s Latin Music Awards, and most recently The X Factor. The venue has also welcomed world-renowned figures and politicians, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama, former President Bill Clinton, former President Barack Obama, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Senator John McCain.
The Watsco Center also plays host to the Miami Hurricanes men’s and women’s basketball teams and is flexible enough to accommodate other sporting events such as cheerleading, volleyball, and karate among others.
SeatGeek partner with Spotify for innovative ticketing experience
SeatGeek, a high-growth technology platform transforming the live event experience for fans, teams and venues, announced a new integration with Spotify that brings SeatGeek’s official primary ticket inventory directly into Spotify’s event discovery experience, extending SeatGeek’s reach to Spotify’s global audience of more than 751 million monthly active users. Through the integration, fans can discover live events tied to the artists they listen to and connect seamlessly to SeatGeek to purchase official primary tickets from its team and venue partners.
The integration allows SeatGeek primary events to surface across Spotify through personalized recommendations and notifications based on listener preferences, shortening the path from music discovery to ticket purchase. Fans are directed into SeatGeek’s ticketing experience, where they can compare options and choose the seats that best fit their preferences. Participating venues include SeatGeek’s 15 major U.S. venue partners, including State Farm Stadium, Nissan Stadium and AT&T Stadium.
“SeatGeek is building the best marketplace for live events by making it easier for fans to find the right tickets in the best possible buying experience,” said Russ D’Souza, co-founder and president of SeatGeek. “This integration with Spotify helps remove friction at the moment of discovery, so fans can go from listening to an artist to choosing great seats in just a few steps. For our partners, it also creates a more direct and informed connection to fans as interest turns into attendance.”
For rightsholders, the integration extends the reach of SeatGeek’s ticketing platform by connecting primary inventory to a highly engaged audience earlier in the discovery journey. By pairing data-driven recommendations with official inventory, SeatGeek continues to invest in technology that helps partners grow demand, maintain control over their ticketing business and convert interest into attendance. Powered by SeatGeekIQ, its AI-driven marketplace intelligence engine, SeatGeek helps partners better understand fan behavior, improve show rates and make more informed decisions across their business.
“This partnership with SeatGeek represents a significant step in our mission to build a best-in-class event discovery platform,” said Abbie Riley, business development lead at Spotify. “By connecting our highly engaged audience with official primary tickets from an authorized source, we are creating a more contextual concert discovery experience that helps fans find tickets alongside the music they love.”
The integration is live now, and fans will begin seeing direct links to SeatGeek tickets for upcoming events by the artists they follow, appearing within Spotify’s event discovery experience and notifications.
Shell Energy Stadium: Evolv Technology enhances live experience
Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc. a leading security technology company pioneering AI-based solutions designed to create safer experiences, today announced that it has entered a partnership with Shell Energy Stadium, home of the Houston Dynamo FC and Houston Dash, both pro soccer teams. Under the terms of the partnership, the stadium has entered a multi-year subscription agreement for Evolv Express®, the company’s flagship concealed weapons detection system. Evolv has also been designated as a “Proud Partner” of the club.
The Texas stadium selected Evolv as a key investment aimed at improving the guest experience through more efficient and streamlined entry for all events at the venue. “At Shell Energy Stadium, we are focused on delivering a high-quality experience from the moment guests arrive,” said Shaun Johnson, General Manager of Facilities and Operations. “We are always looking for ways to improve efficiency and comfort for our fans, and this investment helps create a smoother entry process across all of our events.”
Evolv Express uses advanced sensor technology and AI to screen guests while allowing individuals to move through entry points at a natural walking pace. Evolv Express systems have been deployed across all public and non-public entry points at the stadium, helping to manage entry flow and support a more convenient arrival experience for fans and guests.
“We are proud to partner with Shell Energy Stadium to support their vision for an improved guest experience,” said John Baier, Evolv’s Vice President of Sports & Entertainment. “Our goal is to help create safer, more efficient entry experiences so guests can focus on enjoying their event.”
The addition of Evolv Express is part of the stadium’s ongoing commitment to enhance the guest experience as Houston prepares for a significant period of upcoming sports and entertainment events. With a full calendar that includes professional soccer, international matches, concerts, and community events, the stadium continues to invest in creating a welcoming, efficient, and enjoyable environment for every guest.
Evolv, a leader in AI-powered security solutions, has deployed its technology at hundreds of venues across sports, healthcare, and public spaces, helping organisations enhance safety while maintaining a positive guest experience.
