Menu
In-Depth

Gen Z: Dan Meis

Founder and principal, Meis Architects

Dan Meis is a prominent sports architect and designer. His design portfolio at Meis Architects and previously NBBJ includes the Staples Center, UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center, what is now Dignity Health Sports Park, FC Cincinnati’s new MLS stadium and Paul Brown Stadium.

— As told to Mike Sunnucks

 

This is the generation that will decide it doesn’t need to buy a car because there is always Uber, but will splurge on a private jet flight or a helicopter to the Hamptons through a sharing service. They will spend on unique and authentic one-off experiences but aren’t the type to invest a five-year lease on a suite. It changes the model of what product we are selling in the venues, with more focus on authentic and current experiences, merchandise and food and beverage.

They aren’t interested in a club seat halfway up the seating bowl just because it has access to a club. They want field access, tunnel/player clubs where they can see and touch the players. Sight lines and comfort are less important than access and proximity.

As a league, MLS has done very well in understanding the community aspect of their game and fan base. I think it bodes very well for that league as advertisers recognize the importance of this shift in demographics. Adidas has done well to partner with teams, athletes and fashion designers to create bespoke limited-edition products that speaks to the Gen Z craving for unique and authentic. [In five years] Gen Z will have more to spend on their experiences but will still crave immediacy, connection to the event, and communal experience.

Adidas is drawing praise for partnering with MLS teams and athletes.getty images

SBJ Morning Buzzcast: April 26, 2024

The sights and sounds from Detroit; CAA Sports' record night; NHL's record year at the gate and Indy makes a pivot on soccer

TNT’s Stan Van Gundy, ESPN’s Tim Reed, NBA Playoffs and NFL Draft

On this week’s pod, SBJ’s Austin Karp has two Big Get interviews. The first is with TNT’s Stan Van Gundy as he breaks down the NBA Playoffs from the booth. Later in the show, we hear from ESPN’s VP of Programming and Acquisitions Tim Reed as the NFL Draft gets set to kick off on Thursday night in Motown. SBJ’s Tom Friend also joins the show to share his insights into NBA viewership trends.

SBJ I Factor: Molly Mazzolini

SBJ I Factor features an interview with Molly Mazzolini. Elevate's Senior Operating Advisor – Design + Strategic Alliances chats with SBJ’s Ross Nethery about the power of taking chances. Mazzolini is a member of the SBJ Game Changers Class of 2016. She shares stories of her career including co-founding sports design consultancy Infinite Scale career journey and how a chance encounter while working at a stationery store launched her career in the sports industry. SBJ I Factor is a monthly podcast offering interviews with sports executives who have been recipients of one of the magazine’s awards.

Shareable URL copied to clipboard!

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Journal/Issues/2019/04/01/In-Depth/Meis.aspx

Sorry, something went wrong with the copy but here is the link for you.

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Journal/Issues/2019/04/01/In-Depth/Meis.aspx

CLOSE