BERWYN, Pa. (June 5, 2025) – Playfly Sports, the sports industry’s leading revenue maximization company, has named Gil Beverly as President of Playfly Aspire. This appointment signals a strategic emphasis on delivering enhanced premium hospitality and comprehensive fan experience solutions to clients. Central to this evolution is Playfly’s increased commitment to providing capital investment to fuel partner initiatives—creating win-win partnerships that unlock new revenue streams and long-term value. This integrated and proactive approach comes at a critical time for college athletics and the broader world of sport, as financial pressures are driving demand for bold, innovative revenue strategies.

“I’m excited to join Playfly during this dynamic period of growth and innovation for the Aspire business,” said Beverly. “We will be expanding our focus on the fan experience—from event activations and premium hospitality to facilities development, including renovations and new stadium and arena projects. In doing so, we will provide strategic guidance, significant capital investment, and data-driven sales solutions to unlock new revenue opportunities for our partners and enhance the overall fan journey.”

Under Beverly’s leadership, the next phase of Playfly Aspire’s growth will see the division further expand its role as both a strategic advisor and a commercial operator for its partners in fan experience and premium hospitality. In doing so, Playfly will lean further into its suite of fan-focused and data-driven services, including whitespace review, feasibility assessment, design, project management, valuation, and capital investment to help bring clients’ projects to life.

Acquired two years ago, Playfly Aspire is a key component of Playfly Sports’ broader platform, driving nine figures in annual revenue for its partners. Its deepened capabilities in premium hospitality and fan experience, paired with expertise in media, sponsorship, NIL, brand consulting, data and analytics, and event marketing, create a uniquely powerful engine for fan engagement and partner revenue maximization. Playfly recently announced a 10-year, multi-service partnership with Washington State, joining a growing roster of partners leveraging multiple services—including collegiate programs like Auburn, Baylor, LSU, Penn State, and UTSA, as well as professional teams such as the Nashville Predators, Memphis Grizzlies, Philadelphia Flyers, and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Beverly joins Playfly with a strong track record of leadership across top sports, media, and entertainment organizations including the Tennessee Titans, ESPN, Learfield and the Academy of Country Music. As Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer for the Titans, he drove unprecedented revenue growth, setting team records in ticketing, premium seating, and sponsorship sales while enhancing the fan experience. At ESPN, he led marketing and sales for all the company’s college sports properties, including the successful launch of the College Football Playoff and its corporate partnership program. Most recently, he served as Chief Business Officer at the Academy of Country Music, overseeing all revenue and marketing functions.

“With Gil’s leadership, Playfly Aspire is primed to scale its impact and mine new sources of revenue for our partners,” said Christy Hedgpeth, President of Playfly Sports Properties. “With his broad background and deep experience, he brings the strategic vision and business acumen needed to take Playfly Aspire—and the broader Playfly platform—to an entirely new level.”

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ABOUT PLAYFLY ASPIRE
Playfly Aspire is an award-winning sports and entertainment marketing firm, recognized as a top employer in the industry by Forbes and Front Office Sports. Renowned for innovative consulting, ticket sales, and partnership services, Playfly Aspire pioneered the outsourced ticket sales niche, revolutionizing with its first Fan Relationship Management Center (FRMC) at Georgia Tech in 2009. Over the past 15 years, more than 300 collegiate and professional sports properties have trusted Playfly Aspire to drive revenue, attendance, and enterprise-value growth through strategic consulting and research, sales and service training, and best-in-industry fan relationship management.

For more information about Playfly Aspire, visit: www.playflyaspire.com and follow us on all our social media channels, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

ABOUT PLAYFLY SPORTS
Playfly Sports, the sports industry’s leading revenue maximization company, drives growth for its partners across the sports ecosystem – including 2,000+ brands, 100+ professional teams, 65+ college athletic departments, all U.S. local sports networks and associated streaming platforms, and other marquee properties. Its fan engagement platform allows its partners to reach and engage over 85% of all U.S sports fans. Playfly builds and implements custom strategies across media, sponsorship, premium experiences, ticketing and fan engagement offerings through proprietary data, innovative technology and compelling storytelling. Playfly operates an expansive portfolio of services with a data-driven and fan-focused approach to maximize revenue yield in key growth areas, such as media, sponsorship, ticketing, premium experiences and fan engagement offerings. Founded in September of 2020, Playfly Sports is now home to approximately 1,000 team members located across 43 U.S. states and internationally dedicated to maximizing the impact of highly passionate local sports fans. The company has been named a Best Place to Work in Sports by Sports Business Journal, Front Office Sports, and Newsweek. To learn more, follow Playfly Sports on social media platforms or visit www.Playfly.com

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ATLANTA, GA – A historic event for Italian and European American football will take place this summer as the University of Toledo’s Glass Bowl Stadium will host the XLII Italian Bowl. The 42^nd installment of the Italian Football League (IFL) championship will be played in the United States for the first time ever on July 1, 2023.

