2026 Women Of Live: Shannon Kelly

Shannon Kelly
U.S. Bank Stadium/Legends Global | General Manager

HER RIDE OR DIE ARTIST | “Atmosphere. (Shout out to Minneapolis!)”

U.S. Bank Stadium raised the bar in 2025. The Minneapolis stadium entered the 2025 NFL season with the Minnesota Vikings and captured the No. 1 overall guest experience ranking from Voice of the Fan. Last April, the venue launched two national tours – AC/DC and Kendrick Lamar with SZA. And in 2026, the stadium celebrates its 10th anniversary.

“Our mission hasn’t changed from day one – a commitment to creating memorable experiences through service excellence while providing a safe, world-class sports and entertainment environment for all,” says Shannon Kelly, who was named general manager in June 2025.

While Kelly is newly appointed to the GM role, she has been with the 70,000-cap stadium’s management team since 2018. In the past nine years, the venue has welcomed more than 10 million fans and hosted more than 2,000 events. She adds, “We do it all and are committed to living our mission boldly while finding new and exciting ways for our community to experience live events and gatherings at the stadium.”

Kelly’s passion for live entertainment started early. She was kindergarten-age when she started attending shows with her dad and her first show was The Beach Boys. “That was my favorite thing to do with my dad and he always made it a priority,” recalls Kelly. “I remember being in awe of the people that worked at those venues and the magic they got to be a part of every day.”

That said, Kelly’s educational path took her a different route, and she traveled as a Collegiate Development Consultant for her international sorority, focusing on risk management as her first job out of college. She notes, “somehow 5-year-old me knew my path before 22-year-old me.”

In the 20 years she’s been in the industry, advancing diversity in venue management is what she’s proud of and encourages: “I’ve been excited to see more women, across all departments – and witness them being welcomed and celebrated by their colleagues over the years. There is noticeable advocacy that I see regularly to ensure that women’s opinions, voices and work is lifted in every room. That is one of the things that I love about our industry – we are all passionate, goal-driven, and rooted in teamwork.”