A Visit With Brad Mayne, President and COO American Airlines Center
Happy Tuesday and welcome to “10 topics…… Today, we visit with the president and COO of the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. If you have ever thought of running an arena, then this blog is for you.
Name: Brad Mayne
Title: President and Chief Operating Officer
Current Team/Organization: American Airlines Center/ COC
Years with Organization: Since April, 1998
1. Describe your position and current responsibilities.
President and Chief Operating Officer for Center Operating Company (COC), which is owned by Mark Cuban and Tom Hicks. I am responsible for the overall vision and success of our organization. COC has a 30 year lease of the American Airlines Center with the City of Dallas. Our organization is separate from the teams organizations (unique in the NBA/NHL venues).
2. Tell us about your first job in sports.
At the age of 14 I sold Hot Dogs at University of Utah Football games.
3. What was best advice ever received?
Understand that we work when others want to be entertained which has us working evenings, weekends and holidays.
4. What sports memory are you most fond of telling to others?
Too many to choose one… Since you force my hand I’d have to say the Dallas Stars winning the Stanley Cup.
5. Describe the area(s) of opportunity for growth in your business.
Self promotion of live events. The live touring industry has changed dramatically and facilities are in a good position to take advantage of becoming directly involved in the higher reaches of food chain.
6. What are the biggest challenges that face your business today?
Technology has changed the way we live so keeping our facility on the front edge of technology to make our guest experience second to none.
7. What is the best way to get a full time job in your sport?
First, contacts are of most importance. If you do not have that contact, get an entry level position and then prove yourself.
8. How has this business changed in the last five years?
We have created an exclusive experience for the general public. We continue to raise prices as we offer more amenities that catch the eye of the consumer. It’s no longer acceptable to just put on the game. We must entertain in addition to the game itself. Our sound systems, replay video boards, security, comfort, etc. must all be of the highest quality. Luxury suite or club seat experiences are expected by all guests.
9. What are the kinds of things do you look for in an employee?
Willingness to work long hours and never give up along with an ability to offer new ideas.
10. Finish this thought. If I had to do it all over again, I would start by…..
Getting a Law Degree
Anything else you want to share?
I’ve made a good living and met a lot of great people. I’ve had wonderful experiences and very difficult and challenging experiences. I would do it all over again if I had the chance!
Here is a link to a feature story I found online about Brad.
There is no date of publication but goes nicely with today’s business feature
http://www.iaam.org/Facility_manager/Pages/2004_Dec_Jan/Feature_1.htm
If you have missed our past 10 Topics with, please click on the following people to get to know a few of the past leaders interviewed for this blog.
John Drum — Vice President, Arizona Cardinals
Fred Claire, Former General Manager Los Angeles Dodgers
Buffy Filippell – President, TeamWork Consulting
Sam Piccione — AEG China
