Geoff Hinds named general manager at Will Rogers Memorial Center

Gendy Street Management Corp. (GSMC) is the 501(c)(3) organization selected by the City of Fort Worth to assume oversight and managerial operations of Will Rogers Memorial Center, effective Oct. 1, and has named Geoff Hinds general manager.

Hinds will assist in the transition to private management from City management starting Aug. 31.

Hinds steps into the role with two decades of leadership experience managing complex event venues, destination campuses, festivals/fairs and livestock facilities throughout the United States.

“Finding the right candidate to manage the historic Will Rogers Memorial Center was the top priority for GSMC, and Geoff Hinds is that right individual,” said Matt Homan, president of Trail Drive Management Corp. “His vast experience in venue and event leadership along with his passion for the equestrian landscape is unparalleled.”

Hinds brings a highly decorated background ranging from events and venues to rodeos and equestrian events to agricultural events to music festivals, concerts and destination attractions. Most recently, he served as chief operating officer of Cheyenne Frontier Days, where he helped lead one of the world's most recognized western heritage events, overseeing operations, strategic planning, capital projects and organizational growth.

Throughout his career, Hinds has successfully led venue organizations through significant growth, operational improvements and major capital investments while building strong partnerships with employees, community stakeholders and industry leaders.

“The Will Rogers Memorial Center hosts some of the most prestigious western equestrian competitions in the world,” said Matt Carter, president and general manager of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo. “Between the National Cutting Horse Association, National Reined Cow Horse Association, American Paint Horse Association and others, Fort Worth is the epicenter of western equestrian sports, thus venue management and operations is crucial to our city’s long-term economic strength. Geoff Hinds and the outstanding team at the Will Rogers Memorial Center will ensure Fort Worth maintains our prominent stature.”

About Will Rogers Memorial Center

Owned by the City of Fort Worth, Will Rogers Memorial Center is a 120-acre historic entertainment, sports and equestrian complex anchoring Fort Worth’s Cultural District. The original Coliseum, Pioneer Tower and Auditorium were dedicated in 1936 and are on the National Register of Historic Places. Over the decades, the facility has added show barns, arenas, an exhibit hall, meeting spaces and a multipurpose equestrian center, bringing 2 million visitors through its art deco gates annually.

GSMC is a nonprofit operating entity that will manage Will Rogers Memorial Center starting Oct. 1. GSMC is a partnership between Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (FWSSR) and Trail Drive Management Corp. (TDMC).

Photo at top: Geoff Hinds

Photo:Will Rogers Memorial Center is a 120-acre historic entertainment, sports and equestrian complex in Fort Worth’s Cultural District.

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