The Stadia Podcast

Brian McNeill is dormakaba’s vertical business owner for sports & entertainment. Based out of Winter Springs, Florida, Brian is dedicated to helping sports and entertainment venues round the globe solve their access control challenges while navigating the ever-changing world of contactless entry, digital ticketing and self-service operation.

In discussion with Stadia editor Saul Wordsworth, Brian discusses the recent World Cup, the future of access control and how this technology shapes the fan experience.

This episode is sponsored by dormakaba

Henry Valentino is founder, CEO and president of eConnect, provider of intelligent surveillance software that helps venues turn their existing camera network into a powerful security tool. In discussion with Stadia editor Saul Wordsworth, Henry discusses the limitations of traditional security, improving security without increasing friction, and balancing surveillance, convenience and privacy. 

This episode is sponsored by eConnect

Guillermo Garcia is director, stadia and arena consulting, IMG. An architect by training, Guillermo spent three years at FIFA Working on venue operations for the 2022 and 2026 World Cups. Now entrenched with IMG, he believes in stadia as an important backdrop to people’s lives, and of their power to connect.

This episode is published in association with IMG. 

Tayo Gama is sports leader, senior associate with architect Gensler. With a focus on evolving sports venues and successfully integrating them into their surrounding environments and communities, her portfolio includes venues for the Olympic Games, the FIFA World Cup and numerous soccer stadia. Tayo is passionate about the transformative power of sport architecture to create an experience-focused future that promotes equity, resilience, and wellbeing. 

This episode is sponsored by SVB Live. 

Paul Michael is managing director of award-winning Coventry Building Society Arena in the UK. In conversation with Stadia editor, Saul Wordsworth, he discusses improving fan experience, becoming a 24/7 365 destination, and the challenges that come with balancing a core sports tenant with conferences, exhibitions and major live events.

This conversation was recorded before a live audience at the 2026 Arenas World Summit at Birmingham’s NEC.

Andy Bishop is a Sky Sports soccer commentator, and an occasional NFL summariser. In conversation with Stadia editor Saul Wordsworth, Andy offers his view from the gantry on the changing face of British stadiums, the contrast with the NFL, what each can learn from the other, the forthcoming FIFA World Cup, and his best and worst stadium experiences. 

Tom Cassidy is director of tourism for Liverpool Football Club, one of the biggest names in world soccer. In conversation with Stadia editor Saul Wordsworth, Tom offers a deep dive into the visitor experience, how using ex-players for legends tours has evolved and working with stakeholders. 

This episode is sponsored by SVB Live.

Matt Billerbeck is global retail practice group director for architecture and urbanism at global design & engineering consultancy firm Arcadis. In conversation with Stadia editor Saul Wordsworth, Matt talks about Arcadis’ recent LA Live project, how stadiums can be designed to belong to a city and serve a community, and how this will evolve in the coming years.

Bill Hanway is executive vice president and global social infrastructure and sports leader with AECOM. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say his master planning work for the London Olympics in 2012 helped establish the blueprint for creating lasting event legacies.

In conversation with Stadia Magazine editor Saul Wordsworth, Bill breaks off from planning for the L.A. Olympics in 2028 to discuss the impact of sporting mega events on community regeneration and social equity.

This episode is sponsored by AECOM.

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Dan Meis is director of global sports design with AECOM, the man behind so many iconic venues and a legendary figure within the industry. In conversation with Stadia Magazine editor Saul Wordsworth he talks about how the fan experience is shaping the future of stadium design.

A more general interview with Dan Meis can be found in the latest issue of Stadia Magazine.

This episode is sponsored by AECOM.