Saint Louis University welcomed a new face to one of its most eagerly anticipated new projects on Feb. 15: Darius Dunn began his term as general manager of the Saint Louis University arena.
Dunn comes to SLU after serving as an associate director of the Stephen O’Connell Center at the University of Florida, along with previous experience at other universities.
While his primary focus at UF was managing sporting events, he also dealt with special programs, including concerts and other entertainment events for the general public.
He brings his experience with collegiate venues to SLU and will supervise all daily activities at the arena. “I’ve been working in a college environment since 1993,” Dunn said.
He believes that this experience qualified him for this post. “I understand what it means to be on a campus . embracing the community as part of this project,” he said.
“As general manager, my role is [dealing with] all operational aspects of the arena . [I will serve as] the main liaison with the sports community and University,” he said.
Virtually everything within the arena will fall under Dunn’s discretion, including booking concerts and managing security.
In the months before construction wraps on the arena project, Dunn plans to pave the way for a smooth operation upon the opening.
He indicated that they are “planning this from the ground up . [and will be] solidifying components [in the coming months]. We have a lot [to deal with, including] vendors, suppliers, scoreboards and ticketing [issues],” he said.
Establishing a firm reputation for the arena is among Dunn’s foremost goals. “[I want to] help the University end up with a top-notch venue . a venue the community can be proud of,” he said. “It’s been a long time coming.”
Dunn praises SLU President Lawrence Biondi, S.J., for his dedication to improving the Midtown campus, calling the arena “a testament to his vision.”
One of the most dynamic aspects of the project, Dunn thinks, is the way it could electrify student involvement in sports programs. “It is an exciting time for the students,” he said. “I think they’re getting jazzed.”
Dunn was hired by Global Spectrum, an organization that was selected by the University to manage the arena. While he will act as an employee of Global Spectrum, he said he wants to “blend in seamlessly and work well with the University . Global has a number of University facilities across the country,” he said. “[The organization] brings with it years of experience in terms of managing venues . [along with the invaluable] relationships they’ve built up.”
The arena is projected to open to the public in March of 2008.
