We’re off to Southern California to chat with retired industry legend Lee Zeidman, former President of Crypto.com Arena, Peacock Theater, and L.A. LIVE. With 45+ years running some of the most important venues in the world including 6,500 events, Lee was witness to countless stories and had a front row seat to historic sports, music, and entertainment moments. During his tenure at STAPLES Center/Crypto.com Arena they hosted 22 Grammy Awards, seven NBA Finals, two Stanley Cup Finals, five WNBA Finals, a Democratic National Convention, five All-Star games, and some of the most emotional moments in sports and music history. We chat with Lee about retired life and things he misses or doesn’t miss the most. We talk through his life and career, from moving with his family to Southern California at age 9 to jobs at Cal State Northridge, UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, and his break into a major arena at the Great Western Forum with Ogden Entertainment. He tells us stories from the old Forum years and his time there which led to him being the first employee hired for STAPLES Center when that building opened. Lee tells us what he learned from industry greats Claire Rothman and Jerry West and what advice he gives to others navigating their careers. This episode is packed from great tips, fun stories, and fascinating venue history which you’re sure to enjoy.