VenuesNow 2026 All-Star Honoree: Matt Homan

Matt Homan
President
Trail Drive Management Corp.

FAVORITE VENUE TO SEE A SHOW THAT’S NOT YOURS?
“I miss the Philadelphia Spectrum, the arena I saw my first and countless more shows. However, the Sphere is something special and unique.”

Having three Texas arenas among the top 35 grossers on Pollstar’s Year-End charts lends credence to the notion that everything is bigger in the Lone Star State, and Trail Drive Management Corp. is among those doing big things at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth. Under the leadership of Trail Drive President Matt Homan, the nonprofit organization —a unique public-private partnership designed to minimize financial risks for the city— has helped establish Fort Worth as a must-stop for artists from any genre.

“Fort Worth is a vibrant market right now. It is the 10th largest city in the country, which had been underserved prior to 2019, our opening year,” Homan says. “Shows continue to use Fort Worth as a premier launching market and a venue that artists have raved about and loved.”

The organization is adding another venue to its portfolio to boost the booming Fort Worth Market. It is teaming up with Fort Worth Stock Show to manage the historic Will Rogers Memorial Center, a beloved 2,800-seat auditorium. “Expanding our not-for-profit business model to another city-owned complex is something our executive team has patiently waited on for growth,” Homan says. “Being able to take our successful model of reinvesting 100% of net proceeds into our facility and duplicating that at another facility is something that gives all of us a great sense of pride in our day-to-day work.”

What makes Dickies Arena stand out is an understanding of the demographic and knowing which live industry trends will resonate.

“Programming is always unique in Fort Worth. Our tenant is the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, which is a huge local favorite and part of our year-over-year success,” Homan says. “However, based on the timing of this event in January and early February, it leaves our calendar open year-round. This helps with bookings throughout the year, including artists able to perform multiple nights and e-sports runs that require longer rental periods.”

Stay tuned for the new naming rights partner announcement, which Homan says will be an “opportunity to wow the industry and community.”