SoCal Venue Shakeup: New GMs for Citizens Business Bank Arena, City National Grove

– Adam Millar

Adam Millar has joined Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, Calif., as general manager for the SMG-operated venue, with his previous role as GM of Nederlander’s City National Grove of Anaheim filled by Jordan Harding.

Millar had served as GM of the City National Grove of Anaheim since 2005, and has spent time at venues including the Oakland Coliseum and Oracle Arena and was managing director at the Forum in Inglewood, director of booking and event services at Staples Center and theatre operations manager at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.

“We are pleased to welcome Adam to Ontario and look forward to his expertise in managing and booking an entertainment venue,” said Michael Krouse, Regional Vice President of SMG Worldwide. “His experience in the industry and core strength of working in Southern California will ensure we will continue to meet our goals since taking over management of the venue on July 1, 2016.”  Adam will build upon the improved content and guest experience upgrades at Citizens Business Bank Arena, according to the announcement.  

The 12,000-capacity Ontario venue has upcoming dates with Bad Bunny, three nights of Banda MS, and Nicky Jam on the books. Recent boxoffice submissions include Pink May 23 (9,597 tickets, $1.45 million,) Kevin Hart May 1 (10,293, $848,833) and “Disney on Ice Presents Frozen,” which sold out seven shows in April with more than 31,000 tickets and $818,500 grossed.

 As new GM of the Nederlander-operated City National Grove of Anaheim, Harding will oversee business operations and development of new revenue opportunities.

As managing partner at JCH Sports & Entertainment, Harding most recently worked in the e-sports space, driving event strategy for Blizzard Entertainment’s first-ever grand finals at Barclays Center in New York.   Before that, he was the VP, Entertainment Strategy for the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. 

– Jordan Harding

“Harding is a seasoned entertainment executive who brings great energy and experience to our Company,” Alex Hodges, CEO of Nederlander Concerts, said in a statement announcing the hire. “City National Grove of Anaheim is a top performing venue in the country, and we are thankful for Millar’s dedication to developing the venue’s reputation and relationships within the industry and with the City of Anaheim.  Harding will make a seamless transition and play a key role in maintaining and enhancing the venue’s profile, bringing new opportunities to this Orange County gem.”

Harding added, “This is a great opportunity to lead a fantastic team at a premier venue. I have always had great respect for the Nederlander family, and I am excited about continuing the growth and success of the City National Grove of Anaheim.  My family and I are eager to relocate to Southern California and become a part of the Anaheim community.” Nederlander has operated, managed and programmed the venue since 2002.

Upcoming Grove of Anaheim shows include Chris Isaak (July 12), Felix Cavaliere & Gene Cornish’s Rascals (Aug. 24), Kathleen Madigan (Sept. 15) and The Tenors (Nov. 6), among others. 

Recent sellouts reported from the venue include Peppa Pig Live April 5 ($47,400 grossed) and Why Don’t We March 20 ($52,900).