PRESS RELEASE: Haslam Sports Group Selects Legends Global to Lead Venue Management at Huntington Bank Field

Agreement Extends to New Huntington Bank Field Enclosed Stadium

The Haslam Sports Group (HSG) and Legends Global today announced that Legends Global will provide venue management services for Huntington Bank Field. The premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands will work with HSG to deliver comprehensive operations at the 67,000+ seat stadium. The agreement extends through the opening of the new enclosed Huntington Bank Field stadium in Brook Park, Ohio in 2029.

Legends Global will oversee day-to-day stadium operations, including event booking and programming, facility operations and maintenance, vendor and service management, and key administrative functions such as budgeting, staffing, and contract administration. The company will manage concerts, sporting events, family shows, and private events, while negotiating and administering agreements across bookings, concessions, sponsorships, suppliers, and facility services.

“As we expand our partnership with Legends Global, we know they bring a proven track record of operational excellence in stadiums across the country and we know they will bring that same level of expertise to the current Huntington Bank Field,” said Haslam Sports Group President David Jenkins. “We will continue to elevate the fan experience and expand the programming brought to Northeast Ohio. This partnership positions us to maximize our current stadium while ensuring a seamless transition into a new era with the opening of our future venue in 2029.”

“We’re honored to continue strengthening our partnership with Haslam Sports Group by leading venue operations at Huntington Bank Field and continuing this work to their new state-of-the-art stadium,” said Josh Kritzler, President, North American Venues & Content, Legends Global. “Our dedicated team brings a high standard of operational excellence and insights from our global network of venues, and we’re committed to delivering exceptional fan experiences in Northeast Ohio for years to come.”

In addition to the Browns’ home games, Huntington Bank Field hosts major concerts and sporting events, including upcoming shows from Zach Bryan, Post Malone, Usher and Foo Fighters.

The new Huntington Bank Field, designed by HKS, will be enclosed and is designed to accommodate premier sporting and entertainment events throughout the year drawing visitors from across Ohio and beyond. An adjacent mixed-use, lifestyle and entertainment development will further enhance the fan experience. HSG and Legends Global previously announced that Legends Global will oversee sponsorships, premium seating, suite sales, and hospitality at the new Huntington Bank Field.

Legends Global is a leader in supporting modern NFL stadiums by maximizing revenue and enhancing fan experiences, currently partnering with more than half of all NFL teams through its portfolio of services. The company provides venue management for a network of more than 250 venues in North America, including top stadiums such as Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, and Soldier Field in Chicago; leading arenas such as Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, and Coliseo de Puerto Rico in Puerto Rico; prominent theaters such as The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, Altria Theater in Richmond, and Coca-Cola Music Hall in Puerto Rico; and local economic-driving convention centers such as Moscone Center in San Francisco, Colorado Convention Center in Denver, and Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, among many other venues.

PRESS RELEASE: Nick Palmiotti Named General Manager of the Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts

Seasoned Venue Leader to Guide Florida’s Space Coast Premier Performing Arts Destination

Legends Global, premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands, announced the appointment of Nick Palmiotti as general manager of The King Center for the Performing Arts, ushering in an exciting new chapter while continuing a 38-year legacy of bringing world-class entertainment to Florida’s Space Coast.

Palmiotti brings a strong background in venue management, programming, and community-focused leadership to the 2,016-seat facility. Most recently, he oversaw day-to-day operations at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Sioux City, Iowa, a 2,500-seat venue originally opened in 1927. Prior to that, he served as director of sales and marketing for Pueblo Memorial Hall in Colorado, where he led marketing and booking efforts for the venue.

Throughout his career, Palmiotti has worked across theaters, arenas, convention centers, and stadiums, with a focus on communities similar in size to Brevard County. His experience reflects a balanced approach, bringing high-quality, in-demand programming to local audiences while staying grounded in the unique character of each community he serves.

Focused on building on the King Center’s 38-year legacy, Palmiotti emphasizes operational excellence, guest experience, and community engagement. “It’s an honor to join the King Center family and lead this incredible venue that is so deeply connected to the Space Coast community,” Palmiotti said. “As someone who thrives on building connections, I’m committed to creating an environment where each employee’s voice is valued, and where trust and teamwork drive memorable experiences for our guests.”

