Juan and Cari Rodriguez at the grand opening of Golden 1 Center, Sacramento, Calif.
It’s a homecoming of sorts for Juan Rodriguez, who has accepted the position of executive vice president and general manager for BBVA Compass Stadium, Houston, home of the Houston Dynamo of Major League Soccer.
Rodriguez worked in Houston for SMG at NRG Stadium prior to moving to Sacramento to become senior VP and general manager of the then under-construction Golden 1 Center, Sacramento. The new home to the Sacramento Kings of the National Basketball Association opened Sept.30, 2016.
His last day in Sacramento will be May 25. He and his wife, Cari, and their two children, ages 13 and 11, then move to Houston where he starts the new job June 15. It is bittersweet for the entire family, but it is close to grandparents, and it’s a city they know well from Rodriguez’ 14 years at NRG Stadium. Prior to that, he worked at Miami Arena and then what is now BB&T Center, Sunrise, Fla., for LMI/SMG.
He is replacing Paul Byrne who moved on two months ago, taking a job as VP, Operations at FedEx Field in Landover, Md., home of the Washington Redskins.
The friendships Rodriguez made during his three years in Sacramento will last forever, he said.
In Houston, he will answer to Chris Canetti, president of the Dynamos.
“It’s the right place and the right time,” Rodriguez said. The opportunity came about organically. He had dealt with the Dynamos organization when he was in Houston and the Kings season at Golden 1 Center has come to a close. He notified management Monday. The staff was told Tuesday. “It’s very emotional,” Rodriguez said.