Etihad Park: New York City FC to start 27/28 season at new ground
New York City FC has announced the Club will play their first match at Etihad Park, New York City’s first soccer-specific stadium, with the beginning of the 2027-28 MLS season in the summer of 2027. Before the calendar change, MLS will stage a transition season from February to May 2027, featuring a 14-game regular season, playoffs, and MLS Cup. The Club will play home matches during that transition season at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field.
“We cannot wait to welcome our fans for the first-ever New York City FC match at Etihad Park,” said Brad Sims, New York City FC CEO. “Construction is progressing incredibly well, and we remain on schedule. With Major League Soccer transitioning to a new competition calendar, we believe the right moment to open Etihad Park is at the start of the 2027-28 season — aligning our new home with the beginning of a new era for both our league and our Club.
“Opening alongside a full season ensures our fans can experience Etihad Park from day one, rather than in the middle of a transition year. This approach allows us to properly celebrate our final matches at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, prepare thoughtfully for the move, and build toward a definitive and historic opening that reflects what this moment means for us and our city.
“In the months leading up to the 2027-28 season, we will host test events to ensure everything is ready for opening day. We are incredibly grateful for our fans’ continued support and look forward to beginning this next chapter together at Etihad Park.”
Accredit Solutions Launches Accredit Visit
Accredit Solutions Launches Accredit Visit: Bringing Event-Grade Security to Everyday Venue Operations
New product closes the security gap between match days and non-event days, replacing paper logs with a secure, auditable digital workflow.
Accredit Solutions has announced the launch of Accredit Visit, a purpose-built visitor and contractor management system designed to extend the operational control of high-stakes events into everyday stadium and venue visitor management.
On match days, stadiums maintain rigorous security perimeters. Yet for the remaining 300+ days of the year, many still rely on manual processes or paper logs to manage site access. Accredit Visitor addresses this operational blind spot by applying consistent, event-grade access management to the contractors, corporate guests, media, and deliveries that access the venue daily.
Security Doesn't Take Days Off
Unlike generic visitor tools designed for office buildings or corporate lobbies, Accredit Visit is built on Accredit Solutions’ proven accreditation and access control platform. Operating as part of the Accredit OS ecosystem, it integrates seamlessly with the venue’s existing accreditation data, ensuring that everyday guests are managed with the same rigor, governance, and audit trails applied to the event-day workforce.
"Venues don't lower their standards on match days, and they shouldn't have to accept lower standards on a Tuesday morning," said Peder Berg, CEO of Accredit Solutions. "With Accredit Visit, we are extending the 'pride of precision' that our clients are famous for into their daily operations. It gives the security and operation teams confidence that every person on site—whether it's a cup final, a concert, or a routine visit or maintenance day, is authorised, vetted, and accounted for."
Key Capabilities of Accredit Visit:
- One Identity, One Standard: Operates on the same secure data layer as the core accreditation system, removing data silos between event and non-event days.
- Pre-Arrival Control: Allows hosts to pre-register guests and contractors, ensuring compliance checks are completed before arrival.
- Instant Access: QR and RFID badge issuance for seamless entry, replacing hand-written passes.
- Real-Time Visibility: Live dashboards provide security teams with a single view of exactly who is in the building and where they are zoned.
- Regulatory Compliance: Supports requirements associated with the UK Protect Duty (Martyn’s Law) by providing a robust, digital audit trail of all persons on site.
For venue operators, Accredit Visit delivers immediate efficiency. Administrative burden is reduced through self-service check-ins, while security teams gain a single source of truth for all venue traffic.
Estadio Azteca to host 49ers regular season game
The San Francisco 49ers are set to return to Mexico City in the 2026 season.
This year, the 49ers will host a regular season game at Estadio Banorte, with their opponent to be announced. The matchup comes as the NFL begins a three-year commitment to play regular season games in Mexico City, further strengthening the league's presence in one of its most passionate global markets.
Mexico is home to the largest NFL fanbase outside of the United States. In addition to regular season games, the NFL and the 49ers continue to invest year-round through fan initiatives, NFL Flag development, and community impact programs.
The 49ers have become a regular team to play internationally in Mexico City. San Francisco most recently traveled to Mexico in 2022, earning a 38-10 victory over the Arizona Cardinals on "Monday Night Football" at Estadio Azteca. The NFL has hosted six games in Mexico City over the past 21 years, with the 49ers appearing in two of them. Notably, the 49ers were part of a historic moment in 2005, playing the Cardinals in the NFL's first-ever international regular season game in Mexico City.
"We are delighted to bring regular‑season NFL games back to Mexico City beginning in 2026, reaffirming our deep and long‑standing connection with fans across the country," NFL Mexico director General Arturo Olivé said. "Estadio Banorte has hosted some incredibly memorable moments in our international history, and returning here underscores our commitment to growing the sport at every level in the market."
