Golden 1 Center Q&A: Senior Vice President & General Manager, Alex Rodrigo
Whether it be a basketball game, a concert, or a rodeo, meet the man in charge of making every production run smoothly, and each guest experience seamless. Learn more about Alex Rodrigo, and the incredible passion he has for making Golden 1 Center the best arena for the best fans in the world!
Tell us a little bit about your main responsibilities as Senior Vice President and General Manager here at Golden 1 Center!
My responsibilities include building operations, engineering, housekeeping, food and beverage, security, booking & event production, box office operations and maintaining a high-quality guest experience. [My] key role is planning and managing all day-to-day Golden 1 Center arena operations to ensure optimal operation of the building during all events. I also work closely with senior leadership to develop and execute strategic plans and programs that support business objectives.
What is a typical work day like for you?
There’s nothing typical about my day. Working in Sports and Entertainment covers a wide range of commitments and responsibilities that can change from day to day. We have a general set of rules that we need to follow that are non-negotiable. However, live performances have so many moving pieces that are all dependent on one another coming together for us to be successful. It’s a tremendous responsibility that requires people to perform at an exceptional level in all areas. That being said, one consistent element is the amazing group of men and women within our organization that truly care about getting it right for the team, artist, promoter, corporate partners, fans, guests, staff and community!
What do you feel is the most challenging part of your job? Most rewarding?
The most challenging part is failing to provide an exceptional and frictionless experience. The most rewarding part is keeping our promise and delivering an exceptional and frictionless experience!!
What did you want to be growing up? What was the first job you ever had?
I wanted to make movies and be an actor. First job was working at my father’s gas station in Hollywood – cleaning, managing inventory, cleaning, pumping gas, cleaning and greeting customers. Did I mention cleaning?
We celebrated the 2 year anniversary of Golden 1 Center just last month. What are your hopes and goals for Golden 1 Center in the next five years?
To build upon the initial success of developing and operating a once-in-a-generation transformative project that will redefine the Sacramento region. We are off to a great start, but there’s still so much more we can achieve. Over the next five years our goals should be to nurture the existing business in hand and foster new business relationships across all areas that lead to new economic activity. We have opportunities to grow outside of basketball exponentially by adding more concerts, live entertainment, a wide variety of sporting events, corporate programs and remaining engaged with the business community through a town-hall approach that encourages new ideas and innovation at Golden 1 Center.
How do you think we will reach those goals? And how much of an impact will the expansion of the DOCO plaza have on achieving them?
We can reach our goals by continuing to work together. By definition, “The sum of its parts” is the total effectiveness of a group of things each interacting with one another is different or greater than their effectiveness when acting in isolation from one another.
The expansion of the DOCO plaza is taking shape and its impact realized more and more each day. People are arriving earlier and staying late to eat, drink, shop and socialize. For me, the DOCO Plaza is similar to a Hollywood studio lot and on this lot we have multiple sets that range in size, each trying to produce and tell their story. All are unique and equally important. By working together we can develop content that is relevant and meaningful for our guests. Therefore creating memorable experiences in Sports and Entertainment!
If you could book any artist to come play at Golden 1 Center, dead or alive, who would it be?
Michael Jackson.
Do you have a favorite “on-the-job” memory from your time spent as SVP so far?
I was touched by how the organization honored veterans on the court and within the organization. Thank you so much!
How would you describe Golden 1 Center to someone who is not from Sacramento and may have never heard of it before?
One word: Magnificent
/maɡˈnifəsənt/
adjective
1. 1. impressively beautiful, elaborate, or extravagant; striking.