Arkansas State University announced on Thursday that Rod Saavedra — who has worked in facilities management in two states — is the new director of First National Bank Arena, the largest arena in eastern Arkansas.
Saavedra joined Arkansas State from the Salem Civic Center in Virginia, where he was assistant director of facilities, including the civic center and the baseball and football stadiums. Before that, he was director of event services at the North Charleston Coliseum/Performing Arts Center/Charleston Area Convention Center in South Carolina.
First National Bank Arena in Jonesboro, completed in 1987, is home to sports events, concerts, conventions, lectures and banquets, among other activities. According to its website, the center seats more than 10,250 for concerts and more than 10,000 for basketball games. On-site parking accommodates about 1,300 vehicles.
Saavedra replaced Jim Brown, who Arkansas State announced in September 2023 was stepping down as arena director since 2017 to join the university’s facilities management operation in an administrative role.
A member of the International Association of Venue Managers, Saavedra graduated from its Venue Management School in 2019, followed by the Graduate Institute in 2023. He is an active participant in the International Entertainment Buyers Association.
In a statement, Len Frey, Arkansas State University executive vice chancellor for finance and administration and chief operating officer, cited Saavedra’s experience with event management in various markets and relationships he has developed in the entertainment industry.
He also emphasized Saavedra’s experience in managing athletic facility operations, a specialty that Saavedra also mentioned in his comments.
“This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to work alongside the talented team here and collaborate with the athletic department to elevate the university’s sporting events,” Saavedra said in the university’s announcement.
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