🏆Leading Major Stadium Projects and Driving Revenue

Turning Passion Into Profession

Growing up in Houston, TX, Eric played every sport he could, but football was his first love. He knew earning a scholarship would be his ticket to higher education. That drive led him to Texas State University, where he played football and studied public relations and journalism. A chance meeting with Tony Wyllie, then a senior executive with the Houston Texans, changed the trajectory of his career. Wyllie became a mentor, guiding Eric toward his first major opportunity – an internship with the Washington Commanders. Although the experience proved to be insightful, he quickly realized PR wasn’t his calling. However, exposure to the business side of sports, cemented his desire to work in the industry.

Eric eventually landed his first full-time job at AT&T Stadium with Legends, selling group tours, experiences, and third-party event tickets for the Dallas Cowboys. After a few years, he was ready for a new challenge and transitioned to the University of Utah as part of Legends’ collegiate division. There, he played a key role in an $80 million stadium expansion, introducing a data-driven ticketing strategy that led to a sold-out stadium before the 2021 season. At the age of 27, Eric was leading his own collegiate property that earned Legends a long-term contract extension and expanded their role to include fundraising and general ticketing. Now, Eric leads premium ticketing and fundraising at the University of Kansas, overseeing a $450 million renovation of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and a $50 million renovation of Allen Fieldhouse. His team manages ticketing, sales, and fundraising for all ticketed sports, applying the same strategic approach that worked at Utah but on a much larger scale.

A Career Built on Passion and Adaptability

Eric’s career in sports has taken him across different roles and organizations, each experience shaping his leadership approach. His path has been defined by curiosity and a commitment to growth. Early on, he learned the importance of adaptability. "I could easily be focused on just the sales and service aspects and not pay attention to marketing, ops, development, or anything like that,” he shared. "But the most successful people I’ve seen throughout this industry have a curiosity and understanding about other parts of the business." This mindset has helped him develop a well-rounded perspective, ensuring that every decision he makes is informed by a broader understanding of the industry.

Learned from his experience as a student-athlete and a workplace leader, Eric has identified three fundamental qualities that define successful professionals: attitude, effort, and teamwork. "The energy and hard work you bring into the office are contagious to your colleagues and leave a lasting impression that can impact the future of your career," he says. He seeks individuals who are solution-oriented and eager to collaborate. “Everyone has their own skill set, and I think we can all learn something from each other.”

Hiring for Growth and Potential

When it comes to hiring, Eric values more than just technical skills – he looks for mindset and character. He recalls advice from a mentor at Legends: “You’re interviewing for your next role every single day.” Reputation matters in the sports industry, and Eric believes how one is perceived by colleagues – from interns to athletic directors – plays a crucial role in career advancement.

Another key factor he considers is coachability. “The worst thing is having an individual come in thinking they already know everything,” he says. While experience is valuable, the ability to learn and adapt is even more critical. “You never know what you can pick up from individuals, no matter their professional experience,” he emphasizes, noting how even interns have provided him with fresh perspectives over the years.

Servant Leadership

For Eric, his motivation is deeply rooted in mentorship and leadership development. “I’ve had great leaders help me grow, and that’s the cool part about this industry,” he says. While sports may not solve the world’s problems, he believes in making the workplace fun and strives to foster an environment where professionals can thrive. Ultimately, his purpose is to pay forward the guidance he once received.

“Being a people leader, developing individuals, and helping them unlock their potential—that’s my ‘why,’” he shares. Through his work at Legends and beyond, Eric continues to shape the next generation of sports industry professionals, ensuring that they, too, find success through attitude, effort, and teamwork.

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