The Roanoker March/April 2024 - 45

Robyn Schon
PHOTO CREDIT: DAVID HUNGATE
Berglund Center | Beyond the Curtain: Robyn's Legacy Shaping Live Entertainment
Nestled in the heart of Roanoke, the Berglund Center proudly stands
as the largest sports and entertainment venue in Southwest Virginia,
guided by the seasoned leadership of General Manager Robyn Schon.
With an illustrious career spanning over 36 years, Schon's journey
from Greensboro to Roanoke has profoundly shaped the region's
entertainment landscape.
The Berglund Center boasts an impressive record of over 30,000 events
and has hosted more than 25 million guests. Its calendar brims with
over 400 events annually, a testament to the vibrant cultural scene in
the region, including the celebrated Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs, SPHL
champions in their 7th year.
Schon's professional trajectory stands as a testament to her unwavering
dedication and passion for the industry. Beginning her journey
in marketing and booking at the Greensboro Coliseum, she navigated
through venues in Detroit and Atlanta before finding her calling in
Roanoke. Her ambition led first from marketing to Assistant General
Manager before ultimately assuming the pivotal role of General Manager.
" Every aspect of my job is exciting, but I really love seeing a full
arena or theatre after my team and I have worked behind the scenes
to make it happen, " she says.
As a trailblazing woman in a predominantly male-dominated industry,
Schon stands out as the lone woman in Virginia managing a multivenue
complex of this magnitude. Her illustrious career includes
remarkable milestones, from securing naming rights on the venue to
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Berglund Cars for $2 million, constructing the Special Events Center
and Bella Vista Room, building an ice hockey rink in the Coliseum to,
of course, securing the aforementioned Rail Yard Dawgs. " My entire
career has been spent learning and working the ins and outs of the
concert and sports business, " Schon says. " I cannot imagine doing
anything else for a living. "
Schon's accomplishments extend beyond the bright spotlight, encompassing
successful grant applications - including a federal grant for $8
million - strategic capital improvements and the adept management
of a diverse team of over 175 staff members. Her gratitude extends
to " a team of talented people on my staff who help make every event
possible, " as well as the unwavering support from City Management
and Council in their pivotal role in providing the necessary financial
backing and flexibility to operate professionally, " and a vision for how
our facility enhances quality of life and adds value to this community. "
As Berglund Center continues to resonate as a cultural hub, Robyn
Schon remains at its helm, orchestrating excellence and leaving an
significant mark on Roanoke's vibrant entertainment scene.
710 Williamson Road, NE
Roanoke, VA 24016
540-853-2241
berglundcenter.live
MARCH/APRIL 2024 45
http://berglundcenter.live http://www.TheRoanoker.com
The Roanoker March/April 2024

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