SMG named Chris Semrau general manager of Chesapeake Energy Arena and Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City.
Semrau was most recently the assistant GM of the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, S.D., where he relocated to in 2014 to open the new facility and oversaw all arena business operations relating to booking, marketing, sales, event services, media relations and premium seating. That is also an SMG building.
“We are very excited to have Chris join our SMG team in Oklahoma City,” said Doug Thornton, SMG’s executive vice president of stadiums and arenas. “He is an accomplished arena manager who has deep experience and relationships in our industry. He will be a great addition to our operation there.”
Chris Semrau.
Semrau replaces Hugh Lombardi, who left the position in March to become GM of Target Center in Minneapolis and a regional vice president for AEG Facilities.
The 19,711-capacity Chesapeake Energy Arena, home to the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder, is an active concert venue. Cox Convention Center has coming dates with Paw Patrol Live in August as well as Wizard World Comic Con in October.
The news comes after the City Council unanimously approved a five-year renewal of SMG's management agreement for the facilities, which includes an option to extend the contract at the end of the term.