Ep. 154: From Lady Gaga to MN Wild Hockey: Behind the Scenes of Grand Casino Arena

From sold-out concerts and championship-caliber hockey to family shows and unforgettable live experiences, Grand Casino Arena is one of Minnesota's premier entertainment destinations. This week, we're joined by Kelly McGrath, Vice President and General Manager of Grand Casino Arena, for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep one of the region's busiest venues running at full speed.    Kelly shares her career journey, reflects on the excitement surrounding Lady Gaga's spectacular spring performance, and gives us a preview of an incredible summer lineup featuring artists like Alex Warren, Melanie Martinez, ZAYN, Cody Johnson, and Monster Jam. We also explore the unique energy of Minnesota Wild game nights, how fan expectations are evolving, and the countless details that go into creating memorable experiences for every guest who walks through the doors. Whether you're a sports fan, concert lover, or simply curious about what happens behind the curtain, this conversation offers a fascinating look inside the venue where Minnesota comes together.    1:00 An introduction to Kelly McGrath and her professional journey  4:30 How the community comes together to put on extraordinary events  6:00 The summer lineup at Grand Casino Arena from soft rock to Monster Jam  10:30 Some musical surprises coming and the joy of seeing them in person  11:45 The shift in how consumers react to purchasing tickets  14:15 The challenges with operating a large, aging building  16:45 Service First Initiative at Grand Casino Arena – creating great memories  21:50 Tips for parking, dining and enjoying your night at the concert    Visit: https://www.grandcasinoarena.com/     Guests: Kelly McGrath, Vice President and General Manager of Gand Casino Arena    Hosts: Jill Renslow, Daniel Jasper    Presented by Bloomington Minnesota Travel and Tourism the official destination marketing organization for the city of Bloomington, Minn.