Global Spectrum To Manage Zayed Stadium In Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI, UAE (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — Global Spectrum has been selected by Mubadala Development Company PJSC (Mubadala) to manage its 43,000-seat Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi which is currently undergoing renovations. Global Spectrum, a division of the Philadelphia, PA-based sports and entertainment firm Comcast-Spectacor, will also provide consulting and guidance to the City of Abu Dhabi as the facility and the city prepares to host the upcoming 2009 and 2010 FIFA Club World Cup in December.

This is Global Spectrum's first venture into the Middle East, according to Comcast-Spectacor Senior Vice President Michel Sauers who oversees the company's growth into the international market. Global Spectrum is already established in Singapore managing the new Sports Hub which includes a 55,000-seat multi-purpose stadium. Sauers says the company may rely on other Comcast-Spectacor entities, which include a food and beverage company (Ovations Food Services); a full-service ticketing company (New Era Tickets) and a sales and advertising firm (Front Row Marketing Services), to assist Global Spectrum in Abu Dhabi.

"This is truly a wonderful opportunity for Global Spectrum as we expand into the Middle East and continue to grow as an international company. We are also looking forward to preparing for one of the most anticipated international football events of the year," said Global Spectrum Chief Operating Officer John Page. "We are excited to bring the many resources and successes of Global Spectrum to Zayed Stadium."

As part of the multiple year management agreement, Global Spectrum will provide marketing, promotional support, booking and scheduling and staff training at Zayed Stadium, as well as the day-to-day operational management which includes maintenance, contracted services, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, repairs, cleaning, staffing and other operations.

Global Spectrum Vice President Michael Ahearn will oversee the on-site team in Abu Dhabi as a Regional Vice President and will continue to be based at the company's main office in Philadelphia, PA (US). Mark Collins will serve Global Spectrum as the Executive Director and Patrick Talty will be Global Spectrum's General Manager at the Stadium. Both will reside in Abu Dhabi.

Collins is a 29 year veteran of operating public assembly facilities. He has spent the past three years working for Global Spectrum in Singapore overseeing the Sports Hub for the company. During his career he was also President of M&M Ventures in Roanoke, VA; and President of the Florida Sports Enterprises in Palm Beach, FL.

Talty is a 15-year veteran of operating some of the largest stadiums in the US. He most recently served Global Spectrum as Assistant General Manager of the University of Phoenix Stadium. Prior to his position in Glendale, he was President and CEO of Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority in Lansing, MI. He also spent five years at the RCA Dome and Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN, home of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts, as Director of Safety and Security (1998-2001) and Event Coordinator (1996-1998).

Global Spectrum (global-spectrum.com) is the fastest growing firm in the public assembly facility management field with more than 80 facilities throughout the United States and Canada. The Philadelphia-based company is part of one of the world's largest sports and entertainment companies, Comcast-Spectacor, which also owns the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League, the Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association, Flyers Skate Zone, a series of community ice skating rinks, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia, a regional sports programming network, Ovations Food Services, a food and beverage services provider, New Era Tickets, a full-service ticketing and marketing product for public assembly facilities, and Front Row Marketing Services, a commercial rights sales company and 3601 Creative Group, a full-service in-house advertising agency. In a partnership with Disson Skating, Comcast-Spectacor annually produces 10 nationally televised figure skating spectaculars on NBC.
–by CelebrityAccess Staff Writers