“As we celebrate the King Center’s 38th anniversary, we are also entering an exciting new chapter of growth and innovation under the leadership of our new general manager, Nick Palmiotti,” said Eastern Florida State College President Dr. Jim Richey. “He brings a fresh perspective and deep industry experience that will further strengthen the Center’s role as a premier performing arts destination. We are confident his leadership will guide the King Center into its next era while continuing to build on its extraordinary legacy.”

“This is an exciting time for the King Center,” said Josh Kritzler, president of North American venues & content for Legends Global, which manages the venue. “The King Center has built a remarkable legacy as the cultural heart of the Space Coast, and we are confident Nick’s leadership will build on that legacy – further elevating its role as a premier performing arts destination and creating unforgettable experiences for the Melbourne community for years to come.”

This announcement comes as the King Center celebrates its 38th Anniversary, marking nearly four decades since opening its doors on April 10, 1988, with an inaugural Broadway performance of Singin’ in the Rain. Since then, the King Center has become a cornerstone of the community, welcoming generations of patrons, hosting unforgettable performances, and serving as a cultural hub for the region.

PRESS RELEASE: WVU Athletics Partners with Legends Global on Press Box Project

West Virginia University’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics will partner with Legends Global to provide owner’s representative services on the Milan Puskar Stadium press box project, which is set to begin construction after the 2026 football season.

As the owner’s representative, Legends Global will work as an independent third-party representing WVU Athletics from pre-design through closeout. Legends Global will protect WVU’s interests in budgeting, construction schedules, quality and risk control while also serving as WVU’s liaison to contractors and architects.

“We are truly excited to partner with West Virginia University on the Milan Puskar Stadium project,” said Chris Nations, President of Owner’s Representation, Legends Global. “We look forward to continued collaboration with the University and WVU Athletics to help deliver a project that all Mountaineer fans, students and supporters will be proud of.”

The new press box tower secures the future of Milan Puskar Stadium and enhances one of the finest college football venues in the country. Additional premium space and seating are an investment into the long-term viability of not only WVU Athletics but the future of the facility.

“As our owner’s representative, Legends Global will bring significant experience in developing and managing collegiate stadium projects across the country,” West Virginia University Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker said. “Their experience will be extremely beneficial as we move forward on this truly transformational construction project that will significantly enhance the fan experience at Milan Puskar Stadium while generating positive opportunities for our football program and athletics department.”

PRESS RELEASE: Coca-Cola Music Hall and Legends Global Announce Arleene Pérez as New General Manager

Coca-Cola Music Hall, Puerto Rico’s leading theater for live concerts and corporate events, and Legends Global, premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands, today announced the promotion of Arleene Pérez, MBA, to general manager. Arleene moves into the general manager role from her position as assistant general manager, where she has been instrumental in driving the venue’s success since its development in 2019.

With more than two decades of experience, Arleene boasts extensive expertise leading large-scale operations across the entertainment, events, and venue management industries. Earlier in her career, she spent over a decade with SMG World, where she held senior leadership positions at the Puerto Rico Coliseo and Puerto Rico Convention Center. As director of events, security & VIP services at the Puerto Rico Coliseo, she managed large-scale international events, concerts, and conventions, overseeing logistics, sponsorships, and guest experiences for audiences of up to 18,000 attendees. She was also part of the opening team for the Puerto Rico Convention Center, contributing to its rapid growth and positioning as a leading venue in the Caribbean.

Since joining Coca-Cola Music Hall, Pérez has been a driving force behind the venue’s operational foundation, helping transform it into one of Puerto Rico’s top destinations for world-class live entertainment. Under her leadership, the venue was ranked No. 21 worldwide in Billboard’s 2025 Year-End Top Grossing Venues report among venues with capacities between 2,501 and 5,000. 

