Antony Bonavita is the Executive Vice President of Venue Operations for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, responsible for overseeing the venue’s operations, guest experience, and project management. With over 27 years of experience in facility and event management, he played a key role in the renovation of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse and manages operations for various Cavaliers organization venues, including the team’s training center and esports team facility. Antony began his career at Stony Brook University, advancing from a marketing intern to Assistant Director of Athletics. A Certified Venue Executive, Antony is also an active member of the International Association of Venue Managers and supports Autism Awareness initiatives.
Here’s a Glimpse of What You’ll Learn:
- [0:28] Introduction and casual chat with Antony Bonavita, Executive Vice President of Venue Operations at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
- [3:39] Overview of Antony’s role at Rock Entertainment Group, overseeing the Cavaliers and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
- [4:53] Antony’s excitement about the growth of women’s sports, especially the upcoming Women’s Final Four.
- [5:42] Importance of Pro Sports Assembly and their ongoing work in tackling unique challenges in the sports industry.
- [9:26] Antony’s journey from an intern at Stony Brook to his influential role at one of the world’s busiest venues.
- [16:08] Antony’s evolving leadership style, emphasizing authenticity, emotional intelligence, and caring for his team.
- [19:52] Challenges and rewards of overseeing the two-year renovation of Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, and how it has enhanced fan experience.
- [23:41] Collaboration across teams to ensure successful execution of major events at the venue.
- [26:45] Antony’s role on the governing board of Pro Sports Assembly and his impact on shaping the sports industry.
- [30:30] Importance of inclusion and diversity in hiring processes, highlighted by a new hire in sustainability and environmental services.
- [31:41] The blending of sports, entertainment, and culture in today’s industry, with examples like Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.
- [38:34] How Antony’s family, including his wife and sons, influences his career decisions and leadership.
- [42:32] The story behind the sensory room at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, inspired by Antony’s son with autism and collaboration with KultureCity.
- [44:47] Antony’s excitement for the future at Rock Entertainment, including new projects and opportunities to innovate in Cleveland.
- [50:34] Final reflections from Antony on the importance of kindness, empathy, and giving back to the community.
In This Episode…
In an era where sports venues are becoming even more than places for events, how are leaders ensuring these spaces are inclusive and empathetic for all guests? Can a bustling sports venue truly cater to individuals from all walks of life, including those with unique needs?
According to Antony Bonavita, a visionary in venue operations with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, fostering inclusivity and empathy is not just possible — it’s imperative. He emphasizes that understanding and accommodating the diverse needs of all guests are at the core of creating a welcoming environment. By adopting a holistic approach to venue management that prioritizes these values, Antony has championed initiatives that ensure sports and entertainment experiences are accessible and enjoyable for everyone, setting a new standard for how venues can cater to their communities.
In this episode of WRK & WIN, Corinne Milien talks with Antony Bonavita about his commitment to empathy and inclusivity in the sports and entertainment industry. They discuss the importance of empathetic leadership, the challenges and rewards of innovating venue operations to be more inclusive, and Antony’s vision for the future of sports entertainment that embraces all guests.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
- Corinne Milien on LinkedIn
- WRK
- Antony Bonavita on LinkedIn
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- “Embracing Change and the Role of Advocacy in Career Growth With Gavin Stephens” on the WRK & WIN podcast
- Pro Sports Assembly
- Rock Entertainment Group
- Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
- Alberta Lee on LinkedIn
- Gavin Stephens on LinkedIn
- Laura Dixon on LinkedIn
- “[Golf Series] From Politics to Golf: Marsha Oliver’s Unconventional Path” on the WRK & WIN podcast
- Patrick Scanlon on LinkedIn
- Dan & Jennifer Gilbert
Sponsor for this episode…
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