Sprint Center is scheduled to open in about 200 days. Is that doable?

Absolutely. We’re right on track. On schedule and on budget.

What challenges do you face in completing on time?

Well, here in Kansas City, the weather is always a factor. It’s the biggest variable over which we have no control. But, so far, we’ve been fortunate. The weather has cooperated. Other than that, my job is to stay out in front of the decisions that need to be made to keep things moving along. I’ll admit time seems to go much more quickly as we get closer to opening. Funny how that works.

What’s been the most rewarding aspect of your job thus far?

Just seeing this gorgeous building rise up out of the ground. And to see this beautiful curtain of glass beginning to envelop the structure. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to be sure that it’s real. In the morning, driving in from the east, the wonderful Midwest sunrise is reflected in the glass and it’s just breathtaking.

What will Sprint Center need to do to ensure its success?

Provide the best possible entertainment in the best possible environment. We need to provide a wide variety of events, from sports, to music, to family shows, and the experience of coming here needs to be unforgettable.

And all the other exciting things that are happening all around the city and the metro are helping ensure our success—the work that the city and Cordish are doing here in the Power and Light District, the Crossroads, all the downtown residential and retail developments, developments south of the loop and north of the river, they all work together.

Other cities across the country have already built, or are building, arenas. Can we compete effectively with them?

Yes. I have no doubt about that. The other things that are happening downtown, the Power and Light entertainment district, the expansion of the convention center, the addition of hotel rooms, the performing arts center, all these things make it possible for people to come here, park their cars, and walk from one venue to the next without having to get back in their cars and park somewhere else. It’ll all be right here. Other cities don’t have walkability working for them like we do. Plus what we have to offer is all new.

You grew up here. What’s it been like coming home to take this job?

This is the pinnacle of my career. I love it here. To do what I love in the place that I love, well, it just doesn’t get much better than that.

Since there’s little possibility of booking a Beatles reunion, what would be your ideal act to book for Sprint Center?

We’ll in my career with AEG I’ve seen lots of the best acts in the world, which is one of the coolest parts of my job. But, to be honest, some of the family shows we book, the shows where parents bring their kids, those are awesome. Seeing little ones all wide-eyed with that sense of wonder, that gives me goose bumps every time.