Photo courtesy of OVG
Oak View Group (OVG), a global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales, and UBS Arena today announced that Tyler Bates has been named Senior Vice President, Programming of UBS Arena, effective today. In the role, Bates will lead the arena’s programming strategy, overseeing the booking and development of concerts, sporting events, comedy, family entertainment, special events and other live experiences at UBS Arena and its ancillary spaces.
Bates joins UBS Arena with nearly two decades of experience across the live entertainment industry, with a career spanning some of North America’s most prominent venues and entertainment platforms, including Prudential Center, Northwest Stadium, Barclays Center and Kings Theatre. He will report to Mark Shulman, Executive Vice President, Programming and Content, OVG East.
“Tyler brings an exceptional combination of programming expertise, industry relationships and a deep understanding of the New York entertainment market,” said Mark Shulman, Executive Vice President, Programming and Content, OVG East. “His track record of building programming strategies and developing meaningful partnerships across the industry makes him an outstanding addition to the UBS Arena team. We’re excited to have him lead the next chapter of programming at one of the world’s premier live entertainment venues.”
Most recently, Bates served as Vice President of Entertainment Booking for Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, where he led concert, comedy and family entertainment booking strategy for Prudential Center, White Eagle Hall and Loew’s Jersey Theatre, while also supporting booking initiatives at Northwest Stadium. In the role, he worked closely with leading promoters, talent agencies, artists, managers and industry partners to develop and secure a diverse slate of high-profile live events.
Earlier in his career, Bates held leadership roles with Ambassador Theatre Group, Communion Presents and Barclays Center, where he shaped programming strategy, led venue operations and business development, expanded live entertainment partnerships across North America, and helped launch Barclays Center’s booking operations. He began his career with AEG Live (currently AEG presents), progressing through roles in finance, touring and event operations before moving into booking and tour management. Bates holds a B.S. in Accounting from Boston College.
“I’m thrilled to join UBS Arena and be given the opportunity to build on such a strong foundation,” said Bates. “The arena has established itself as one of the premier destinations for live entertainment, and I’m excited to work with the team, our partners and the broader entertainment community to grow that success and bring an even greater range of extraordinary live entertainment experiences to the region.”
With Bates leading programming, UBS Arena will continue to pursue new opportunities across music, sports, comedy, family entertainment and special events while strengthening relationships with artists, promoters, agencies and other industry partners and maximizing the potential of the arena and its surrounding campus. His appointment builds on the success of a venue that has become a premier destination for live entertainment and sports, hosting some of the industry’s biggest artists including Harry Styles, Billy Joel, Billie Eilish, Bruce Springsteen, Drake, Eagles, Sebastian Maniscalco, Zach Bryan, John Mayer and SEVENTEEN, among others, as well as serving as a two-time home of the MTV Video Music Awards and preparing to host the 2027 NHL All-Star Game.
Located on the grounds of historic Belmont Park, UBS Arena is the home of the New York Islanders and a premier destination for music, sports and live entertainment. The first third-generation arena in New York, UBS Arena was designed to deliver superior concert acoustics and unforgettable experiences for fans, and is expected to host more than 150 major events annually. As part of the Belmont Park campus, UBS Arena also works alongside Belmont Park Racetrack and Belmont Park Village to further establish the destination as a premier hub for entertainment, sports, shopping and dining.
