First to all, can you let us know about your new role at VisitPITTSBURGH?
I just recently joined VisitPITTSBURGH – I come from a fairly deep background in professional sports. I worked for over 20 years with the Penguins – the bulk of that with team operations – travel, logistics, things like that. I also led the Penguins Foundation – building community relationships and partnerships throughout the region.
I’m excited – my work now is about highlighting the city to bring exciting events here. I work with the Pirates, Steelers, Penguins and the vibrant amateur and youth sports in the area to help bring other events to the city.
What about the city do you think is most attractive to those wanting to being events into the city?
I’ve been here for 15 years now – I came here from the other side of the state – from a city not to be named! I’ve spent a long time traveling across other cities and markets over my career.
I can tell you the facilities and relationships here in the city – and the vibrancy and size of the city are great attractions. It’s a remarkable experience for visitors – it’s easy to travel across the city and the people are second to none. It’s a welcoming, enjoyable place to visit.
What exactly is your role in the process of bringing events to the city?
It’s a collaborative process – as an example – we work with the NCAA tournament which is a massive lift. We bring together all of the stakeholders and manage the operations. We help market the events in and out of our market.
We work with the organizations to pick up the slack – to help organize the events. Each event – people have their day jobs. We’re here to pick up the slack and provide best practices, help with site visits and preparation. We are the support and take the lead at times with the operations and logistics.
What events are on the horizon that we should be excited about?
The U.S. Open in the Summer of 2025 is one – in Oakmont. It’s the largest traveling golf tournament in the USA. It returns to Oakmont every seven or eight years.
The NFL draft was approved for 2026 as well – we’re beginning preparation now and are excited about that opportunity.
Events likes these – we are excited about the opportunity to build momentum from them, so that others can see the success from these events and what the city can deliver for them.
Are there other events/niches you’re looking to pursue?
We are thinking creatively about how to tackle other emerging sports. Competitive robotics and fitness endurance challenges – those are the types of events that excite us.
What about esports with schools like CMU in the area?
Oh definitely. Point Park has esports teams too. All of these niches that don’t have their U.S. Open yet. There’s an opportunity to work with those sports and industries.
I wanted to circle back on the NFL draft since it’s so big and such a fan attraction. What can you tell us of those plans so far?
The conversations are still ongoing. We’re still 18 months out. But talks are happening daily. There are a lot of stakeholders and collaboration, working with the Steelers, local officials…. It’s an exciting time – we’re all excited to be engaged in this event, but we have 18 months still to see what our counterparts have done.
It’s too premature yet. We need solidified dates from the NFL to get ready to roll. They have two Super Bowls and a draft to plan for in advance of the 2026 draft!
As technology continues to enhance fan experiences, are there technologies you’re looking at to leverage experiences for visitors as well?
I think there’s remarkable talent in the front offices of our professional franchises that are exploring how to use technology to expand the in and out of venue experience. For us – we’re a tourism driven company – we know there’s no experience like actually being in the city. Bu the state of sports today – that’s an everyday discussion for every organization – how to ensure that fans have the best experience.
What do you say to people who wonder if the city has the capacity for bigger events?
The draft is a great example of the capacity of the city – we’re expecting massive attendance. Allegheny County welcomes over 20 million visitors annually.
Governor Shapiro just recently announced the $600 million investment in Pittsburgh’s downtown development. Office space will be developed into residential living space and for hotels. So the Pittsburgh is in a constantly developing state of development. The inventory is there and available.
There are new restaurants and facility amenities every year – the city is thriving and the visitor experience is thriving along with it. Every week there is new investment and collaboration across public and private entities, proving there is immense value in holding events in the city as the city continues to grow.