Panthers take arena operations in-house

The Florida Panthers have undergone an internal reorganization, taking over operations of National Car Rental Center from SMG and replacing about 15 employees.

Chief Operating Officer Jeff Cogen said the changes began when former Toronto Maple Leafs executive Chris Overholt joined the club in the spring as chief marketing officer, taking over functions that had been performed by Cogen and senior vice president Steve Dangerfield.

Dangerfield is now running the arena.

SMG will continue as a consultant to the Panthers and the arena, and will book concerts and other events there. But the Panthers organization, which controls the arena under an agreement with Broward County, will be in charge of all basic arena operations that had been contracted out to SMG.

Cogen said this will lead to efficiencies on several levels. One example is that vendors who service the arena will now be asked to support the team as sponsors or season-ticket holders. There's now even a check box that asks that question on all arena purchase orders.

Within team operations, more than a dozen employees have been replaced and some have been promoted or received new assignments. Cogen said more than 15 percent of the team's total work force has been turned over.

Chris Gargani joined the club as the new director of ticket sales, replacing John Borozzi. Gargani had a similar position with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

The team also will be hiring a new director of game presentation and has promoted Jason Camp to head corporate sales.