DETROIT, MI (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Dana Warg, a 26-year entertainment and sports facility operations expert, has been named president of Olympia Entertainment, where he will help the company focus on future strategic growth and expansion opportunities.
In addition, Warg will oversee the operation of Detroit's fabulous Fox Theatre, as well as booking and operations responsibilities for Joe Louis Arena, home to the Detroit Red Wings, Cobo Arena, City Theatre and various other venues in metro-Detroit. Warg will also coordinate the concert bookings and related entertainment activity at Comerica Park, home to the 2006 American League Champion Detroit Tigers.
“Dana will be a great asset to the company and region with his proven track record and comprehensive background in global operations, booking, venue acquisition, team negotiation and facilities management,” said Christopher Ilitch, president and chief executive officer, Ilitch Holdings, Inc. “Warg will lead our talented Olympia Entertainment staff to continue to bring patrons the best variety of sports and live entertainment options available in Detroit and the surrounding region.”
Warg comes to the Motor City from Los Angeles, where he most recently served as facilities senior vice president for AEG since October 2004, and oversaw the day-to-day booking and operations for all AEG owned and operated venues in the United States, England and Germany, including the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie (Texas), and the Colosseum at Caesars Palace (Las Vegas).
“I am extremely pleased and honored to join the Ilitch organization, a company which is held in the highest esteem in both the sports and entertainment industry throughout the United States,” Warg said of his appointment. “It is my hope that my experience and knowledge of the entertainment industry will be a compliment to the future growth and stability of this outstanding company. I look forward to the challenges which lay ahead and working with the talented staff at Olympia Entertainment to create an even more dynamic and aggressive organization which will serve the needs of the Detroit region.”
Warg replaces Randy Lippe, who was appointed senior executive, Arena Development, for Olympia Development in August 2006. Lippe has continued to oversee Olympia Entertainment while leading Olympia Development’s efforts as it evaluates renovating Joe Louis Arena, the home of the Detroit Red Wings, or designing and building a new arena. Olympia Development is an Ilitch-owned real estate and community development company. –by CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
