Amy Smith to oversee programming, marketing
for Big3 Entertainment
St. Petersburg, Fla. (July 5, 2016) - Amy Smith has been named Vice President of Programming and Marketing for Big3 Entertainment Group, which manages The Mahaffey Theater and Al Lang Stadium.
Previously, Smith worked as Director of Programming and Marketing at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel, N.Y. Smith navigated the 15,000-capacity, not-for-profit venue to its first year without a financial programming loss. Bethel Woods also enjoyed a 30 percent increase in first-time visitors during her tenure.
A veteran of the music and performance industries, Smith also served as Director of Client Strategy and Operations for Manhattan-based ad agency TMP Worldwide.
"Amy is going to make a fantastic addition to our team," said Bill Edwards, Chairman and CEO of Big3 Entertainment Group. "With her extensive professional background and proven track record, she'll help usher in an exciting new era at The Mahaffey."
With a spectacular glass atrium overlooking Tampa Bay, sleek, contemporary lobby design and a luxurious, 2,031-seat auditorium featuring three levels of private, opera-style boxes, The Mahaffey Theater is the stylish centerpierce of St. Petersburg's cutting-edge cultural community.
"I came from a top-notch venue, so it’s very heartwarming to come to another venue that’s top of its class," Smith said. "A venue that has so much invested – both financially and time-wise – to make it beautiful. To make the consumer experience unforgettable.
"It also makes for a great experience for artists, touring companies and management. Because when you’re in a competitive market, nine times out of 10 those artists will go back to where they had the best experience."
She will also program large-scale concerts at Al Lang Stadium (capacity 15,000), home to the Tampa Bay Rowdies soccer club.
Smith embraces the challenges ahead. "I think the opportunity here is in bringing more variety to the programming," she said. "And attracting younger demographics, with more teen programming, and more programming for Millennials - because those are the ones who'll continue to buy tickets for the next 30, 40 years. They'll keep coming back."
Big3 Entertainment Group
Big3 Entertainment Group is the parent company of Big3 Records, Big3 Studios and Bill Edwards Presents, Inc.
Encompassing a full spectrum of services including recording, music delivery, venue management, live event promotion and production, Big3 Entertainment Group is a team of experienced and hands on industry veterans whose passion for the music business parallels that of its Chairman and CEO Bill Edwards.
The Mahaffey Theater
The Mahaffey Theater, under the management of Big3 Entertainment, is one of Tampa Bay’s top-rated performing arts venues. Home to the Florida Orchestra, The Mahaffey hosts top-quality national and international artists and performances – Broadway, pop, rock, comedy, dance, classical and interactive engagements and exhibitions.
Located in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, the 2,031-seat cultural jewel boasts spectacular waterfront views and is located only minutes away from white sandy beaches and world-renowned museums. Additionally, the theater supports the highly successful Class Acts program, which enables school children to experience the performing arts through in-theater performances as well as in-school outreach and extension programs.
The Mahaffey Theater is owned by the City of St. Petersburg.
Al Lang Stadium
Owned by the City of St. Petersburg and managed by Big3 Entertainment, Al Lang Stadium is home to the North American Soccer League’s Tampa Bay Rowdies. In 2015, the historic outdoor venue underwent a major renovation including upgraded seating, improved concessions and concourse area, enhanced locker rooms and a state-of-the-art video scoreboard.
Al Lang Stadium has been a vital part of the community since it was built in 1947. Originally a baseball park, the venue is named in honor of Al Lang, a former mayor of St. Petersburg who was instrumental in bringing professional baseball to the city in the early twentieth century.
For decades, the stadium was the spring training home for many Major League Baseball clubs and the summer home of their affiliated minor league teams. The stadium hosted its last spring training game in 2008.