“Arleene brings an impressive track record of driving revenue growth and delivering exceptional experiences at Coca-Cola Music Hall,” said Josh Kritzler, president of North American venues & content, Legends Global, which manages the venue. “Her strategic vision, entrepreneurial mindset, and deep understanding of the Puerto Rico entertainment market make her the ideal leader for this role. We are confident that under her leadership, Coca-Cola Music Hall will continue to raise the bar and deliver must-have moments for artists, partners, and fans.”

As General Manager, Pérez will oversee Coca-Cola Music Hall’s full business and operational performance, including P&L responsibility, strategic direction, revenue growth, and cross-functional leadership across all venue departments. She will continue working closely with venue partners to expand event opportunities, unlock new revenue streams, and deliver exceptional experiences for guests, artists, and clients.

“I am honored and grateful to step into this role and build on Coca-Cola Music Hall’s success,” said Pérez. “We have positioned ourselves as a mid-size venue that meets a real need in Puerto Rico’s live entertainment scene. Moving forward, my goal is to keep creating innovative, memorable experiences that celebrate our island’s culture and connect audiences with world-class performances. Historic events like Bad Bunny’s residency have been key in elevating Puerto Rico’s live entertainment industry, showcasing the talent of our teams, partners, and producers across the market. I’m excited to continue contributing to that growth by delivering moments that inspire and unite our community”.

PRESS RELEASE: Kimberly-Clark Professional Named Premier Professional Care Products Partner For Legends Global

Kimberly-Clark ProfessionalTM x Legends Global Announcement

Legends Global, the premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands, today announced a national partnership with Kimberly-Clark Professional™.

Under this new agreement, Kimberly-Clark Professional™ is named the premier professional care products partner for Legends Global’s network of North American venues which includes more than 250 arenas, stadiums, theaters, and convention centers. This alignment brings together two organizations powered by a shared commitment to operational excellence and world-class experiences across some of the world’s most iconic venues.

Through this partnership, Kimberly-Clark Professional will support Legends Global’s venue network with trusted hygiene solutions specifically engineered for high-traffic, high-performance environments. By focusing on what guests don’t always see but always feel, Kimberly-Clark Professional helps ensure clean, well-maintained environments that enable venues to operate seamlessly, even during peak demand and large-scale global events.

“By combining Legends Global’s operational expertise with Kimberly-Clark Professional’s facility solutions, this partnership helps venues deliver clean, smart, and reliable environments that fans notice and trust during every event,” said Bart Blystone, Associate Director, Key Account Business Development, Kimberly-Clark Professional.

“We are always focused on providing our venue partners with the most innovative solutions to enhance the guest experience. Partnering with Kimberly-Clark Professional, a brand synonymous with trust and quality, allows us to set a new standard for excellence behind the scenes,” said Jeff Wohlschlaeger, Senior Vice President of Managed Venues Partnerships, Legends Global. “By integrating their industry-leading hygiene solutions and smart technology, we are ensuring that our venues are operating at peak performance every day.”

A cornerstone of the collaboration is the introduction of the Onvation™ Smart Restroom Solution as a recommended platform for participating venues. Onvation™ delivers data-driven insights that help venue managers optimize labor, reduce service disruptions, and enhance the overall guest journey through proactive facility management.

Designed to meet venues where they are, this partnership supports ambitious operational goals without disrupting existing processes. Together, Kimberly-Clark Professional™ and Legends Global are delivering scalable, venue-first solutions tailored specifically for sports and entertainment environments.

PRESS RELEASE: Legends Global Achieves Record-Breaking Merchandise Sales at The 2026 BNP Paribas Open For The Fourth Consecutive Year

Legends Global, the premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands, announced today that it achieved record-breaking merchandise sales for the fourth year in a row at the 2026 BNP Paribas Open, held March 1-15 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

In 2026, merchandise sales were 36% higher than the previous record achieved by Legends Global last year. This growth was supported by a 14% rise in average transactional value, a 25% increase in merchandise per cap and a 9% growth in capture rate, which all surpassed previous performance records set in 2025. In the four years since taking over merchandise operations for the BNP Paribas Open, Legends Global has more than tripled merchandise sales revenue increasing it by 227%. During this period, the company also raised merchandise per caps by $19, average transactional value by 59% and capture rate by 93%.

