2025 Women Of Live: Chelsea Cunningham

Chelsea Cunningham
Director, Venue Operations & Events, North America | AEG Presents

NEW PRESENTS | Openings for AEG-booked venues including Ford Amphitheater in
Colorado Springs (OneRepublic) and The Pinnacle at Nashville Yards (Kacey Musgraves).

At press time, Chelsea Cunningham was looking forward to opening The Pinnacle, the 4,500-capacity concert venue anchoring the $1 billion Nashville Yards development. “There’s something special about launching a new venue,” she said. “Especially in a new market, and doing it alongside the incredible team on the ground who’ve been working tirelessly to make it happen.”

Pollstar: What were some of your personal highlights of 2024?
Chelsea Cunningham: First and foremost, our team in Denver absolutely crushed it. Their hard work and dedication were evident in every aspect of the event, from the smooth operations to the guest experience. Watching them pull everything together flawlessly was a highlight in itself. Seeing OneRepublic perform in their hometown (at the new Ford Amphitheater in Colorado Springs) was incredibly special. It added an emotional layer to the event, knowing that the band was able to return to their roots and share that moment with their local fans. The energy in the crowd was electric, and it felt like a celebration of both the band’s success and the community they come from. The Ford Amphitheater is a standout in every way. It blends the natural beauty of the sun setting over Pikes Peak, America’s mountain, with modern design elements, creating a setting that feels both immersive and intimate. One of my favorite features is the firepits scattered throughout the venue – providing warmth and a great gather space for fans to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

What do you consider your company’s most impactful initiative this last year, and why?
The College Connection Program offers high school and college students, as well as young adults, an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the live music industry with AEG Presents. Participants tour venues, observe event setups and engage with AEG professionals about their careers. The program fosters networking, professional development and opens doors to employment opportunities. This initiative is impactful as it builds a strong talent pipeline, ensuring a diverse, skilled workforce for AEG Presents. By engaging with local communities and recruiting from universities, trade schools and organizations, the program helps mentor the next generation of industry leaders.