2026 Women Of Live: Amy Rahja

Amy Rahja
Target Center | General Manager

CONCERT THAT CHANGED HER LIFE | “Snow Patrol in the Ascot Room of the Quest in 2004 was the first club show I saw after moving to Minneapolis. I loved every minute of it and was immediately hooked on our music scene and this band.”

Amy Rahja was named general manager of the Target Center in early 2026. Rising from assistant GM, Rahja oversees operations, marketing, booking, event management and more at the 20,000-capacity arena in Minneapolis, which is home to the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx.

“This past year brought a lot of momentum for both Target Center and me, on and off the floor,” she says. “We hosted the Western Conference Finals for the second year in a row for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, an exciting reflection of the competitive success happening in our building.”

Recent notable changes and accolades include the venue becoming part of the Legends Global network. The marketing team was named Legends Global’s Marketing Team of the Year, and the Target Center received industry attention with two team members being named to IAVM’s “30 Under 30” class, nominations for IEBA Arena of the Year, and Pollstar Arena of the Year. In addition, Rahja was named as WISE Twin Cities Executive of the Year.

“In an industry that often favors what’s newest, it’s incredibly rewarding to see a 35-year-strong arena like Target Center having some of its best years, driven by a dynamic team of young, talented professionals redefining what’s possible for an established building,” adds Rahja.

Rahja is encouraged by the rise of women in the industry. She says, “I think the live industry has made meaningful strides in recent years and I’ve seen that firsthand here in Minnesota, where three of our major venues are led by women. It’s inspiring to be part of a community where female leadership is not just visible but driving the strategy, operations and culture of major entertainment spaces.”

Her advice to the next generation is to be bold and take chances. “There are still challenges and barriers, but I see opportunities in continuing to champion mentorships, collaboration and inclusive culture,” she says. “With intentional effort, and by lifting up the next generation, I’m confident the industry will continue to evolve into a place where talent, creativity and leadership are valued above all else.”