Central to this year’s success was a landmark partnership between Legends Global and lululemon, the new official apparel and footwear outfitter for the BNP Paribas Open. lululemon designed a custom, dedicated space for their brand within the Tennis Paradise Shop to expand its presence and provide fans with a curated merchandise line featuring high-performance and high-style tennis gear.

“The BNP Paribas Open offers an incredible opportunity for our team at lululemon to bring the passion we feel for our guests, and our love for tennis to one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world. We take pride in designing styles that bring high performance on and off the court,” said Frank Ha, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, lululemon. “Legends Global was a natural partner in bringing this innovative, premium product directly to tennis players and fans. They are proven leaders in this space, and we look forward to building on this exciting momentum together in the coming years.”

“Alongside the BNP Paribas Open, we take immense pride in enhancing the retail experience year after year at one of the world’s premier tennis events,” said Michael Quirk, Chief Commercial Officer of Merchandise, Legends Global. “Collaborating with a global and creative partner like lululemon this year enabled us to create a shopping environment for fans that perfectly reflects a tournament defined by athletic excellence and continued innovation.”

As the official on-site merchandise provider for the BNP Paribas Open, Legends Global constructed an expansive retail shop spanning 27,000 square feet, featuring the largest collection of BNP Paribas Open and tennis merchandise in the tournament’s history. Over 1,500 items from more than 50 brands and vendors were available for fans of all ages. The improved shopping experience at the Tennis Paradise Shop was also highlighted by a live DJ and 18 terminals for enhanced customer service and faster checkout speeds.

Legends Global’s fully-integrated retail and merchandising platform spans eCommerce, in-venue retail, large-scale live events, brick-and-mortar operations, licensing, and custom merchandise.

PRESS RELEASE: Change the Course partners with Legends Global to create the Legends Global Acts Water Fund to strengthen water security

Image Credit: Change The Course

Change the Course, an initiative of the Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF), and Legends Global, the premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands, today announced a landmark partnership to create the Legends Global Acts Water Fund.

Launched ahead of World Water Day on March 22, the partnership establishes a mechanism to support water restoration projects across the United States. The initial investment will provide support for a portfolio of projects, restoring 7.5 million gallons of water to water scarce regions. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to environmental water stewardship, ensuring that local communities remain vibrant and resilient. By prioritizing the restoration of water quantity and quality, Legends Global and Change the Course are taking a proactive stance on water scarcity to protect ecosystems and deliver lasting environmental and social benefits.

“Water is one of the most critical resources for the communities where our venues operate, particularly across the Western United States where water scarcity continues to intensify,” said Lindsay Arell, Chief Sustainability Officer for Legends Global. “Through our partnership with Change the Course, the new Legends Global Acts Water Fund helps align our operations with watershed restoration and conservation with plans to expand projects across North America in the years ahead.”

“Change the Course was designed to facilitate collective water resilience solutions that help create long-term, livable communities and a more sustainable water future,” said Sara Hoversten, Director of Business for Water Stewardship at BEF. “Partnering with Legends Global around the Legends Global Acts Water Fund helps us drive collective support for community-developed and community-led water stewardship projects that deliver ecological, social, and economic resiliency.”

The initial investment will support water restoration across three mission-based programs including:

  • Merced County Seasonal Wetland Habitat (Merced County, California): Through innovative practices such as the flooding, gradual drawdown of seasonal wetlands during spring, and water rights transactions, the project will provide 2,000 acres of crucial habitat for peak shorebird migration.
  • San Saba River Restoration Project (Texas): The San Saba River in the Texas Hill Country is a cornerstone of the regional economy, lifestyle, and cultural identity. Water scarcity driven by more frequent and prolonged drought conditions as well as increased development have resulted in reduced streamflow. Environmental Water Environmental Water Transactions (EWTs) are an important conservation tool for restoring and maintaining flow in Texas rivers in the face of rising water demands and scarcity.
  • Colorado River Indian Tribes Farm Improvement (Arizona/California Border): The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) Drip Irrigation and Canal Lining Conversion projects are designed to convert less efficient irrigation methods to precision drip irrigation and canal lining on 1600 acres of Colorado River Indian Tribes agricultural lands. These projects help reduce conveyance loss, more efficiently and reliably deliver water for irrigation, and reduce demand at the CRIT Point of Diversion on the Colorado River.

