I’ve spent my career in stadiums and arenas. While I’ve got a long way to go to visit all 530+ Cisco-powered venues worldwide, I’m chipping away at the list—and I’m thrilled to add some incredible stops thanks to Cisco’s new strategic partnership with Oak View Group (OVG). 

OVG is one of the world’s powerhouses in live entertainment – and a longtime Cisco customer. But today marks a fundamental inflection point in our relationship. By tapping Cisco as their Official Technology Partner, OVG isn’t just choosing Cisco for individual venue technology — it’s choosing Cisco as a critical partner that can help standardize and simplify how its venues operate. They’re looking to build a scalable, AI-ready foundation that grows with their network – and Cisco is the right partner for the job.  

Today, we’re already powering marquee OVG venues like Climate Pledge Arena, UBS Arena, and CFG Bank Arena, with more coming online soon. Climate Pledge Arena is the perfect example of what happens when you unify networking, security, and IPTV into one end-to-end stack. It’s no longer just a venue; it becomes a living, breathing digital ecosystem. 

The big takeaway? OVG isn’t just looking for a vendor; they’re choosing a strategic partner that can handle their diverse needs across every market, venue type and use case. That’s where Cisco shines. 

With AI all around us, we’ve moved beyond simple connectivity into the era of intelligent infrastructure. AI is no longer a “future” concept—it’s here, helping operators manage crowds, cut energy costs, and personalize the fan experience in real-time. 

I’m looking forward to diving into this at the upcoming Venues Now Conference, where I’ll be joining the panel, “Integrating AI Into Your Venue,” to discuss how data and machine learning are creating smarter, safer, and more responsive spaces. 

If you’re in Seattle, swing by the session. I’d love to chat about how our partnership with OVG is driving real results for their business—and for the millions of fans walking through the doors of their venues every year. 

As we continue to work alongside innovators like OVG, our mission remains clear: provide the secure, reliable foundation that lets artists, athletes, and teams connect with their fans on a deeper level. I hope to see many of you at Venues Now as explore how the next chapter of live entertainment will be written. Let’s build the future together.