Erik Hudson, Willie J. Williams Named GM and Asst. GM At New Mobile Arena

Erik Hudson has been named general manager of thew new Mobile Arena, set to open in the Alabama city in 2027, with Willie J. Williams named assistant general manager, effective January 2026.

“Erik and Willie bring extensive industry experience and confident leadership to our venues in the region,” said Greg O’Dell, President of Venue Management, Oak View Group, venue operator and partner in the project with the City of Mobile. “Erik has consistently demonstrated his ability to launch new venues, strengthen community relationships, and build teams that deliver exceptional experiences. Willie’s decades of hands-on operational expertise across a variety of venue types will be invaluable as we continue to grow. Together, they provide a strong foundation for Oak View Group in Mobile.”

Hudson joins from Mountain America Center and Blue Cross of Idaho Conference Center in Idaho Falls, where he served as GM of the $70 million facility that opened in 2022. In Mobile, Hudson will oversee all venue operations, event programming, staff development, partnerships and community engagement for the 8,500-seat arena, located at the site of the former Mobile Civic Center in the city’s downtown. Hudson will also play a key role in OVG’s broader venue strategy, working closely with the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center and the Saenger Theatre, according to the announcement.

Williams brings more than 40 years of experience in venue operations, project oversight and large-scale event support across major sports and entertainment facilities, with background in leadership roles at OVG Tulsa where he oversaw daily operations for the BOK Center and convention center complex; event-conversion leadership at Philips Arena in Atlanta; and key managerial roles at the Pensacola Civic Center. Williams began his career in the Gulf Coast region, and his deep familiarity with live entertainment operations has made him a respected industry leader nationwide.