Photo courtesy: Photo by Joe Lovell
Wheeling Nailers forward Jared Cockrell (left) takes a shot against the Indy Fuel goalkeeper in the first game of the season at Wes Banko Arena. The Nailers and everyone else using the ice at the arena will benefit from the new permanent ice machines for the rink that were installed this summer.
WHEELING — A dynamic and experienced venue executive was sought to helm Wes Banko Arena and Capitol Theater this fall. friendly city.
Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority Chairman Robert Herron today announced that Wheeling resident Kelly Tucker will become the next executive director of the city’s two marquee entertainment facilities. Tucker said he will assume his new position on October 1st. This day marks the official retirement of long-time executive and his director, Denny Magruder, after his 36-and-a-half years on the job.
“I’m happy to be home,” Tucker said Monday. “I am so excited to be part of the community again. I just want to help bring great entertainment to Wheeling.”
Kelly Tucker
Tucker is a longtime Live Nation executive and currently General Manager of The Pavilion at Star Lake in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania. Over the past 30 years, Tucker has held various leadership roles in the entertainment industry for Live Nation. Ohio Valley’s top unfamiliar with his venue. She served as the longtime general manager of Jamboree in the Hills from 2005 until she was 2018, and from 2005 until 2007 she was the GM of Wheeling’s Capitol Music, though she was known as Hall. served.
“I see it as a new chapter,” Tucker said, adding that her new role as executive director of the Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority and its two top venues represents an exciting new opportunity. “I would describe it as a fresh take on what Wheeling has to offer.”
Herron said Tucker’s extensive experience and knowledge of the entertainment industry made her the perfect candidate for the role.
“Kelly’s professional experience makes him a perfect fit for this position,” said Herron. “She believes she will do a great job managing and growing Wheeling’s entertainment facilities.”
In her career with Live Nation, Tucker commuted to work in the larger Pittsburgh market, but she made home in Wheeling. She said West Tucker, who graduated from Liberty University, is looking forward to rolling up her sleeves and starting her new career.
“Thirty years ago I started working in live entertainment at Wheeling,” she said. “I am so excited that this new chapter is bringing me home. increase.”
The Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority was tasked with filling the large shoe left by Magruder. After nearly 40 years of award-winning service to the city, Magruder will take a bow and bring the curtain down on his career starting next week. Magruder said he is looking forward to his retirement and expressed his confidence that the baton will be passed to a new leader who will bring a fresh new perspective to his work.
“I am honored to succeed Denny Magruder as our new Executive Director and an incredible leader,” said Tucker. We look forward to continuing to bring great events to this city.”
Tucker oversaw various operational roles as General Manager of Star Lake’s over 23,000-seat pavilion, over 100,000-seat Jamboree in the Hills, and over 2,500-seat Capitol Music Hall theaters. These duties include managing annual budgets, overseeing department managers and staff, analyzing data to improve customer experience, forecasting and managing event budgets, driving capital expenditures, and forecasting and scheduling performance. , but not limited to:
Tucker is also responsible for event marketing, sponsorships, ticket sales and maintaining relationships with media and government officials.