VenueConnect 2025

Sessions Speakers Exhibitors Floor Plan

Public-Private Partnerships for Arena and Stadium Renovations. (Room 265-266)

30 Jul 25

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Tracks: Arenas, Construction, Executive Education, Stadiums

Speaker(s): Brent Bryant, Assistant City Manager & Chief Financial Officer, City of Oklahoma City; Ken Paul, Executive Director, Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority; Xen Riggs, President, Columbus Arena Sports & Entertainment, Jerome Schottenstein Center; Doug Thornton , President, North American Venues (Legends Hospitality/ASM Global), Caesars Superdome & Smoothie King Center

Moderator(s): Michael Gatto, Senior Vice President/ Genereal Manager -- Nationwide Arena/ Columbus Arena Sports & Entertainment, Columbus Arena Sports & Entertainment (Nationwide Arena/Schottenstien Center);

A panel of experts will discuss public/ private partnerships to fund venue renovations/construction. These public-private partnerships (PPP’s) are a common model for financing arena and stadium renovations. The collaborations involve a blend of government support and private sector investment to fund the modernization of sports and entertainment venues. The public sector may contribute through tax incentives, infrastructure improvements or direct funding, while private partners – often team owners, developers, or corporate sponsors – cover a significant portion of the costs.

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