by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
After spending 15 years managing the City’s sports and entertainment facilities on behalf of SMG, general manager Bob Downey resigned over the weekend.
The worldwide management company is responsible for the day-to-day operations and maintenance of Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, the Baseball Grounds at Jacksonville, the Arena, the Osborn Center and the Times-Union Center.
“Bob has served Jacksonville with distinction and I wish him all the best,” said Mayor John Peyton. “He is leaving a hole that I know will not be easy for his company to fill.”
Hank Abate, senior vice president of arenas and stadiums for SMG, is in town from the company’s headquarters in Philadelphia to both serve as interim general manager and begin the search for Downey’s replacement. Abate did not offer a reason for Downey’s resignation.
“I am here holding the fort down until we find his replacement,” he said. “We will conduct a national search for his replacement. Obviously, we want to find the best candidate possible.”
Abate said the search will include those currently with SMG and others. He said he expects the process to take a month or two.
“Anyone and everyone with SMG is welcome to apply,” said Abate. “SMG has high standards as does the City of Jacksonville. We will hire someone who meets those standards as well as Jacksonville’s.”
Abate said Jacksonville and its five venues under contract with SMG is an attractive general manager’s position.
“Jacksonville is a premier account for us, probably one of our top accounts, and we will treat it that way,” he said.
356-2466