The Tahoe Douglas Visitors Authority (TDVA) and Oak View Group (OVG), the global venue development, advisory and investment company for the sports and live entertainment industries, have secured an exclusive multi-year naming rights agreement with Tahoe Blue Vodka for a new live entertainment, sports and conference center on the south shore of Lake Tahoe.

Dubbed the Tahoe Blue Center and located in Stateline, Nev. the new 132,000-square-foot events center, which includes a 5,500-seat arena and 10,000-sq.-ft. of meeting room space, is projected to host 130 events annually, including meetings, conferences, sporting events, trade and consumer shows and concerts. Expected to open in July 2023, the new venue’s construction broke ground in July 2020.

In addition to securing naming rights to the center, Tahoe Blue Vodka’s agreement includes prominent exterior and interior signage and a commitment to sustainable efforts inside the facility. The partnership also marks the first naming rights sponsorship for Tahoe Blue Vodka, the world’s only vodka crafted from the pristine Tahoe water, according to company officials.

“As the naming rights partner for the new Tahoe Blue Center, we are proud to support this spectacular, innovative and unparalleled venue that reflects our long-standing commitment to invest in the region, celebrate the unique Lake Tahoe lifestyle, and be a driving force as an ecological leader and innovator,” said Matt Levitt, founder and CEO of Tahoe Blue Vodka, at the naming right ceremony, held on Nov. 30.

Located at 75 US Highway 50, Tahoe Blue Center can accommodate up to 6,000 guests per event and is expected to see over 200,000 guests come through its doors annually. Its many offerings include:

• 27,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space
• Five meeting rooms ranging from 1,300 to 2,000 sq. ft. overlooking the peaks of Heavenly Mountain Ski Resort;
• Three club rooms, including East and West rooms overlooking Edgewood Golf Course
• A 10,000-sq.-ft. outdoor event lawn for receptions, banquets, weddings and other event
• On-site catering provided by OVG Hospitality with a full-time executive chef for catering all conference and meeting functions
• Two outdoor balconies on the second floor, one attached to the East and West clubs and the other to one of the meeting/conference rooms

Once completed, the arena and conference center will serve as a key anchor to Lake Tahoe’s south shore, helping to drive visitors during the shoulder seasons while creating jobs for residents, according to Tahoe Douglas Visitors Authority officials.

“The center is a significant investment in the destination’s sustainable future and year-round economic health, and we’re pleased to announce this wonderful representation of local partnership,” said Carol Chaplin, president and CEO of Tahoe Douglas Visitors Authority. “Tahoe Blue Vodka is a company that was born right here in Lake Tahoe, and their substantial investment will offer multiple levels of sponsorship.”

The partnership was developed by OVG Global Partnerships, the sponsorship and naming rights division of Oak View Group that connects leading brands with premium live entertainment properties.

“We are excited to be forming a long-term partnership with Tahoe Blue Vodka,” said Laurie Kemmit, vice president of OVG Global Partnerships. “The crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe inspired Matt Levitt to create Tahoe Blue Vodka, and his brand is committed to the South Tahoe Region. Sustainability is an important initiative to this project, so we are appreciative to find a community partner such as Matt and Tahoe Blue Vodka, whose priority is to help preserve the lake and surrounding area.”

To learn more and to stay up-to-date with the progress of the Tahoe Blue Center, go here.

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