“Taking the IFL final to Toledo in the United States, where the game originated, has the hallmarks of an epic adventure for Italian American football,” said FIDAF Deputy Vice President Fabio Tortosa. “We are grateful to have this extraordinary opportunity for growth as it will positively impact the entire Federation as well as the two teams in the final.”

The week leading up to the championship game will be packed with Italian-themed events, including the Taste of Italy Restaurant Week, Toledo Night Market and Festival, Youth Football Camps, and more. There will also be a Mayor’s Cup, featuring a football skills competition between several mayors in northwest Ohio and Michigan, including Toledo mayor, Wade Kapszukiewicz.

“The IFL final, and all that comes with it, will facilitate more exchanges and greater understanding between different cultures, further cooperation, and more positive interactions for thousands of people.” said Kapsukiewicz.

Award-winning sport marketing firm, The Aspire Group (Aspire), is managing all digital and social media marketing for the XLII Italian Bowl, defining, creating, and executing across all platforms. Aspire will also drive ticket sales through direct email marketing.

“Aspire is excited to help bring such an exciting event to Toledo.” said Aspire Strategy and Marketing Manager, Jake Martin. “Our company has strong ties to the University of Toledo, and we are eager to utilize our expertise in email and social media marketing to drive enthusiastic fans from around the world to this unique championship game.”

All tickets on sale now at italianbowlusa.com/tickets. Tickets start at just $15 for general admission and $30 for reserved seating at the University of Toledo’s Glass Bowl Stadium. Club level tickets, which offer premium indoor seating and a buffet, start at $50.

A limited number of private suites are also available. Please utilize the Visitor Interest form for all suite inquiries.

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for all updates on the XLII Italian Bowl.

About The Aspire Group

The Aspire Group is an award winning sports and entertainment marketing firm, named as a top employer in the industry by both Forbes and Front Office Sports. Globally recognized for innovative consulting, ticket sales, and partnership services, Aspire created the outsourced ticket sales niche, revolutionizing with its first Fan Relationship Management Center (FRMC) at Georgia Tech in 2009. Over the past 15 years, more than 300 collegiate and professional sports properties have trusted Aspire to drive revenue, attendance, and enterprise-value growth through the combination of strategic consulting and research, sales and service training, and best-in-industry fan relationship management.

The post The Italian Football League Championship Is Coming To America For The First Time appeared first on Playfly Aspire.

ATLANTA, GA – The Aspire Sport Marketing Group has promoted Joe Kronander to Director of Client Development. He will assist Senior Vice President of Client Development, A.J. Smith, in acquiring new partners and growing scope of work across Aspire’s Fan Relationship Management, Strategy, Data Insights, Marketing, and Training verticals. Joe joins a surging business development team that added 22 new partners within collegiate athletics and 7 professional sports leagues in 2021.

Joe joined The Aspire Group in 2014 and has served as Regional Director of Fan Relationship Management (FRMC) at Purdue University for the past four years. During this time with the Boilermakers, Joe oversaw multiple internal leadership promotions, guided his team to more than $14M in ticket revenue generation, and facilitated $2.7M in donations using a uniquely collaborative approach.

“BOOM! I’m excited to have Joe Kronander join Aspire’s A-Team and support our business development initiatives. He has an extensive history of producing record results for his partners while displaying tremendous leadership. His network within collegiate athletics and professional sports will be a key driver of continued record growth for Aspire in 2022 and beyond.”

– A.J. Smith, Senior Vice President of Client Development

Prior to his role at Purdue, Joe was the Director of Sales and Service at Aspire’s Army West Point FRMC, where he developed and implemented sales campaigns and strategies. He also assisted in creating the pricing structure for all ticketed Army sporting events.

Joe has been in the sports industry for over 14 years. Before joining Aspire, he was the Director of Ticket Sales for the Albany Devils, an AHL franchise that is now the Utica Comets. Joe managed the Devils’ ticket and sponsorship sales while also recruiting, hiring, and training the sales team.

About The Aspire Group

The Aspire Group is an award winning sports and entertainment marketing firm, named as a top employer in the industry by both Forbes and Front Office Sports. Globally recognized for innovative consulting, ticket sales, and partnership services, Aspire created the outsourced ticket sales niche, revolutionizing with its first Fan Relationship Management Center (FRMC) at Georgia Tech in 2009. Over the past 14 years, more than 280 collegiate and professional sports properties have trusted Aspire to drive revenue, attendance, and enterprise-value growth through the combination of strategic consulting and research, sales and service training, and best-in-industry fan relationship management.

