Populous’ Earl Santee Honored as “Pioneer & Innovator” by Sports Business Journal

Sports Business Journal has named Populous Americas Managing Director Earl Santee to its 2019 class of The Champions: Pioneers & Innovators in Sports Business. This year marks a decade of the publication honoring select men and women from across the sports landscape.

“Earl is being honored for making a distinct and sustainable impact on the sports industry, for a record of achievement and for being a mentor and leader to so many, earning industry respect and admiration,” said Abraham Madkour, SBJ Executive Editor.

On the topic of Earl’s legacy, Sports Business Journal writes:

“The Godfather” of the modern ballpark, it’s hard not to find an iconic venue that Santee hasn’t had a hand in. From Oriole Park at Camden Yards in 1992, to the new Yankee Stadium, to bringing baseball outside again in Minneapolis, Santee has designed nearly 20 baseball facilities. From HOK Sport to Populous, he has touched more than 60 sports projects around the world and is recognized as one of the most widely acclaimed sports designers ever. His focus has been bringing energy to urban cores while mandating that a sports facility conform to local architecture, transforming cities across the country.

Five other industry innovators join Earl in this year’s class, including Minnesota Vikings COO Kevin Warren. The group was recognized at the 2019 CAA World Congress of Sports, held April 3-4 in Dana Point, Calif.