PRESS RELEASE: Greater Columbus Convention Center and Legends Global Appoint Dean Dennis as New General Manager

The Greater Columbus Convention Center and Legends Global, premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands, today announced the appointment of Dean Dennis, CVE, as general manager of the Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC).

Dean succeeds John Page as the new general manager for the GCCC, who has stepped into a new position of regional vice president of venue operations for Legends Global.

Dean is an acknowledged convention industry leader and collaborator, boasting more than 30 years of experience leading convention centers and public assembly venues across North America. He comes to Columbus from Memphis, Tennessee, where he most recently served as president and general manager of the Renasant Convention Center and Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. During his tenure, he oversaw venue and fiscal operations throughout and following a comprehensive $230 million venue renovation.

Dennis’s extensive career includes senior leadership roles with Global Spectrum/Spectra, where he led venue expansion and renovation projects, strengthened sales and financial performance, and managed the opening of new convention centers and arenas. He also brings valuable Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) experience to the general manager position, having served in a senior leadership role with the Pueblo Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“Dean brings an impressive track record in venue management and a strong reputation in the convention center industry,” said Josh Kritzler, president of North American venues & content, Legends Global, which manages the venue. “His extensive experience and proven operational expertise will serve the Greater Columbus Convention Center and the community well. We look forward to his leadership as the venue continues to grow and deliver exceptional experiences for guests and clients.”

As general manager, Dennis will work closely with the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority and his GCCC team to enhance the facility’s profile, maximize event opportunities, and ensure an outstanding experience for guests, partners and clients. He will be responsible for the strategic direction and day-to-day management of the venue, including financial performance, staff development, client relations, and the continued growth of meetings, conventions, trade shows, and sporting events.

“Dean brings more than 30 years of experience in the convention center industry and is a highly respected leader. His strong background in both finance and sales, combined with experience guiding facilities through growth and change, makes him exceptionally well suited for this role,” said Ken Paul, executive director of the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority, which owns and operates the Greater Columbus Convention Center. “The GCCC is a vital public asset that drives the region’s visitor economy. Under Dean’s leadership, we will build on our strong foundation, expand our reach, and position Columbus to continue winning on the national stage.”

“I am honored to join the team at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and Legends Global,” said Dennis. “Columbus is a vibrant, growing destination with a reputation for excellence in the hospitality industry. I look forward to working with our partners and the community to build upon this facility’s success and continue delivering world-class experiences for our guests.”

PRESS RELEASE: Florence City-County Civic Center Commission Inks Five-Year Management deal with Legends Global

New Contract Expands Investment Commitment to Drive Event Diversification at Florence Center

Florence Center Image

Marking a new phase of investment and event growth, the Florence City-County Civic Center Commission and Legends Global, premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands, have finalized a five-year agreement to continue management of the Florence Center. The new contract runs through July 2030, extending the partnership that has guided the facility since 2008, and includes a five-year renewal option.

“We are excited to renew our partnership with Legends Global in managing the Florence Center,” said City of Florence Mayor Lethonia Barnes. “Their commitment to our community and their role in Florence’s continued growth have been outstanding. Because of this collaboration, we have seen momentum, opportunity, and increased visibility for our city. We look forward with great anticipation to a promising future filled with even greater success.”

The renewal reinforces a shared commitment to strategic growth, capital investment, and event diversification across the Florence Center’s arena and convention facilities. As part of the contract, Legends Global has also committed to investing in new VIP seating.

“This renewal allows us to continue building on a long-standing partnership while sharpening our focus on balanced programming,” said Rex Berman, general manager of the Florence Center for Legends Global, which manages the venue. “Our goal is to diversify the event calendar in a way that drives tourism to the region while also delivering high-quality cultural and entertainment experiences for our local fan base.”

