10/20/2009

KREZWICK APPOINTED HEAD OF DEVILS ARENA ENTERTAINMENT

Jeff Vanderbeek, Devils Chairman and Managing Partner, announced today that industry veteran, Richard Krezwick will be joining the organization as President of Devils Arena Entertainment.

Krezwick will be responsible for all operational aspects of the two-year-old home of the New Jersey Devils and charged with overseeing the overall programming and management of the arena.

“In joining us from Boston's FleetCenter, Rich is a terrific addition to our organization. His marketing and sales talents, along with his financial background and arena operations experience make him the perfect person to join our team and take Prudential Center to the next level. He is well respected in the industry and through his contacts, will ensure that Prudential Center and the City of Newark are further enhanced as a premier destination for sports and entertainment events.”
Krezwick joins the organization after ten years with the FleetCenter and Boston Bruins (1996-2005) as President. Most recently Krezwick completed a three year stint with AEG - Anshutz Entertainment Group as VP of Regional Operations. He also spent five years managing a group of radio stations in New England.

While at the FleetCenter in Boston, Krezwick was responsible for all aspects of arena operations. The Fleet Center replaced the historic Boston Garden and Krezwick is credited with launching the new arena, which is now consistently ranked as one of the top facilities in the country.

A graduate of Drexel University, Krezwick grew up in Philadelphia and started his career in sports and entertainment with the Philadelphia Flyers and Spectrum. The organization grew into Spectacor Management Inc and eventually became SMG, an international arena, convention center and stadium management company. Krezwick served in various management roles for over 9 years with the company.
“Since the Prudential Center opened, I have said that it is my favorite facility in sports. I am proud to join the organization and look forward to working with the talented staff at the facility and in the revitalization of the Newark community,” said Krezwick.

Krezwick has been frequently recognized for his community involvement. While in Boston, Krezwick founded the “Table of Friends', an annual Thanksgiving dinner for more than 500 of Boston's homeless. He has received several community awards and currently sits on the board of several businesses, including the Massachusetts Sports Partnership, the MA Film Office and the Boston Sports Museum, among others.

The Prudential Center in Newark, NJ opened in October of 2007 and is first new arena built in the New York, New Jersey Metropolitan area in more than 25 years. Home to the NHL's New Jersey Devils and Seton Hall NCAA Division 1 Men's Basketball, Prudential Center hosts a variety of the biggest names in sports and entertainment.