ASM Global has appointed Steve Eckerson to lead Pechanga Arena as it approaches its 60th anniversary.
Under the management of the global venue management company, Pechanga Arena secured the No. 8 spot among top venues worldwide (with a capacity of between 10,001-15,000) in 2022, generating US $31.3 million in gross sales and selling 357,000 tickets, according to Billboard’s “Year in Touring 2022” report. It has also hosted performances from the world’s top artists.
Pechanga Arena now stands at No. 4 among venues in the United States and holds the top spot in California. A long-standing pillar in the community, the arena has recently been recognized for its support of various community initiatives, including five food distribution events in partnership with Feeding San Diego, 11 blood drives in collaboration with the San Diego Red Cross, and hosting the Veteran Village of San Diego Stand Down in July.
Following a record-setting year in 2022, the arena is poised for further growth in 2023. Notable upcoming events include performances by legendary classic rock band The Eagles, hometown shows by Blink-182, the highly acclaimed international artist Luis Miguel, and the long-awaited return of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band to San Diego after a 42-year absence. Eckerson expressed his enthusiasm about the future, stating, “I look forward to working with the stellar team already in place at Pechanga Arena and with the City of San Diego to continue our success together.”
Eckerson brings over 30 years of industry experience to his new role. He previously served as the general manager at ASM Global’s Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater and Convention Center since 2016. Prior to that, he held the position of general manager at Toyota (formerly Citizens Business Bank) Arena in Ontario, California, where he played a key role in its opening in 2007. Eckerson holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Vermont, where he also excelled as a goaltender for the hockey team and is now honored as a member of the University of Vermont Athletic Hall of Fame.
He succeeds Steve Tadlock, who served as general manager from 2021 to 2023 and successfully oversaw the reopening of the arena following a 512-day closure due to the pandemic. Before Tadlock, Ernie Hahn served as general manager and partner since 1996.
Felix Mussenden, Senior Vice President of ASM Global, expresses confidence in Eckerson when he says, “ASM Global is excited about the future success of Pechanga Arena in San Diego under Steve’s guidance, alongside the continued support of the Hahn family, who have been instrumental in the arena’s development for over three decades.
“With Steve, our primary goal is to leverage our extensive international relationships to bring premier entertainment offerings that benefit the entire region.”
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