The Charlotte Bobcats have named Donna P. Julian Senior Vice President of Arena Operations for the New Charlotte Arena, it was announced by Barry Silberman, Executive Vice President of Arena Development, Operations and Entertainment. Julian will be responsible for facilitating event operations and event management duties for the new arena, which will be managed by the Bobcats organization and is scheduled to open in November of 2005.

“Donna has an incredible depth of knowledge of all aspects of arena operations, and her experience will be invaluable as we position the New Charlotte Arena as a premier entertainment destination,” said Silberman. “Donna will assure the facility runs smoothly, that we maintain a focus on our fans and guests, and that we establish excellent relationships with vendors, promoters and concessionaires. I am pleased to have her as part of our team.”

Julian comes to the Bobcats after 15 years as general manager of the 1st Mariner Arena, formerly the Baltimore Arena, in Baltimore, Md., where she managed nearly 140 events annually including family shows, sporting events, conventions, marquee concerts and national events.

Under Julian’s supervision, the 1st Mariner Arena consistently increased its arena bookings and revenues and underwent numerous capital improvements. Also during her tenure as general manager, the 1st Mariner Arena hosted several major events, including the 1992 U.S. Gymnastics Trials and the first and second rounds of the 1995 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Tournament. Before coming to the 1st Mariner Arena, Julian was with the Capital Centre, later called the USAir Arena, in Landover, Md.

“I am looking forward to working on the opening of the New Charlotte Arena and bringing to the Charlotte region a first-class arena operation where the people of Charlotte can enjoy an unparalleled live event entertainment experience,” said Julian, who will assume her new position in mid-January.

Julian, a member of the International Association of Assembly Managers (IAAM), earned her bachelor’s degree in athletics administration from Ohio University. She is married and has two children.

The New Charlotte Arena opens in November 2005 and will be home to the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats and the WNBA’s Charlotte Sting. The state-of-the-art facility is located in the heart of Charlotte, N.C., with more than 4,000 hotel rooms within walking distance. The arena, which will have seating configurations for audiences ranging from 6,000 to 18,500, will feature restaurants, retail and a range of visitor-friendly amenities. It is adjacent to the city’s planned light rail corridor and is just a few miles from Interstates 77 and 85. For booking information contact Marty Bechtold of the New Charlotte Arena at (704) 329-4909 or mbechtold@bobcatsbasketball.com.