Comcast-Spectacor’s Front Row Marketing Services sales unit has been shuttered. The venue sponsorship division of Front Row, led by Senior VP BRYAN FUREY, is being absorbed in sister company Global Spectrum. Front Row’s high-visibility analytics department is also closed, and Senior VP ERIC SMALLWOOD has left the company. It was unclear at press time if there were additional layoffs. The college sponsorship division, headed by Senior VP/Sales STEVE DEMOTS, is becoming part of Paciolan. At least for now, sources said, there will continue to be some third-party sales representation with properties including the Holiday Bowl, the Army/Navy Game and the Breeders’ Cup. Meanwhile, Comcast-Spectacor has retained Philadelphia agency 160over90 to formulate an umbrella branding strategy and new name for the various units, including Global Spectrum, Ovations, Paciolan and possibly Comcast-Spectacor itself. In an internal e-mail detailing the changes, Comcast-Spectacor President DAVE SCOTT was quoted as saying, “We are confident that these changes will position us for continuing success.”
