For Immediate Release
Conshohocken, PA – SMG, the worldwide leader in venue management, is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members to join its team. Leonard Bonacci has been named a Regional Vice President of the Stadiums and Arenas Division and Patrick Talty has been named General Manager of the new Minnesota Multi-Purpose Stadium in Minneapolis.
Leonard Bonacci
Bonacci brings impressive stadium management credentials to SMG, having worked for nearly 17 years as a Senior Executive for the Philadelphia Eagles organization. There, Bonacci was responsible for directing all game day and special event management duties of Lincoln Financial Field as the Vice President of Operations. Bonacci was also responsible for the booking and event creation for ancillary events at Lincoln Financial Field, including the bidding and solicitation of events including the Army v. Navy game, NCAA Lacrosse, international soccer, and other large events.
Bonacci has worked for SMG in a consulting capacity over the last 6 months with a focus on the new Minnesota Stadium project where SMG serves as a facility manager. As a Regional Vice President for the SMG Stadium and Arena Division, Bonacci will continue to oversee SMG’s operation of the new Minnesota facility in addition to other responsibilities. He will be based in SMG’s corporate headquarters located in Conshohocken, PA and will report to Stadium and Arena Division Executive Vice President, Doug Thornton.
“Leonard is a seasoned industry professional with extensive NFL stadium management experience. His understanding of stadium operations will be a great asset to us, as we continue to grow our stadium business,” said Thornton. “We are delighted to have him join us full-time.”
Patrick Talty
Talty joins SMG from the World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (WWE), where he most recently served as the Senior Vice President of Live Events. There, he was part of the senior leadership team and was responsible for the global touring and event marketing of more than 420 live events annually while maintaining business operations.
“Patrick is a talented, experienced industry professional,” stated Thornton. “His NFL facility management experience coupled with his event booking and marketing skills provide a perfect combination for us in Minneapolis. We are very excited to have him join SMG and he will be a great addition to our Minnesota team.”
In addition to his promoter background, Talty also has extensive experience in stadium and arena management. From 2009 – 2012, he served as General Manager of Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi, a multi-venue complex that included a 45,000 seat soccer stadium, as well as other sports and recreational facilities. While there, he was responsible for the oversight and management of a multi-facility sporting complex, and oversaw several major events including the 2009 & ‘10 FIFA Club World Cup, the 40th UAE National Day Celebration, and the first WWE Raw World Tour in Abu Dhabi.
