VenueConnect 2019

Steve Mattson
EVP and General Manager
Oak View Group and Climate Pledge Arena


STEVE MATTSON Executive Vice President – OVG Facilities General Manager – Climate Pledge Arena Steve joined OVG in 2017 as EVP of OVG Facilities and General Manager for Climate Pledge Arena, the $1+ Billion complete redevelopment of the former arena housed on the iconic campus of Seattle Center. The 100% privately financed venue opened in October 2021 and is home to the NHL’s 32nd franchise the Seattle Kraken, the WNBA’s 4-time Champion Seattle Storm, and the biggest performers of live entertainment. Steve has full responsibility for the day-to-day management of the highly acclaimed 18,000-seat multi-purpose arena. Prior to joining OVG, Steve spent 27 years at Target Center in Minneapolis, the final 16 years as VP and General Manager of the City-owned venue. He had full responsibility for management of all functions of the arena including programming, marketing, operations, finance, security, ticketing, hospitality, and human resources. In addition to the NBA Timberwolves and 4-time Champion WNBA Lynx, Target Center was active with 150-200 events annually and averaged approximately #45 in the Worldwide Top 200 Arena annual rankings by Pollstar. In 2016-17, he played an integral role in the leadership team that completed a major renovation of Target Center. This was an 18-month, $150 Million public/private partnership of the city/team/manager. Before becoming VP/GM, Mattson was Assistant GM and Director of Finance at the venue. Before Target Center, Steve was a CPA with Deloitte and in Finance with 3M. He and his wife, Marissa, live in Mercer Island, WA with 3 sons.

Sessions :