Matt Homan is the President and GM at Dickie’s Arena in Fort Worth, TX. On this episode we deep dive into Matt’s career in event management and how it led to his leadership in helping create one of the most beautiful arenas in the country. We also discuss the intricacies of the public/private partnership for the arena, adapting events in light of the pandemic and the Las Vegas shooting, virtual event, the labor market and much more. Enjoy the Climb!

Check out Dickies Arena: https://dickiesarena.com/

Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-homan-7386119/

Follow The Climb: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-climb-podcast/

Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelpmoore/

(1:26) - Matt’s background and career leading up to Dickie’s & Fort Worth

(27:51) - Sales is involved in EVERYTHING

(32:22) - Is there still a role for Unions in our world going forward?

(35:13) - What was the inflection point that led you to make the jump to Dickie’s & Fort Worth?

(37:24) - What was your first experiences like on the project?

(44:03) - The public/private partnership for funding of Dickie’s

(47:37) - Adapting events in the aftermath of the Vegas shooting and Covid-19

(53:14) - What’s the value proposition for Dickie’s and Fort Worth?

(56:21) - The business of ticket sales

(1:00:58) - Do Virtual event experiences threaten the industry at all?

(1:03:38) - Thoughts on ability for college athletes being able to monetize themselves

(1:07:57) - The labor market

(1:14:07) - What keeps you up at night when thinking about the next 5 years?

(1:19:05) - What do you want people to know about you?