Russ Simons
Russ Simons, Mike Wolley and Tom Williams co-founded Venue Solutions Group in 2011. Russ has spent more than 30 years in the sports facility industry. He has dedicated his career to the field, winning several awards and working in roles spanning design and construction to security, marketing, public relations, and operations.
Before establishing Venue Solutions Group, Russ was a senior principal at the global design firm Populous, directing the firm’s facility operations as well as its evaluation and analysis efforts. He spent time working with operators at every level, channeling his experiences into designing facilities that were safe, efficient, revenue positive, and sustainable.
Previously, Russ rose to the level of senior vice president for Leisure Management International and was appointed general manager at the Bridgestone Arena.
Career highlights to-date include working with Orlando Magic, the San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Steelers, Nashville Predators, Major League Soccer, and the University of Oklahoma.
Russ holds a bachelor’s degree in sports marketing from the University of Connecticut, and he is a graduate from the International Association of Assembly Managers’ (IAAM) Venue Managers School, becoming the immediate past-chair of the school’s Board of Regents.
