Red Bull New York announced on Friday that longtime NBA exec CHRIS HECK has joined the MLS Red Bulls as President of Business Operations. Heck, who will begin his role immediately, will oversee the business and commercial aspects of the club and Red Bull Arena. Most recently, Heck was Senior VP/Marketing Partnerships for the NBA, managing the business for USA Basketball's senior men's and women's national teams (RBNY). SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL's John Lombardo notes Heck joins the Red Bulls "during a season in which the team is averaging 17,776 fans a game at 25,000-seat Red Bull Arena," seventh best in MLS. Heck said, "The focus is to emphasize season-ticket sales and the fan experience, build on the team's authentic sponsorships, and reflect the Red Bulls franchise as New York's soccer team" (SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL, 6/13 issue). The Red Bulls on Friday also announced the resignation of Managing Dir ERIK STOVER, effective following the MLS All-Star Game at Red Bull Arena on July 27. Stover had been the "man in charge of building" the new stadium since joining the Red Bulls in '08. He said, "I'm reviewing several opportunities inside and outside of the soccer world and expect to make a decision in the near future" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 6/11).
