Images: Ian Nuttall
Lee Zeidman, the president of Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena, Peacock Theater and L.A. Live, has announced his retirement.
In a LinkedIn post announcing the news, Zeidman said he is “no longer interested in working full time” and will move on to “write the next chapter in the book of Lee”.
Zeidman has worked in the industry for 45 years and has led Crypto.com Arena since it opened as Staples Center in 1999. Crypto.com Arena serves as the home of the NHL’s LA Kings, the NBA’s LA Lakers and the WNBA’s LA Sparks.
Zeidman, who turns 70 this year, has agreed to assist with the transition for his successor and will stay on in the role until the end of the NBA and NHL seasons. Zeidman will also assist with the final phase of renovations currently taking place at Crypto.com Arena.
Sports Business Journal has reported that Elevate Talent is leading the search for a new general manager at Crypto.com Arena, with both external and internal candidates identified.
Zeidman said: “I’ve been fortunate enough to be part of nine NBA Finals where the Lakers won five, three Stanley Cup Finals where the Kings won two, five WNBA Finals where the Sparks won three, three NBA and two NHL all-star games, 22 Grammy Awards, countless concerts, family shows and some of the biggest memorials an arena can host. Simply put it’s been a hellava run.
“There are too many part-time and full-time team members to thank as well as owners and executives that have helped shape my career to name here so I’ll save that for another time as it gets closer to the curtain coming down on what has been a magical and highly rewarding journey. More to come.”
In recognition of his contribution to the live entertainment industry, Zeidman won the Outstanding Achievement Award at TheStadiumBusiness Awards back in 2018.
Following the Awards, Ian Nuttall, founder of TheStadiumBusiness, said: “Lee Zeidman is one of the sports and entertainment sector’s true leaders. The first employee hired for the nascent Staples Center back in 1999, Zeidman has spent the past quarter-century driving the downtown destination in Los Angeles, delivering great shows and guest experiences, constantly innovating and reinventing the customer offer – and, above all, showing other venue leaders – leading by example – how to be the best in the business.
“Zeidman doesn’t just talk a great talk but he continues to walk a great walk and our global venue business is all the better for it.”
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