Managing Partner & Chief Listening Officer, Venue Solutions Group
Over his 40+ year career, Russ Simons has been involved in nearly every facet of the sports and entertainment facility industry, from design and construction and master planning and development to operations, marketing, and public relations. At Venue Solutions Group (VSG), Russ directs the firm’s New and Renovation Facility Consulting, Security and Risk Management, Guest Experience, Food and Beverage, and Facility Operations efforts. VSG is a team of former senior facility managers who evaluate building systems and components, facility condition assessments, integrated development, security and risk management, guest experience, and sustainable operations. Russ has worked with operators at every level, from collegiate to every US professional sports league. He works directly with architects and sub-consultants to design facilities and developments that are safe, efficient, revenue positive and sustainable.
Prior to creating VSG, Russ was a senior principal with global design firm Populous. There, he managed the firm’s facility operations, evaluation, and analysis group which assisted public assembly venues in all operational aspects. He also worked closely with the designers and architects as they created not only beautiful facilities, but functional ones as well. Russ’ previous positions have also included Senior Vice President and General Manager of Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, home to the NHL Nashville Predators, Senior Vice President of Powers Management, and President of Powers Solutions, a professional sports and leisure facility operations consulting company.
Russ received his bachelor’s degree in sports marketing from the University of Connecticut. He also graduated from the International Association of Assembly Managers’ (IAVM) Venue Management School and he is a past Chair of the school’s Board of Regents. He was given the 2009 Ray W. Ward Award from the VMS Board of Regents in honor of his service to the school. He is a member of IAVM and has served on the organization’s Board of Directors. He is past chair of the Life Safety Council; an instructor for the Academy of Venue Safety and Security and led the organization’s COVID-19 response to the industry; a 2004 recipient of the GIGI Award of Excellence; and a member of the Event, Sales, and Marketing Hall of Fame. He is on the National Advisory Board and Pro Sports Committee for the National Center for Spectator Sports Security Management. He is a “Distinguished Fellow” and on the Board of Advisors at IIFX and has been inducted into the inaugural class of their Hall of Fame. In 2021, he received the Joseph J. Anzivino Distinguished Allied Award from IAVM for outstanding service to the organization. He is a member of IFMA and the Stadium Managers Association.
Russ is a former Pollstar “Facility Manager of the Year.”
