Legends Global And Haslam Sports Group Tap Moira O’Connor For GM Of Huntington Bank Field

Legends Global and the Haslam Sports Group announced that Moira O’Connor has been named general manager of Huntington Bank Field, home of the NFL Cleveland Browns.

O’Connor brings nearly two decades of experience across stadium operations, construction, major-event execution and legal strategy to the 67,000-seat, multi-purpose facility in downtown Cleveland.

As general manager, O’Connor will serve as the senior leader on site, responsible for the overall performance of the venue across revenue, operations and guest experience. She will lead the Legends Global team and key partners while serving as the primary point of contact for the Cleveland Browns and other stakeholders, with oversight of event operations, finance, booking, facility operations, food and beverage, and security.

“Moira brings a strong and rare combination of hands-on operating experience and legal expertise to Huntington Bank Field,” stated Josh Kritzler, President of North American Venues & Content for Legends Global, which manages the venue. “Her track record taking complex venues from construction through full public operation, along with her work on some of the biggest events in sports, aligns with what this building requires and will be a great asset to the Cleveland Browns, as well as the fans and partners.”

O’Connor spent nearly six years as director of operations at Soldier Field, where she oversaw all aspects of facility operations, events, capital projects and major construction initiatives at one of the NFL’s most historic venues. She managed operating and capital budgets, developed building policies and procedures, and helped guide significant technology, security and infrastructure improvements throughout the stadium. Her tenure also included securing SAFETY Act Designation from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

In addition to Soldier Field, O’Connor oversaw operations for five other sports and entertainment facilities, including a professional indoor track and field facility. O’Connor has worked on some of the largest events in professional sports, including five NFL Super Bowls.

As a licensed Illinois attorney, O’Connor advises professional sports venues, public agencies and private clients on stadium and event agreements, concessions contracts, government procurement, regulatory compliance, security and operational policies, SAFETY Act matters, and MBE/WBE/DBE/ACDBE programs.

Her leadership in the sports industry has received national and local recognition. She was named to Crain’s Chicago Business’ “20 In Their 20s” and was selected as a Sports Business Journal Game Changer in 2019, an award recognizing women making an impact across the sports business industry.

“We are thrilled to welcome Moira to Cleveland and to the Haslam Sports Group family,” added David Jenkins, President of Haslam Sports Group in the announcement. “Legends Global has already been a tremendous partner in managing Huntington Bank Field, and Moira’s unique blend of operational and legal experience will help us deliver a best-in-class experience for Browns fans and guests at every event. We look forward to working with her as we continue to elevate this venue and prepare for the future home of the Cleveland Browns.”

“I’m incredibly excited to join Legends Global and Haslam Sports Group as general manager of Huntington Bank Field,” continued O’Connor. “I’m looking forward to combining the experience I’ve gained throughout my career in stadium management and the legal field and bringing that perspective to this role. I’m equally excited to work alongside the talented team already in place, build on the strong foundation they’ve established and help shape what comes next for the stadium and the Browns. It’s an exciting time for the organization, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of it and look forward to delivering memorable experiences for our fans, partners and guests.”

The new Huntington Bank Field, designed by HKS, will be enclosed and is designed to accommodate premier sporting and entertainment events throughout the year. An adjacent mixed-use, lifestyle and entertainment development is also planned.

Legends Global provides venue management services for Huntington Bank Field under a long-term agreement that extends through the opening of the new Huntington Bank Field stadium in Brook Park, Ohio, in 2029.

Legends Global is currently partnered with more than half of all NFL teams through its portfolio of services. The company provides venue management for a network of more than 250 venues in North America, including Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis and Soldier Field in Chicago.