Ipswich Town partner with Unilumin for LED solutions
Ipswich Town have announced Unilumin as the club’s Official LED Solutions Partner.
Unilumin, a world leader in LED display, work with some of the biggest sporting organisations and clubs across the globe and have now partnered with Town on a multi-year deal.
The agreement will see Unilumin and Town work together on a range of projects, both at Portman Road and the Playford Road training ground, as the club continues to invest in improving its digital offering to supporters and partners.
Andy Wooldridge, Town’s Commercial Director, said: “We are delighted to be working with Unilumin in what is an exciting step for the club, as we welcome a new global partner.
“Unilumin are a world-leader in their field and will bring real expertise to our work together on a number of projects, as we continue to invest in the club’s digital offering.
“The world-leading technology Unilumin bring make them the perfect partner to help drive the club forward.”
Felix Chen, Sports & Partnerships Director at Unilumin, added: “We are excited to be partnering with Ipswich Town at a time of such growth for the club.
“The club and ourselves share many of the same values and approaches, making this long-term relationship a natural one which will offer many opportunities to move things forward.”
University of Southern California partner with Oak View Group for hospitality
The University of Southern California Athletics Department has announced a partnership with Oak View Group (OVG), the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, as the hospitality provider for on-campus athletics venues, including the new Rawlinson Stadium, Dedeaux Field, and The Galen Center.
The partnership represents a shared commitment to enhancing campus life through food, service, and experiences that celebrate USC tradition. New food & beverage offerings are available at concessions stands with a focus on delivering fresh, locally inspired menus, exceptional service, and a game-day atmosphere that reflects the spirit and pride of the Trojans. Additional highlight will include signature menu items, grab and go markets to reduce wait times, and upgraded premium hospitality areas for fans, alumni, and special guests.
“USC’s athletics venues are home to decades of tradition and unforgettable moments,” said Charles Griffin Cale Director of Athletics Jen Cohen. “As we continue to better engage our fans and further invest in our student-athletes, this partnership with Oak View Group allows us to honour that legacy while introducing new standards of hospitality, service, innovation to ensure world-class experiences for the Trojan Family.”
In addition to concessions, OVG offers performance dining for teams at The Galen Center Arena, providing services that support student-athlete performance and recovery, and manages catering for select athletics events.
“Few institutions embody tradition and excellence like USC. We’re thrilled to partner with such an iconic athletics program to deliver hospitality that’s bold, forward-thinking, and authentically Southern California while setting a new benchmark for the college game-day experience,” said Ken Gaber, President, OVG Hospitality.
OVG has a growing portfolio of collegiate athletics collaborations, supporting some of the nation’s most respected universities and campus venues, including Vanderbilt University, University of Connecticut, Penn State University, University of Kansas, University of Arizona, Texas Tech University, Villanova University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Colorado State University, University of Illinois, University of Texas, Missouri State University and Virginia Tech, among others.
Griven Illuminates Europe’s Largest Media Façade
Located within a redeveloped urban district of Milan, Arena Milano — also known as Arena di Santa Giulia and recently renamed "UNIPOL Dome” following its new title sponsor — has rapidly emerged as a symbol of the area’s architectural and cultural revitalisation.
Commissioned by CTS Eventim and designed by David Chipperfield Architects in collaboration with ARUP, the largest venue of this kind in Europe combines the classical language of the Roman amphitheatre with a contemporary architectural expression defined by bold geometries and refined proportions.
Lighting Design Concept and Installation
The façade lighting scheme, conceived by Arup and DCA, is based on Griven’s custom linear LED modules with independently controllable pixels, mounted along the arena’s three external rings using bespoke panels tailored to the varying heights of the façade elements. Each LED bar has been manufactured in custom lengths to ensure uninterrupted visual continuity along the building’s curved geometry.
In total, the installation comprises 54,560 LED bars extending nearly 50 km in length, featuring around 400,000 pixels with an extraodinary pixel pitch of 125mm x 165mm, managed via 3785 DMX universes controlled via Artnet protocol in unicast and it is supported by 340 km of DMX cabling and 3,785 power supply units.
This complex system transforms the arena envelope into a large-scale dynamic communication surface, a unique interactive façade, while maintaining architectural coherence with the building’s clean, linear composition.
Multimedia Façade Functionality
The multimedia façade of Arena Milano is capable of displaying dynamic imagery, text, colour gradients, animated effects and video content optimised to its native resolution. A centralised control platform manages the entire perimeter, allowing the synchronisation of visual content with precision and consistency. Dedicated façade management software enables the upload of multimedia files, live camera feeds and moving text, as well as the automated scheduling of programmed scenarios based on predefined dates and times.
