Voices From The Trenches: Eric Bresler

How in the heck did you get into this madhouse?

I always wanted to be in sports but was not sure how I would get there or where my road would take me. 
My first job in the ‘90s was doing marketing and public relations for Joe Robbie Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. (now Sun Life Stadium). There were a lot of stadium concerts, soccer matches, college football bowl games and Miami Dolphins games.  I also had the chance to be involved in the stadium conversion at that time for the arrival of the Florida Marlins baseball team. 
I was introduced to the sports and entertainment business starting with a stadium and I was hooked.  That road led to stops in Charlotte, N.C., Tampa, Fla., Long Island, N.Y., back to Miami then a return home to Los Angeles – all with venues and sports teams.   It reads like a tour T-shirt.

Like, what do you do?  

My job is to ensure our AEG Facilities venues are booked with concerts and events.  That is accomplished through connecting regularly with all the agents, promoters, managers and show personnel who are a part of that booking process. 
The position also interacts with the bookers at our venues.  I take the lead on some bookings while many days support is provided to our arena bookers in the field. We have been very successful with this process through collaboration and synergy at AEG Facilities.
The position does afford me the chance to travel and see shows at our venues, but I am there to make sure we are providing the best experience for the act, promoter, manager and fans attending shows at our venues.

What would be the one thing you’d change about this industry?

An effort by all of us to show more appreciation to the music fan attending concerts on a regular basis.  Sports teams incentivize their season ticket holders with special opportunities and I would like to see an industry-wide program developed that caters to the music fan.

What is the one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

I was the first person to win Wilbur’s Halftime Spot shot contest at the University of Arizona. I got a new car by making a series of shots that included a half-court shot.

You have three “shout-outs.” Go.

My dad, Sandy, who instilled in me the core entertainment business principals of loyalty, respect and appreciation.
Donna Dowless and Gerry Barad who have played huge roles in my career through guidance and experience.
The Entire AEG Facilities booking team who continue to do an amazing job for our venues and have helped me tremendously.

Any particular concert memory stand out? (good or bad)

I have a many, but these are special:
Bruce Springsteen, AmericanAirlines Arena November 2002; Paul McCartney, AmericanAirlines Arena September 2005; U2, AmericanAirlines Arena November 2005; Tom Petty, Fonda Theatre June 2013; Billy Joel, KFC Yum! Center April 2014.

If you weren’t doing “this,” what would “that” be?

Head of marketing for Coca-Cola or drummer in a rock band.

What’s the one most underserved concern in the business right now?  In other words, more light needs to be shed upon ….

We need to make sure as an industry that we promote the Live Music Experience.  There is nothing like going to a live show, but we need to make sure we are growing our fan base.

Golf? Tennis? Parachute gliding? 

I play tennis, but need to play more of it.

Are there any events that make you nervous, businesswise?  Any that you particularly look forward to?

I am always nervous in general for an on sale as you always want the show at your venue to come out of the gate strong.