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:
- Antony Bonavita shares the key milestones in his career that shaped who he is today
- What is Antony’s leadership style?
- The impact of the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse renovation on the fan experience
- The importance of collaboration and a people-centric approach in organizing events
- Collaboration and inclusivity in professional sports
- How Pro Sports Assembly has triggered growth beyond processes
- The intersection of entertainment, business, and pop culture
- How Antony’s family influences the decisions he makes
- What excites Antony about the future?
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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