Chief of Staff, Real Salt Lake (M.L.S.) & Event Stadium

The company president and leadership staff, which I was part of, were tasked with securing a naming rights sponsorship before the stadium opening, which was 3 months away.  Only a handful of key people were involved in the pitch to Rio Tinto, or that talks were underway. I coordinated a tour through the under-construction stadium for potential naming rights including players on the field, temporary signage, custom gifts for attendees. All of which were instrumental in securing a multi-million dollar, long-term naming rights sponsor before the stadium opened.  Rio Tinto was the naming rights sponsor from 2008 when the stadium opened to September 2022. 

My responsibility of the organization of the first games was vast in that I organized moving the office staff to a new building, hosting a game in a building never occupied before, overseeing security, ticketing, merchandise, sponsorship fulfillment, suite catering, operations, parking. Plus, I was responsible for hosting a VIP event prior to the game by the owner that included creating custom gifts for each attendee, catering, decor, bringing in furniture etc. for this monumental event. 

From the first concert held in the new stadium where the Eagles performed, to Paul McCartney, Neil Diamond, Kenny Chesney, Journey and more.  I was responsible for coordination of VIP attendees receiving tickets, VIP events, suite catering, gifts and more. Including for national or international business leaders, government officials, MLS officials, pro athletes or other special guests of the stadium and team owners.  

I was directly responsible for securing and organization for military flyover for the stadium opening Oct. 2009 bringing BlackHawk helicopters, to the first home game 2010, plus the MLS All-Star Game 2010 with fighter jets.  This required coordinating between the Pentagon, then local National Guard and Air Farce to support the request. 

In  addition, we felt it important to support our local military and the military members in our community. Opening night included not only a flyover, but a huge American flag on the field held by local military members. We also hosted military appreciation nights on many occasions.  

The building of the new stadium and growth of the team and brand required involvement and support from local and state government.  I was directly involved with coordinating efforts and support through the state government, state house and senate, as well as Sandy Mayor Dolan's office.  Shown below at the Governor's Mansion Holiday Party with Governor Gary Herbert, his wife (left) and Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell and his wife (right). 

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The momentum continued after the stadium opened in October 2008. The following year we not only hosted the MLA All-Star Game, but also continued on to win the MLS Cup in Seattle. My role continued as managing all high-level VIP hospitality, but also managed the team and entire office staff's travel arrangements to Seattle, plus tickets for all players and staff families. 

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Between 3 VIP hospitality suits for the owner's and RSL President, and responsibility for all tickets, travel, hospitality, and details, I also was responsible for hosting an after-party event for the full team and families, ownership groups and extended invites, to staff and family. 

To prepare for a game on an international level requires extensive planning and organization. I was again responsible for a military flyover, plus managing VIP hospitality before and during the game. The event was braodcast on ESPN plus over 100 different countries.

I worked closely with a production group from New York City with the Radio City Music Hall production team. They are th very same who had managed the Super Bowl half-time show featuring Diana Ross landing on the field in a helicopter.  All details from the media, to beginning and half-time performance, sponsorship fulfillment to hosting celebrities and international guests was part of my responsibility.