AEG Names Katie Pandolfo General Manager Of Crypto.com Arena

AEG has named Katie Pandolfo as General Manager of Crypto.com Arena, following an extensive search. Her new role at the 20,000-capacity Los Angeles venue – home to the NBA Los Angeles Lakers, NHL Los Angeles Kings and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks – is effective June 1. 

Pandolfo has more than 25 years of experience in the industry, having most recently served as the General Manager of Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California.

The announcement from AEG, one of the global leaders in sports and live entertainment, follows the news in late March that longtime Crypto.com Arena President Lee Zeidman planned to retire.

During Pandolfo’s time at Dignity Health Sports Park, the 125-acre campus welcomed more than 25 million guests and hosted thousands of events including seven MLS Cup Championship matches, three seasons of the National Football League (NFL), Championship Boxing, and Olympic and World Cup Qualifying Matches.

Pandolfo is a founding member of the Women’s Leadership Council at AEG and serves on the LA Sports and Entertainment Commission (LASEC), as well as the City of Carson’s Economic Development Commission.

AEG points out that with her new role, Pandolfo “becomes one of the few leaders in sports to have experience that spans across all major league sports: MLB, NFL, MLS, and now NHL and the NBA.” She will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of Crypto.com Arena, which has hosted over 200 high-profile national and international events annually including “NBA and NHL All-Star Games, WWE, Disney on Ice, boxing, concerts, family shows, special events and the annual GRAMMY® Awards.” She will report directly to Dan Beckerman, President and CEO of AEG.

“Katie brings a wealth of experience to this role having guided the operations and management of Dignity Health Sports Park for over two decades” AEG President and CEO Dan Beckerman said in a statement. “She is a talented leader with a proven track record of success in delivering world class events and an incredible reputation for guiding and motivating her team.  Her dedication and passion will be invaluable assets in leading Crypto.com Arena into the future, especially as the arena continues to build its legacy as a premier sports and entertainment destination with high-profile global events on the horizon, including the 2026  GRAMMY®  Awards, the 2027 NCAA Regional Men’s Basketball Tournament, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic games.”

Pandolfo said, “Crypto.com Arena is more than just a venue, it is a renowned destination and the home of championship teams and iconic performers and events that has been at the forefront in driving live sports and entertainment, delivering innovative guest services and building community,” shared Pandolfo. “I am excited to join the talented team at Crypto.com Arena and look forward to collaborating with the arena’s management team and partners to continue delivering exceptional experiences that shape the future of culture and entertainment.”

Zeidman, who has run Crypto.com Arena since its transformative opening in 1999, and served as president of the L.A. Live entertainment district including Peacock Theatre, will remain as an advisor to aid in the transition before retiring from his role as president later in 2025. 

Beckerman added, “Lee has made an indelible and lasting impact on AEG, Crypto.com Arena and the city of Los Angeles and his retirement later this year will mark the end of a remarkable chapter in his career. I am grateful for Lee’s friendship and support over these many years and wholeheartedly thank him for his years of leadership and numerous contributions.”