Billboard names arena exec worldwide ‘power player’

Billboard names arena exec worldwide ‘power player’

Richard MacKeigan.

Van Andel Arena and its management are garnering attention as among the best in the world.

SMG Regional General Manager Richard MacKeigan, and the arena, was listed on Billboard’s Arena Power Players as No. 6 worldwide and No. 2 in North America, for venues with a capacity range of 10,001 to 15,000.

The arena executives were named “for their leadership of venues that dominate Billboard Boxscore worldwide rankings.”

The rankings are based on gross ticket sales for the first eight months of the chart year: Nov. 8, 2016, through July 17, 2017. Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, and Eric Church contributed to the ranking, among others.

“Making this list is a credit to the entire West Michigan community, the Grand Rapids Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority, and our entire staff at SMG,” said MacKeigan. “We couldn’t do what we do without the tremendous support we receive every year.”

SMG

SMG provides management services to more than 230 public assembly facilities including convention and exhibition centers, arenas, stadiums, theaters, performing arts centers, amphitheaters, equestrian facilities, science centers and other venues.