The agreement calls for OVG to set up their southern offices at BB&T Center, for BB&T Center to join OVG's invitation-only Arena Alliance and for OVG to manage all live-event bookings for the arena. Luukko will maintain an office at BB&T Center and will oversee the arrangement along with Director of Booking for Fort Lauderdale, Kevin Grove.
"I'm proud of the work we've done to stabilize the Panthers organization and ensure its future in South Florida and I'm thrilled to take on this new challenge," Luukko said. "During my time with the Panthers I've grown close to BB&T Center staff and I've come to consider South Florida home. I'm excited to begin leveraging OVG's unprecedented access to the biggest artists and events and bringing world class programming to the Tri-County area for many years to come."
Launched in November 2015 by visionary live entertainment executive Tim Leiweke and music industry icon Irving Azoff., OVG's invitation-only Arena Alliance has grown to include nearly 30 premium live entertainment venues across North America, including Amalie Arena, Madison Square Garden, Wells Fargo Center, the United Center and The Forum in L.A.
Luukko, 58, is OVG's Arena Alliance co-chairman and served as Executive Chairman of the Panthers from 2015 to 2017 on the heels of a standout 25-year term as the President and COO of Comcast-Spectacor Ventures, where he oversaw operations of Global Spectrum, Ovations Food Services, Paciolan Ticketing and the Philadelphia Flyers hockey and 76ers basketball teams. He will remain with the Panthers as an alternate governor.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for BB&T Center and a huge win for music fans throughout South Florida," Panthers President and CEO Matt Caldwell said. "We're excited to continue to partner with an industry titan like Peter and his counterparts at OVG on bringing the absolute best in live entertainment home to Broward County."
Founded in December of 1992 and joining the NHL for the 1993-94 NHL season, the Panthers have played their home games in Sunrise, Fla. at BB&T Center since the 1998-1999 NHL season.
Oak View Group was founded in 2015 by Tim Lieweke and Irving Azoff to be a positive disruption in sports and entertainment and currently has offices in Los Angeles and New York. OVG's business divisions include OVG Business Development, OVG Global Partnerships, OVG Media and Conferences, Prevent Advisors and the Arena Alliance.
This is Panthers Territory. We unite on Oct. 12 when the Panthers host the St. Louis Blues at 7:30pm at BB&T Center. Join our territory with a game plan to enjoy discounts off of single game pricing, monthly payment plans options and priority access to Stanley Cup playoff tickets at BB&T Center. Contact us to learn more about single game suites and group information. Please call (954) 835 - PUCK (7825) or visit FloridaPanthers.com/TicketCentral for more information.
