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David Kennedy Tabbed for Role at Wintrust Arena

New DePaul arena

An experienced executive will oversee events at Wintrust Arena, as David Kennedy has been selected for a role at DePaul University’s new venue. 

Kennedy will be appointed to the title of assistant general manager of entertainment, McCormick Place/Wintrust Arena. This hire begins the process of SMG assuming managerial responsibility of the arena upon its anticipated completion in the fall of 2017.

Kennedy is an events industry veteran with more than 25 years in event and entertainment management, most recently as the Director of Special Events for the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. He was previously Deputy Director of Recreation & Program Services for the Chicago Park District, Director of Sports Development for the Mayor’s Office of Special Events and Venue Logistic Manager for The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games.

A graduate of Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, with a bachelor’s degree in business management, Kennedy is also an executive committee member of the Chicago Sports Commission.

Lori Healey, CEO of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) which owns McCormick Pace and the Wintrust Arena, added: “David brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the McCormick Square campus, and we are excited by his addition to the SMG family.”

“We are pleased to welcome David Kennedy and the Wintrust Arena to our family of SMG-managed properties and are confident that McCormick Place’s new entertainment department will thrive under his leadership, combined with SMG’s booking network, client base and other resources to generate a greater economic impact for the City of Chicago,” said Bob McClintock, COO and Senior Vice President – Convention Centers, SMG.

“We are excited to welcome David Kennedy to the McCormick Place/SMG executive team. His vast experience planning and executing some of Chicago’s high-profile entertainment and sporting events will be an asset to our team as we enhance our footprint into the sporting and entertainment business,” said David Causton, Regional Vice President/General Manager of McCormick Place.

The newly named Wintrust Arena is a 10,000-seat, multi-purpose arena features 22 suites and 479 club seats and will be home to DePaul University men’s and women’s basketball teams. Upon completion in 2017, it will become a prominent Chicago venue for concerts, sporting events, meetings and conventions, family-friendly shows and other major special events.

RELATED STORIES: New for 2017-18: Wintrust ArenaDePaul Working on New Arena Naming RightsPreview: McCormick Place Events Center

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