A packed crowd fills Selland Arena during a Vicente Fernandez concert at the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center in 2013. The venue is now under new management as VenuWorks takes over operations from ASM Global. Photo courtesy of Fresno Convention and Entertainment Cente)

VenuWorks has named Marc Solis as the new executive director of the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center (FCEC), where he will oversee the Fresno Convention Center, Saroyan Theatre, Selland Arena and Valdez Hall. 

The appointment of Solis comes with the City of Fresno’s new venue management structure that started at the beginning of the year. 

Solis has over 25 years of experience managing arenas, stadiums, convention centers and theaters. He most recently served as the president of Bert Ogden Arena and H-E-B Park in Edinburg, Texas.

 

“I am honored to join VenuWorks and step into the role of Executive Director at the Fresno Convention and Entertainment Center,” Solis said in a news release. “Together, we will deliver outstanding value and exceptional service to our clients and patrons, ensuring these facilities remain vibrant destinations for the community.”

In December, the City of Fresno and VenuWorks reached a three-year agreement with an estimated annual value of $317,324. VenuWorks will manage day-to-day operations, including sales, finance, marketing, events, staffing and food and beverage services, while ATG Entertainment will lead Saroyan Theatre programming and ticketing.

City leaders hoped that the partnership would reduce operating subsidies, enhance cultural programming and strengthen collaboration with Visit Fresno County to increase tourism.

Councilmember Miguel Arias highlighted the need to address high operational costs and aging infrastructure, including the convention center’s audio system.

Councilmember Mike Karbassi called the agreement “a turning point for Fresno,” highlighting the operators’ expertise in maximizing venue utilization and community engagement. The contract was approved unanimously, replacing the previous management by ASM Global.