MOBILE, Ala.—Oak View Group has named Erik Hudson as general manager and Willie J. Williams as assistant general manager of Mobile’s upcoming new arena. The new arena is scheduled to open in 2027.
Hudson will oversee all aspects of venue operations, including event programming, staffing, partnerships, and community engagement. Williams will begin in January 2026 and will support daily operations, pre-opening planning, staffing, and project coordination.
“Erik and Willie bring extensive industry experience and confident leadership to our venues in the region,” says Greg O’Dell, president of venue management at Oak View Group. “Erik has consistently demonstrated his ability to launch new venues, strengthen community relationships, and build teams that deliver exceptional experiences. Willie’s decades of hands-on operational expertise across a variety of venue types will be invaluable as we continue to grow. Together, they provide a strong foundation for Oak View Group in Mobile.”
Hudson joins Oak View Group with experience in live entertainment, sports, and venue management, including leading new-construction openings and supporting regional tourism initiatives. In Mobile, he will also work closely with the Arthur R. Outlaw Mobile Convention Center and the Saenger Theatre as part of Oak View Group’s broader strategy to coordinate and elevate the city’s event offerings.
“I’m grateful to the Oak View Group team and the City of Mobile leadership for their confidence in me for this critical role,” says Hudson. “The new arena represents a major investment in the future of Mobile, and I’m committed to leading a venue that the entire community can be proud of. Our focus will be on strong operations, great programming, and creating exceptional experiences and memories.”
Hudson most recently served as general manager of the Mountain America Center and the Blue Cross of Idaho Conference Center in Idaho Falls. The $70 million venue opened in 2022 and ranked among the nation’s top 200 venues in ticket sales and revenue. During his tenure, the facility was a finalist for Pollstar’s New Venue of the Year, and Hudson received VenuesNow’s NextGen Award. He also served on regional business and tourism boards and was named one of Eastern Idaho’s “Four Under 40” in 2025 for his work in economic development. In addition, Hudson’s background in sports leadership includes guiding the Idaho Falls Spud Kings to a national championship in 2025 and preparing the franchise to host the Dineen Cup Championship in 2026. He previously served as general manager of the Utah Grizzlies of the ECHL and held arena leadership positions in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Birmingham, Ala.
Williams brings more than four decades of experience in venue operations and large-scale event management. His career includes leadership roles at Oak View Group Tulsa (Okla.), where he oversaw operations for the BOK Center and convention center complex, as well as positions at Philips Arena in Atlanta and Pensacola Civic Center (Fla.).
“I’m honored to join the team and help prepare this arena for opening and beyond,” Williams says. “I’ve built my career around strengthening operations and supporting the teams who make venues run at their best, and I’m looking forward to bringing that experience to Mobile.”
The Mobile Arena is scheduled to open in early 2027 and is expected to expand the city’s entertainment offerings while supporting tourism, economic growth, and year-round programming for residents and visitors.
