Business View Civil & Municipal | Volme 3, Issue 2

20 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 2 Chuck Steedman, executive vice president of strategy and development for ASM Global, said, “We worked with HOK on many other arena projects, so we know they bring the expertise and share Glendale’s vision for the arena as a premier destination for live entertainment in the metropolitan area. We know HOK can deliver a world-class design for the city, allowing the arena to provide a tremendous and ongoing catalyst to the Westgate Entertainment District, the city and the entire valley.” HOK is a global design, architecture, engineering and planning firm featuring a sports and entertainment division that specializes in the design of arenas, stadiums, ballparks, training facilities and entertainment centers. HOK has been responsible for some of the most significant innovations in the sports, entertainment and hospitality industries. The arena was built as a multipurpose facility, which housed the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes Hockey team. The Coyotes will no longer play at the arena after their current season ends this year. HOK demonstrated that during a rigorous and competitive selection process, it is both creatively and technically adept to achieve Glendale’s goal of reimagining Gila River Arena once it no longer serves as a hockey venue. “Gila River Arena has long been a vital contributor to the city of Glendale’s culture and economy,” said Rashed Singaby, principal and senior project designer at HOK. “We’re looking forward to collaborating with the city and ASM Global to reimagine the arena for future fans and spectators while ensuring it remains a vibrant entertainment destination for the region.” ASM and HOK have successful track records of elevating existing facilities with a “wow” factor, while incorporating current and future thinking around the guest experience, fan amenities, back-of-house infrastructure, and food and beverage options. ASM’s T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, located in the Power & Light Entertainment District, is just one example. ASM utilized HOK as one of the lead architectural design firms involved in building the T-Mobile Center in 2007. The venue was a key component in the dramatic transformation of Kansas City’s downtown, which is now a destination for visitors and point of pride for the city. “Both the T-Mobile Center and Gila River Arena are the vibrant hearts and anchors within their respective entertainment districts,” said Steedman. “Even without a professional sports franchise anchor tenant, the T-Mobile Center is thriving and attracting the biggest live entertainment and concerts in the world.”