By Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
Veteran venue operations executive Steve Eckerson is joining AEG as the general manager of Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, CA. The new11,000 seat sports and entertainment venue, operated by AEG and owned by the city, is scheduled for a fall 2008 opening.
Eckerson will oversee the facility’s operations, booking, event and guest services, community and public relations, and security.
Citizens Business Bank Arena will include 9,500 fixed seats with additional portable seating risers to accommodate capacities of 11,089 for concerts, 9,736 for ice hockey and 10,832 for basketball. . .
The 225,000-square-foot venue will also feature 36 luxury suites located on two levels and a continuous concourse hosting a variety of refreshment stands and merchandise kiosks, a VIP club and other fan amenities.
Eckerson most recently served as the director of Event Sales & Operations for Qwest Field, Qwest Field & Event Center and WaMu Theater in Seattle. He has also held executive and management positions with the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Florida Expo Park, Eastern States Exposition and the Cumberland County Civic Center.