That strategy has already delivered notable results, including the return of professional hockey to Florence after a 20-year absence. The Pee Dee Ice Cats team recently made its debut at the Florence Center and set a league home attendance record of 7,837 fans. The team’s arrival followed significant investments by the team, the City of Florence, and Florence County, including upgrades to the arena’s chiller system, lighting, sound system, and scoreboards, as well as the installation of a center-hung, four-sided video screen.

“The Florence Center is a proven multi-use facility with strong community support,” said Josh Kritzler, President of North American Venues & Content, Legends Global. “This renewal positions us to invest strategically, expand premium offerings, and continue evolving the event calendar in ways that strengthen both economic impact and the fan experience.”

The renewed partnership positions the Florence Center to continue expanding its role as a regional destination for sports, entertainment, conventions, and community events while maintaining a strong focus on operational excellence and guest experience.

PRESS RELEASE: University of Miami Athletics Selects Legends Global as Venue Manager for Watsco Center

Jesse Marks Named Chief Revenue Officer for University of Miami Athletics; Adam Sinclair Appointed General Manager of Watsco Center

U-Miami x Legends Global Announcement

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 campuswide 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, sales, 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.

For upcoming events at the Watsco Center, please visit https://watscocenter.com/.

PRESS RELEASE: Haslam Sports Group Selects Legends Global to Lead Hospitality at New Huntington Bank Field Enclosed Stadium

Partnership Focuses on Data-Driven Insights, Local Culinary Partnerships, and a Premium Fan and Guest Experience

Cleveland Browns new Huntington Bank Field Rendering

The Haslam Sports Group (HSG) and Legends Global today announced an expanded, long-term partnership that will make Legends Global the exclusive food and beverage operator at the new Huntington Bank Field enclosed stadium, set to open in 2029 in Brook Park, Ohio.

The new, state-of-the-art venue will serve as the home of the Cleveland Browns and host top sporting and entertainment events throughout the year. Legends Global, the premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands, will work with HSG to deliver a hospitality program that celebrates the cultures, flavors, and community of Northeast Ohio while creating an exceptional event-day experience for every fan and guest.  

“We look forward to continuing to grow our partnership with Legends Global by working with them to bring a premier food and beverage operation to the new Huntington Bank Field,” said Haslam Sports Group President David Jenkins. “First-class fan experience is our priority at Haslam Sports Group and a large piece of that has to do with the hospitality that fans can enjoy on gameday or at events. It’s so important that from our concessions to our premium offerings, we highlight all that Northeast Ohio has to offer while providing our fans with efficient transactions – and we know Legends Global can deliver on that.”

Through this partnership, Legends Global will manage all aspects of the stadium’s food and beverage program, including concessions, premium suites and clubs, and catering. The company will implement a data-driven, fan-focused approach to curate menus, optimize operations, and increase revenue opportunities. A primary focus will be on local and regional sourcing, working with Northeast Ohio businesses, purveyors, and culinary partners to deliver authentic flavors to fans and guests. 

“Partnering with Haslam Sports Group from the earliest stages allows us to shape how hospitality brings fans and guests together and defines their experience at the new stadium,” said Legends Global President of Hospitality Tom Funk. “By collaborating closely with our sales team and the project’s architects, we’re optimizing every aspect of food service, from concessions to premium spaces, to ensure we deliver the best possible hospitality experience for every guest.”

The expanded hospitality agreement builds on a longstanding relationship between HSG and Legends Global. In September 2025, the companies announced that Legends Global will also oversee sponsorships, premium seating, and suite sales for the new stadium, delivering a fully integrated commercial strategy.

Designed by HKS, the new enclosed stadium will be a world-class venue that attracts visitors from across Ohio and beyond. An adjacent mixed-use, lifestyle, and entertainment development will further enhance the fan experience and serve as a catalyst for growth in Northeast Ohio.  

Legends Global delivers the food and beverage experience at over 175 venues worldwide, including top-tier stadiums, arenas, theaters, amphitheaters, convention centers, membership clubs, and restaurants. The company is also a leader in supporting modern NFL stadiums with maximizing revenue generation and enhancing fan experiences. Currently, Legends Global partners with more than half of all NFL teams through its portfolio of services.