Public Venues Deliver More Than Performances — They Provide Experiences
Whether in a university arena, city civic center, or major league stadium, football, basketball, and hockey are in full swing. But our teams at public venues have been just as hard at work in the off season as they are now.
Our teams work around the clock to ensure a positive fan experience. And these venues are hosting more than just buzzer-beating nail biters. UG2’s senior director of operations, Greg Lanzillo, recently mentioned the fun he had catching the tail end of Nate Bargatze’s comedy set as he worked the event at TD Garden. That playful moment captures something essential about UG2’s public venue teams: they have a true appreciation for keeping things light, while taking the work seriously.
And as venues continue to diversify their events, UG2’s people are making it all possible. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how it happens.
The Event is Just Part of the Story
For fans, the action starts at tip-off, kickoff, puck drop, or when a favorite artist takes the stage. But unforgettable moments start long before and with something far less exciting: facility services.
Venues are under enormous pressure to stay not only safe, but also modern and welcoming. In Houston, for example, it’s estimated that Daikin Park and Toyota Center will need a combined $1.4 billion in upgrades over the next two decades, spanning everything from technology to electrical and mechanical systems. Operations teams are on the front lines of these challenges, preventing small issues from snowballing into major costs and keeping venues operational while ensuring a seamless guest experience.
Facility Operations teams play a critical role in keeping these costs down, proactively fixing issues before they pose a larger issue that could impact guest satisfaction.
Ultimately, it comes down to never losing sight of the tried-and-true practices: janitorial services, stocking and special area serving, pre- and post-event services, and projects like off-season deep cleans, reconfiguring spaces, and more. UG2 teams know how to make this work appear invisible, turning what was previously a party scene into pristine spaces ready for the next event.
Public Venues are Going Green to Get Smart
Sustainable practices are making venues more efficient while also cutting costs on energy bills. In an era when fans expect more from a venue, maintaining a clean, safe, and comfortable environment is the baseline. And sustainability is a key component to delivering an unforgettable experience that can also increase brand affinity.
From the start, UG2 has embraced environmental stewardship practices not as a buzzword but as a key tactic for running venues at peak performance. That includes:
- Using green cleaning practices that are as safe for people and the planet as they are effective
- Reducing noise and air pollution with quieter machines and high-quality filters that keep air clean while ensuring an uninterrupted event for spectators
- Conducting energy audits to increase efficiency and meet ever-changing sustainability regulations
- Implementing smarter waste management and recycling practices that keep venues spotless while reducing their environmental impact
Because technology is always evolving, UG2 helps their partners make smart decisions that balance innovation with reliability. These choices directly shape the atmosphere for fans and guests, while keeping operations efficient.
Agility: The Fourth “A”
We often talk about the 3As of facility services: adaptability, attention to details, and always on. It’s time to add a fourth: agility. From hosting a hockey game to a corporate fundraiser to a comedy show, today’s public venues demand teams that can pivot between diverse events.
That’s why our top priority at UG2 is attracting and retaining the best talent. Employees are specialists in electrical, HVAC, and event support, to name just a few areas. But they’re also cross-trained to step in wherever needed.
On-site facility managers build deep familiarity with each venue’s unique rhythms, strategically using downtime for preventative maintenance and deep cleans. And our supervisors never leave a shift until the next leader is fully briefed. These communication practices create seamless coverage, earning UG2 an industry-high 98% customer retention rate.
Ongoing training and professional development also keep our teams the best in the business. Employees’ access to education and advancement opportunities means we’re often promoting employees from within. That trust and investment in our employees keeps teams motivated and committed no matter what the event.
Your All-in-One Facility Services Partner
So yes, football and hockey are back, and our arenas are buzzing. But let’s not forget the backstage brilliance—delivered with professionalism, patience, and well-timed humor—that keeps the lights on and fans cheering.
UG2 has solutions designed to meet any public venue challenge (and, after decades in the business, we’ve seen them all).
Curious about how UG2 can support your backstage operations through technology, sustainability, staffing, and more? Contact us to start the conversation.
Because when the lights go down and the crowd goes home, your venue’s real show is just getting started.