AEG Names Katie Pandolfo General Manager of Crypto.com Arena
Pandolfo brings more than 25 years of experience to the position, most recently serving as the General Manager of Dignity Health Sports Park where she led cross-functional teams through the delivery of thousands of events, including seven MLS Cup Championship matches, three seasons of the National Football League (NFL), Championship Boxing, and Olympic and World Cup Qualifying Matches. Under her tenure and guided by her leadership, the 125-acre campus in Carson, CA has welcomed more than 25 million guests. In taking on this role, Pandolfo becomes one of the few leaders in sports to have experience that spans across all major league sports: MLB, NFL, MLS, and now NHL and the NBA.
As General Manager, she will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the arena – a cornerstone of Los Angeles' sports and entertainment scene, known for its dynamic event schedule, state-of-the-art facilities, and significant cultural contributions. The arena, one of the most active venues in the world, is home to three professional sports franchises — The NBA's Los Angeles Lakers, the NHL's LA Kings and the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks — and has hosted over 200 high-profile national and international events annually, such as the NBA and NHL All-Star Games, WWE, Disney on Ice, boxing, concerts, family shows, special events and the annual GRAMMY® Awards. Pandolfo will report directly to Dan Beckerman, President and CEO of AEG.
'Katie brings a wealth of experience to this role having guided the operations and management of Dignity Health Sports Park for over two decades,' said AEG President and CEO, Dan Beckerman. 'She is a talented leader with a proven track record of success in delivering world class events and an incredible reputation for guiding and motivating her team. Her dedication and passion will be invaluable assets in leading Crypto.com Arena into the future, especially as the arena continues to build its legacy as a premier sports and entertainment destination with high-profile global events on the horizon, including the 2026 GRAMMY® Awards, the 2027 NCAA Regional Men's Basketball Tournament, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic games.'
Pandolfo has a thorough understanding of AEG and deep roots in the Los Angeles community. She is a founding member of the company's Women's Leadership Council and serves on the LA Sports and Entertainment Commission (LASEC), and the City of Carson's Economic Development Commission.
'Crypto.com Arena is more than just a venue, it is a renowned destination and the home of championship teams and iconic performers and events that has been at the forefront in driving live sports and entertainment, delivering innovative guest services and building community,' shared Pandolfo. 'I am excited to join the talented team at Crypto.com Arena and look forward to collaborating with the arena's management team and partners to continue delivering exceptional experiences that shape the future of culture and entertainment.'
Pandolfo succeeds industry veteran Lee Zeidman, who will remain as an advisor to aid in the transition before retiring in 2025.
'Lee has made an indelible and lasting impact on AEG, Crypto.com Arena and the city of Los Angeles and his retirement later this year will mark the end of a remarkable chapter in his career,' added Dan Beckerman. 'I am grateful for Lee's friendship and support over these many years and wholeheartedly thank him for his years of leadership and numerous contributions.'
About AEG
Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, AEG is the world's leading sports and live entertainment company. The company operates in the following business segments:
Music through AEG Presents, which is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performances, including the production and promotion of global and regional concert tours, an extensive portfolio of clubs, theaters and other music venues, concerts and special events and world-renowned festivals such as the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival;
Venues and Real Estate, which develops, owns and operates world-class venues, as well as major sports and entertainment districts like Crypto.com Arena and L.A. LIVE, Uber Platz in Berlin and The O2 in London;
Sports, as the world's largest operator of high-profile sporting events and sports franchises including the LA Kings, LA Galaxy and Eisbären Berlin;
Global Partnerships, which oversees worldwide sales and servicing of sponsorships including naming rights, premium seating, and other strategic partnerships.
And Ticketing, through its AXS.com ticketing platform, which provides more than 400 clients worldwide with ticketing services that cover the gamut of entertainments, including sporting events, arena tours, music clubs, festivals, rodeos and family events.
Through its worldwide network of venues, portfolio of powerful sports and music brands and its integrated entertainment districts, AEG entertains more than 90 million guests annually. More information about AEG can be found at www.aegworldwide.com.
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