People
Qualification:
B. Science, Sports Marketing
Major Project List:
Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol, Tennessee
Gillette Stadium
Foxborough, Massachusetts
Jobing.com Arena
Glendale, Arizona
PETCO Park
Operational Consulting
San Diego, California
Over the past three decades, Russ Simons has been involved in nearly every facet of the sports facility industry, from design and construction to marketing, public relations and operations.
In his current role as a senior principal at Populous, Russ directs the firm's facility analysis and operations group, a team of former facility managers who evaluate building systems and components, facility wear, risk management, guest experience, security and sustainable operations. He has worked with operators at every level from collegiate to every professional league, and his work goes hand-in-hand with the firm's architects to design facilities that are safe, efficient, revenue positive and sustainable.
Prior to joining Populous, Russ was the senior vice president of Powers Management and president of Powers Solutions, a professional sports and leisure facility consulting company. He also was the senior vice president and general manager of Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, home to the Nashville Predators and a variety of entertainment and sports events. Russ is a member of the International Facility Management Association, the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, the International Association of Assembly Managers, the Stadium Managers Association.