VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (CelebrityAccess MediaWire)
Global Spectrum has been retained to manage the new 1,300-seat Sandler Center for the Performing Arts at Virginia Beach, VA scheduled to open next year with Paul Lasakow, a 13-year veteran of operating multipurpose public assembly facilities, as the venue's first general manager.
"Paul's experience with similar facilities makes him a tremendous asset to the Sandler Center and to Global Spectrum," said Global Spectrum Chief Operating Officer John Page. "As we near the opening of this beautiful theater, we will rely heavily on Paul to secure events and work closely with the Virginia Arts Festival in making this a must-play venue for top-quality and performances coming into the Region."
Global Spectrum also operates the Ted F. Constant Convocation Center on the campus of Old Dominion University, enabling unique synergistic opportunities for the Sandler Center.
Prior to joining Global Spectrum, Lasakow spent six years as the general manager of the Jeanne and George Roper Performing Arts Center in Norfolk, VA. He also held similar positions with the Mary T. Christian Auditorium in Hampton, VA; the McKenzie Arena in Chattanooga, TN; and the Norfolk Department of Civic Facilities in Norfolk, VA.
During construction of the Sandler Center, Global Spectrum and the Virginia Arts Festival will work closely with the City of Virginia Beach, which owns the new performing arts center, to secure events and attractions prior to the facility's opening. Upon opening, Global Spectrum, under Lasakow's direction, and the Virginia Arts Festival will jointly handle the day-to-day operations of the Sandler Center, including booking, scheduling marketing, selling sponsorships and corporate partnerships at the facility. –Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
