VenuesNow 2025 All-Star Honoree: Matt Rogers

MATT ROGERS
Vice President, Regional Venue Operations
Live Nation

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It’s been a busy summer for Matt Rogers, Vice President, Regional Venue Operations at Live Nation, opening two new, state-of-the-art venues in Virginia: The Dome in Virginia Beach and Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront in Richmond.

“The Dome is special – its unique indoor/outdoor design allows us to welcome fans into the venue all year long,” explains Rogers. “Our first summer has been incredible so far, and that’s a testament to our new partnership with Oak View Group [Pollstar’s parent company] and to the strong relationship we’ve built with the City of Virginia Beach over the past three decades.”

Upcoming shows include Shaboozey, Jon Pardi, Ice Nine Kills, John Fogerty and many others.
As a native Virginian, Rogers is equally fond of the 7,500-cap. Allianz Amphitheater, which opened in June in coordination with the City of Richmond and partner Red Light Management.

“The venue is beautiful and thoughtfully designed with stunning views of the downtown skyline and the James River,” adds Rogers. “I’m especially proud of bringing more music to Richmond – it’s where I grew up.”

In the works is Citizen Live at the Wylie opening next year in Pittsburgh through a partnership with the Pittsburgh Penguins. For Rogers, a successful opening is about hiring the right team.

“While we’ve operated in Virginia Beach for three decades, Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront was our first-ever venue in the Richmond market,” he explains. “This meant building an entire team from scratch. We’re fortunate to have assembled a really strong team there, with leadership focused on making the venue a welcoming space for both fans and artists.”

The two new Virginia properties are Sensory Inclusive certified and the company has introduced The Backyard, a hangout space with an exclusive menu, specialty cocktails, air-conditioned restrooms, lawn games and live entertainment.

“We see fans spending time relaxing before, during and after each show,” says Rogers. “These trends are pushing us to think even bigger about the overall fan experience, and we’re working hard to create more spaces that will take their evening to the next level.”