ST. LOUIS, MO (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Global Spectrum, operators of the new Saint Louis University Arena, named Darius Dunn, Sr., a 15-year veteran of operating public assembly facilities, as general manager of the soon-to-open 10,600-seat multi-purpose sports and entertainment arena and future home of Saint Louis University athletics.
Saint Louis University selected Global Spectrum to manage the University's new arena when it opens in March 2008. Construction of the Arena complex is estimated at $77 million. With the addition of design and other fees, the total cost of the project is $80 million.
"Darius brings a tremendous amount of experience with him to Saint Louis University. He will help lead our company's efforts in attracting top-notch entertainment and sports attractions for the University's students, faculty and administration and all of St. Louis," said Global Spectrum Regional Vice President Doug Higgons.
"We are delighted to have someone with Darius' experience at a large Division I multipurpose arena managing our new Arena," said University Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Bob Woodruff. "With the expertise Darius and Global Spectrum bring to our facility, we are confident it will be one of the best run facilities in the country."
Dunn will prepare an opening budget, recruit, hire and train a staff for the facility, supervise the procurement of furniture, fixtures and equipment, book the facility, market the facility and secure subcontractors and analyze all operational details. He will also establish and implement financial and accounting programs and procedures, as well as prepare the facility for its opening. Upon opening, Dunn will continue to oversee the day-to-day operations of the facility, including scheduling, booking, marketing, advertising, sales and sponsorship sales.
Prior to joining Global Spectrum, Dunn was associate director of the Stephen C. O'Connell Center at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL, since 2000. He also was an Operations and Events coordinator at the Stabler Athletic and Convocation Center at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, from 1993-2000 and a sector coordinator for the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta, GA. –Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
