THE ELLMAN COMPANIES ANNOUNCE FORMATION OF “WESTGATE LIVE”
Ellman Names Dave Groff President of “Westgate Live
GLENDALE, AZ —
Steve Ellman, Chairman and CEO of The Ellman Companies and developer of the Westgate City Center in Glendale, Arizona, announced the formation of “Westgate Live,” a new subsidiary company responsible for all programming, events, and sponsorships for the Westgate City Center in Glendale, Arizona.
“‘Westgate Live’ started our year with some of the largest events ever held in a retail and office setting,” stated Ellman. “Approximately 200,000 people were exposed to Westgate during our New Year’s Eve, Fiesta Bowl, and BCS Championship events; Westgate City Center is positioned as the top block party and outdoor events venue in the Valley.”
During the period from December 31, 2006 to January 8, 2007, “Westgate Live” launched several block-party style events in the Entertainment Village of the Westgate City Center, immediately becoming the Valley’s focus for events and entertainment. With New Year’s Eve festivities followed by two college football Bowl Championship Series games played at the University of Phoenix Stadium, fans from around the Valley as well as from all over the country descended on Westgate for entertainment, featuring bands, football pep rallies, fireworks, and Luke Air Force Base F-16 flyovers.
Additionally, Ellman announced that Dave Groff has been appointed as President of “Westgate Live.” In that capacity, Groff will oversee all events and sponsorships and logistics for programming and activating the Valley’s newest crown jewel development.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join the Westgate team,” said Groff. “Westgate has already shown itself to be a tremendous event/sponsorship and hospitality venue, and we will continue to bring a full slate of programming (including Super Bowl 2008 events) to the West Valley.”
Prior to joining “Westgate Live,” Groff served for 6 years as the Senior Vice President of Corporate Sales and Suite Sales for the Phoenix Coyotes, Arizona Sting and Jobing.com Arena. Prior to the Coyotes, Groff served in executive sales and marketing roles in the NBA for the Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls.
In addition to Groff, “Westgate Live” has hired a full staff to assist in the programming, marketing, and sponsorships for events at Westgate:
Amy Shapiro – Director of Marketing and Events
Tony Quist – Director of Sponsorships
Genevieve Villegas – Marketing and Sales Coordinator
Upcoming programs and events at Westgate include the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball tour (May 10-13, 2007), the Nestles Safe Baby Haven 5K run (April 1, 2007), the SHADE Foundation 5K Sunset Race (May 26, 2007), a St. Patrick’s Day/Spring Training Block Party (March 17, 2007), CycleRides Motorcycle Tour Post Party (April 14, 2007), and are planning a large scale block party for July 4th as well as repetitive events like “Live After Five,” a happy hour concert series to be held on a monthly basis on the last Friday of each month.
For more information on “Westgate Live,” or for sponsorship or event opportunities at Westgate, please call (602) 840-3000 or log onto westgateaz.com.
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Media Contacts:
Dave Groff
The Ellman Companies
(602) 667-8020
dgroff@ellmanco.com
Jeffrey Hecht
The Ellman Companies
(602) 667-8003
jhecht@ellmanco.com
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