The configured server operates all LED modules as a unified system, allowing real-time adjustments to brightness and illumination levels through a single command interface. Automated dimming functions enable the luminous flux to be modulated according to environmental conditions and specific operational requirements, contributing to reduced light pollution and improved energy efficiency.
Product Performance and Technical Features
Specifically developed by Griven for this installation, the GRAPH-i-PIX Opaline RGBW custom LED modules incorporate precision optics and an opaline diffusing front screen: Gri-dex. This diffuser—made of fire-resistant, UV-stable, and anti-yellowing polycarbonate—was engineered exclusively for Griven to ensure exceptionally smooth colour transitions and uniform visual output. Bespoke beam angles and finishing enhance light reflection across the anodised aluminium vertical elements separating each LED bar, reinforcing the façade’s architectural rhythm.
With an IP66 protection rating and integrated thermal protection, these modules are fully resin-encapsulated to ensure maximum resistance to weathering while providing effective heat dissipation. They deliver stable output in terms of both colour consistency and saturation, enabling the luminous intensity of the multimedia façade to be modulated in response to natural light conditions throughout the day and night.
In line with the essential and rational design principles defined by the project’s architectural studio, all power and control cabling is fully concealed, and each LED bar is equipped with a quick-connect system to ensure maximum protection and ease of replacement. The ultra-slim black (RAL 9005 textured) profile integrates discreetly within the façade, delivering a versatile direct-view lighting solution capable of producing complex pixel-mapped content and high-impact abstract visual compositions.
Available in configurations with either seven or eight individually addressable pixels, the RGB+W 4000K version ensures high-quality white light output and flicker-free operation at any dimming level. The bespoke engineering of the modules enables clear daytime legibility while maintaining a refined visual presence at night, meeting both aesthetic and energy-performance requirements without compromising colour richness or operational flexibility.
We are extremely proud to have contributed to this challenging project through the development of a groundbreaking illumination system. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the people, organisations, and companies whose expertise, commitment, and collaboration made the successful completion of this extraordinary architectural achievement possible. Particular thanks go to our commercial and technical teams, whose skills, dedication, and professional excellence were instrumental in bringing this ambitious vision to life.
Formula 1 extends deal with Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
Formula 1 has announced a multi-year extension with the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya to host a Grand Prix in 2028, 2030, and 2032 in addition to the event scheduled in 2026. From this year the race will also be re-named as the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
The extension follows significant investment at the circuit in recent years including the construction of the Circuit Rooftop, a new hospitality space overlooking turns 9, 10, and 11 and the entrance of the main straight, as well as the installation of solar panels throughout the circuit.
Built in 1991 as part of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games development programme, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya features an exciting mix of high and low speed corners and has played host to many memorable moments, including Max Verstappen’s maiden Grand Prix victory in 2016. In 2025, 300,000 fans attended the race weekend, which saw Oscar Piastri claim victory with teammate Lando Norris in second. From the current grid, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso have also crossed the line first in Barcelona.
In recent years, organisers have taken steps to elevate the overall fan experience and ensure that the wider community is at the heart of the Grand Prix. For the last two years there has been a fan festival hosted in the iconic Plaça de Catalunya ahead of the Grand Prix weekend, which will return in 2026.
The races in Barcelona will be in rotation with the Grand Prix at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, which will take place in 2026, 2027, 2029, and 2031.
Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1, said: “Barcelona is an incredible city, and the Formula 1 fans there always welcome us with such passion, so I am delighted that we will continue to race at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for years to come. The team have invested heavily in the circuit and hosted fantastic fan festivals in recent years, so we look forward to seeing how they continue to develop the experience, both for attendees at the race and for the city as a whole."
"I would like to thank Salvador Illa, President of the Government of Catalunya, Pol Gibert, CEO of Circuits de Catalunya SL and General Secretary of the Department of Business and Employment for their unwavering commitment to hosting Formula 1, and Oriol Sagrera, the former CEO of Circuits de Catalunya SL and former General Secretary of the Department of Business and Employment, who was key to securing the renewal. I can’t wait to see our brilliant fans in Barcelona in June!”
Pol Gibert, CEO of Circuits de Catalunya SL and General Secretary of the Department of Business and Employment, added: “We welcome the renewal of the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Catalonia, at least until 2032. We would like to express our gratitude to Formula 1 for the trust placed in the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and in the region over all these years."
"This renewal is the result of a strong relationship and close collaboration and represents a very important step in further consolidating Catalonia as a key fixture on the international calendar. Formula 1 generates an economic impact of more than €300 million per edition, but above all it is a strategic event that helps project Catalonia worldwide as a country capable of hosting top-level sporting competitions.””