Disney executive hired to lead Falcons’ fan experience
The Falcons have put a veteran Disney executive in charge of fan experience, an area of increasing emphasis throughout pro sports.
Mike Gomes most recently was vice president of experience development and media strategy at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in Orlando. He worked at Disney for 20-plus years.
In his newly created position of senior vice president-fan experience for AMB Sports & Entertainment Group, Gomes will be tasked with enhancing event-day experiences at Falcons games in the Georgia Dome, as well as at Falcons games, MLS games and other events in the new retractable-roof stadium slated to open in 2017.
AMB Sports & Entertainment is an Arthur Blank company created to support the Falcons, MLS Atlanta and the new stadium. Blank owns the Falcons and the new MLS franchise.
“Improving and enhancing the guest experience was the keystone of my career with Disney,” Gomes said in a statement. “I’m excited to join an organization with similar objectives and values.”
About the Author
Tim Tucker, a long-time AJC sports reporter, often writes about the business side of the games. He also had stints as the AJC's Braves beat writer, UGA beat writer, sports notes columnist and executive sports editor. He was deputy managing editor of America's first all-sports newspaper, The National Sports Daily.
