Climate Pledge Arena Promotes Nick Vaerewyck To SVP Of Programming, Adds Danny Cohen As Programming Director

Venue developer and operator Oak View Group has announced a promotion and new hire in the programming department at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, with Nick Vaerewyck being named senior vice president of programming and Danny Cohen joining as director of programming at Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena.

“Nick’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping Climate Pledge Arena’s diverse and dynamic programming,” said Steve Mattson, General Manager and Executive Vice President of Climate Pledge Arena. “His vision and expertise will continue to elevate and grow the content we offer and drive our future success. We’re excited to see how he leads our programming strategy in this next chapter.”

Vaerewyck will lead in the strategic planning of content development for OVG in the Pacific Northwest, joining the Executive Leadership Team in Seattle, which includes executives from both Oak View Group and the Seattle Kraken, the NHL team that calls the arena home. His responsibilities include strategic oversight of programming goals and content development at Climate Pledge Arena, as well as overseeing private event sales, service, and ticketing operations.

“It has been an incredible experience to see first-hand and in just five years, Climate Pledge Arena grow into a world-class venue,” said Vaerewyck. “We have re-established Seattle as a must-play market and became the top venue in the Pacific Northwest and North America. I am excited to lead this team into the future with all the opportunities that lie ahead of us. Growing the programming team, with the addition of Danny Cohen, allows us to build upon our success and bring even more world-class content with the best talent in the industry to our region.”

Vaerewyck has been with Climate Pledge Arena since its inception, helping to bring 200 events annually to arena, including concerts, family shows, sporting events and private events. He previously held leadership roles at Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment, Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix and Comerica Theatre.

Cohen will focus on day-to-day and strategic content development for concerts, family shows, and special events while supporting Climate Pledge Arena’s overall programming goals.

“I’m honored and excited to join the exceptional team at Climate Pledge Arena,” Cohen added in the announcement. “The arena represents a groundbreaking approach to venue design and fan experience, and the work they’ve done is remarkable. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to such an innovative environment.”

Before joining Climate Pledge Arena, Cohen was general manager of public events at Colorado Chautauqua in Boulder, overseeing programming, operations, and special events for multiple venues, including the historic 1,313-seat Chautauqua Auditorium. Cohen began his career at WME as a music agent assistant.