On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, Wayne Kimmel interviewed the President & CEO of ANC, Jerry Cifarelli Jr.
Although Jerry’s father originally founded the company more than 25 years ago, ANCs transformation since Cifarelli re-acquired the company from Learfield in 2023 has been remarkable. Departing from the conventional path of a second-generation, Cifarelli chose to forge his own path, leaving ANC in 2022 after nearly a decade with the firm to establish C10 Media. His strategic acumen and skill as a relationship builder paid dividends immediately when he secured the firm's initial project, designing and installing a cutting-edge multimedia solution for MGM Music Hall at Fenway.
In 2023, recognizing a unique opportunity, Cifarelli Jr.. leveraged his long-standing industry relationships and vision for what a re-imagined ANC could be to orchestrate the acquisition of ANC by C10 Media back from Learfield. In less than two years, Jerry has transformed ANC from a digital signage solutions provider into a versatile, full-service technology, advertising, design, and service partner. Following ANC’s successful first year, Cifarelli secured a substantial equity partnership in ANC by Fenway Sports Group, ideally positioning the company to fulfill Jerry’s vision as a diversified single-source solutions provider and strategic partner, at the epicenter of the sports and entertainment business.
Some of its digital signage projects in the past two years include: American Century Field (Milwaukee Brewers); Nationals Field (Washington Nationals); the Toyota Center (Houston Rockets); American Airlines Center (Dallas); Levi’s Stadium (SF 49ers); ScotiaBank Arena (Toronto); Gainsbridge FieldHouse (Indiana Pacers); Dodger Stadium; Wells Fargo Center (Philadelphia); Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse (Cleveland), and Smoothie King Center (New Orleans). And when it comes to college facilities, ANC has relationships with nearly 65% of all colleges, and during the past two years its roster of college sports facility upgrade projects reads like a who’s who of college sports: Alabama, Penn State, SMU, Boise State, Marshall, Arkansas, Louisville, Rutgers, West Virginia, Oregon State, South Carolina, and Cal Berkeley.
Jerry Cifarelli Jr.:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-cifarelli/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to ANC and Its History
02:49 The Evolution of Signage in Sports
05:52 ANC's Role in Venue Technology
09:08 The Importance of People in the Business
12:00 Recognition and Awards in the Industry
14:38 Case Studies: Enhancing Fan Experience
17:49 Monetizing Sports Venues
20:48 The Future of Sports Venues and Technology
23:44 The Professionalization of College Sports
26:56 Mentorship and Leadership in Sports Business
29:44 Advice for Aspiring Sports Professionals