AJ Boleski Named Among Top 20 Arena Executives by Billboard

(Wichita, Kan.) – In their Sept. 24, 2016 issue, Billboard magazine revealed their list of Top Arena Managers, a ranking of the top 20 venue execs driving the $20 billion global concert industry. AJ Boleski, General Manager of INTRUST Bank Arena, an SMG managed facility, is among the 10 listed for arenas with capacities between 10,001 and 15,000.

The arena executives are chosen for their leadership of the venues that dominate Boxscore rankings in two categories: buildings with a capacity of 15,0001 or more, and those with a capacity of 10,001 to 15,000. The rankings are based on ticket grosses reports to Boxscore in the first eight months of the chart year (Nov. 10, 2015 through July 18, 2016).

“We’re extremely proud of AJ for being named among the concert industry’s elite by Billboard magazine,” said Lon Rosenberg, SMG Regional Vice President. “AJ and his entire staff at INTRUST Bank Arena work tirelessly to promote Wichita to agents and promoters and to attract the best live entertainment events to their venue. This acknowledgement is not only a reflection of their ability to sell tickets but of their passion and dedication for this business and to their community.”

The magazine mentions INTRUST Bank Arena’s 5th anniversary and the leverage that provided the arena to attract some of the bigger name acts, including Fleetwood Mac, Bob Seger, Def Leppard and the Foo Fighters. Also noted is the six Garth Brooks sellouts in December 2015 which drew more than 76,000 fans and grossed $5.4 million.

“This recognition is a testament to the way this community has supported us over the last six years.,” said A.J. Boleski, SMG General Manager. “The vast resources we have within SMG as a company allow us to continually compete for the top touring acts and bring a wide variety of entertainment to INTRUST Bank Arena. We’re proud to manage and represent this amazing facility on a daily basis on behalf of Sedgwick County.”

Boleski, a native of Topeka, Kan., and father of two, has 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Boleski graduated with a bachelor’s degrees in management and marketing from Fort Hays State University. He has worked for SMG since his first job at the Kansas Expocentre in Topeka, Kan.