March 12, 2010, (Jacksonville, Florida) – Larry Wilson, has been named General Manager for SMG in Jacksonville, Florida. SMG, on behalf of the City of Jacksonville, manages the Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, the Prime Osborn Convention Center and the Jacksonville Equestrian Center.
Larry Wilson comes to Jacksonville from the John Paul Jones Arena, in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he served as the Regional General Manager overseeing day to day operations of the John Paul Jones Arena, the Paramount Theater and the Meadows Events Center (Virginia State Fair)... Wilson managed the pre-opening phase of the John Paul Jones Arena, which opened in 2006. Under Wilson’s management, the arena was named Pollstar’s Best New Major Concert Venue 2006. Wilson, is a graduate of Oglebay Facility Management School and the University of Memphis, has been with SMG since 1994. Wilson has been involved in the opening of six buildings over his 15 year career. Prior to John Paul Jones Arena, Wilson was the General Manager of the Richmond Coliseum. He also served as the Assistant GM of the Century Tel Center in Bossier City, Louisiana. Wilson has held several positions for SMG including Director Event Services and Convention Sales at the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville and as Event Services Manager at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
Wilson has served as the President of the ACOM, on the Board of the Charlottesville, Albermarle Convention & Visitors Bureau, and holds memberships in IAAM, ASAE, and PCMA. For information on Wilson, call Nan Coyle at 904-630-4056.
“Larry Wilson is a great addition to the management team in Jacksonville,” commented Hank Abate, Senior Vice President for Stadiums and Arenas/SMG, adding, “SMG takes great pride in developing and obtaining the very best candidates for such an important role in the communities we serve. Wilson has been recognized for his operational and booking expertise and will bring these leadership skills to the Jacksonville Venues.”
Wilson, will be in Jacksonville beginning March 16, 2010, to assist with the 2010 NCAA Men’s First and Second Round Basketball Tournament.
