Chase Center Names Kim Stone GM

Courtesy of Chase Center – Kim Stone

Chase Center, the soon-to-open home of the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco, has named Kim Stone as its first general manager. Stone will oversee all venue operations, reporting to Warriors president and COO Rick Welts.

“I view this as an opportunity of a lifetime to join an extremely talented group of individuals who are creating this incredible state-of-the art venue in San Francisco,” Stone said in a statement. “Chase Center will not only serve as home of the NBA Champion Warriors, but also the biggest acts in entertainment as we aim to make this arena an international destination. Thanks to the vision of Joe Lacob, Peter Guber and Rick Welts, we hope to reimagine the event experience and create unparalleled excitement for the Bay Area and, really, the world.”

Stone’s last position was at another NBA arena, AmericanAirlines Arena in Miami, home of the Heat. Stone guided the venue to several awards and during her tenure she oversaw more than $60 million in renovations to the facility. She was hired into the Heat’s sports media relations department in 1996 and gradually climbed up the ladder, becoming chief of staff to Heat president of business operations Eric Woolworth in 2002. She has been named a Venues Today (now VenuesNow) Woman Of Influence and a Sports Business Journal Game Changer and Power Player In Venue Management.

“Kim’s experience crosses most every aspect of the sports and entertainment industry,” Welts said in a statement. “Chase Center will be a global destination and Kim’s vision and experience in guiding a world-class venue will add to the fan experience we aspire to deliver every day.” 

Chase Center has been gradually unveiling its lineup of initial concerts, including shows from Metallica, Dave Matthews Band, Andrea Bocelli, Cher, John Mayer, The Black Keys and Phil Collins.

Stephen Collins, the COO of the Chase Center, was also named COO of Oak View Group (Pollstar’s parent company) in July.

Eric Bresler was named executive director of the Chase Center in 2016 and oversees the talent buying for the venue.