For more information about The Aspire Group visit: www.playflyaspire.com and Follow us on Twitter @theaspire_group

For project and partnership inquiries, contact A.J. Smith at aj.smith@theaspiregroupinc.com or Joe Kronander at joe.kronander@theaspiregroupinc.com

The post Aspire Bolsters Business Development with Promotion of Kronander appeared first on Playfly Aspire.

ATLANTA, GA – Aspire is thrilled to announce the promotion of several members of their headquarters staff. These promotions come on the heels of more than a dozen new partners in 2021 alone and represent Aspire’s commitment to strategy, development, and operational excellence. Collectively, the promoted team combines over 120 years of professional experience.

“Career development and internal promotion have always been central to Aspire’s DNA,” said Aspire CEO, Bill Fagan. “These latest promotions of many of our senior leaders at our Headquarters reflect those values of internal development and also showcase the level of talent our partners are supported by each day.  We take pride in our unprecedented leader retention. I’m thrilled to continue leading this talented management team as the sport industry roars back in 2021 and beyond.”

Valerie Wilkinson has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Business Operations. In this role, she will continue to be responsible for overseeing Aspire’s Finance, Compliance, Human Resources, and Administrative functions.

Tony Garrett has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Fan Relationship Management and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). In this role, Tony will continue to work with partner management, maximizing revenue generation, and employee career development. He will continue to ensure The Aspire Group’s systems, structures, and best practices are executed at the highest level. In addition to these responsibilities, Tony will begin overseeing The Aspire Group’s Diversity working groups, Social Justice Forums, and all initiatives focused on making The Aspire Group the most diverse, equitable, and inclusive place to work in our industry.

Chad Cardinal has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Strategy & Operations. He will be responsible for the following strategic business units; Strategy, Analytics, and Marketing, while having direct involvement in the firm’s Fan Relationship Management and legal verticals.  Chad joined The Aspire Group in 2015 and has become known for staff retention, long-term thinking, and a relationship-driven approach towards creating win-win situations.

A.J. Smith has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Client Development. He is responsible for acquiring new partnerships to Aspire client base as well as expanding current initiatives for existing partnerships. A.J. is charged with diagnosing the needs of current and potential client partners to provide them with a comprehensive recommendation for optimal operation. A.J., originally from Tampa, FL became a member of the Aspire family in October of 2009 at Aspire’s Georgia Tech Fan Relationship Management Center (FRMC). During his time at the Georgia Tech FRMC, he was promoted four times. Following his tenure at the Georgia Tech FRMC, A.J. acted as Director at the Florida International University FRMC until transitioning into his current role in October 2014.

Jack Luce was promoted to Vice President of SAM (Strategy, Analytics, and Marketing). In this position, He oversees each of the three individual departments while also facilitating collaboration between them alongside Chad Cardinal. Using these interdepartmental synergies, SAM delivers actionable insights to Aspire’s partners while also supporting ticket sales and service consultants with fan research, intelligent marketing, and campaign analytics.

Patty Spielman has been promoted to Vice President of Payroll and Benefits. Her primary responsibilities are managing the semi-monthly payroll process and administering all the benefit plans offered to Aspire employees. Her additional responsibilities fall under the business operations function. These include expense reimbursement, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and financial reporting.  She is also the resident subject matter expert with ADP, Aspire’s system of record.

Justin Morelli was promoted to Regional Director of Sales and Service. Justin is focused on partner and employee achievements, staff professional development, and revenue generation for the University of Toledo, Ball State, Indiana State, Cleveland State, and Eastern Michigan. Justin joined Aspire in January 2016 and has been the Director of the Toledo FRMC since February 2019, where he oversees a staff responsible for Ticket Sales and Service, Ticket Operations, and Database Marketing.

The post Aspire Announces Leadership Promotions to Further Enhance Client Support appeared first on Playfly Aspire.

The Aspire Group has recently announced the promotions of three employees of their Eastern Michigan and USA Hockey Fan Relationship Management Centers (FRMC).

Jeff Czachowski has been promoted to Senior Director of Sales, Service, and Operations for the Eastern Michigan FRMC.

Chris LaReau is the second of the Eastern Michigan FRMC to be promoted this month. His new position title is now Team Leader of Sales, Service, and Operations.

Sean Mattingly, of the USA Hockey FRMC, was also recently promoted to a Senior Consultant of Sales and Service.

The post Aspire Promotes Czachowski, LaReau, and Mattingly appeared first on Playfly Aspire.

The Aspire Group has announced the hiring of several new employees for multiple partners Fan Relationship Management Centers (FRMC).

Tyler Augster is the San Jose State FRMC’s newest Sales, Service, and Development Consultant. He graduated from Southern Hampshire University and this is his first year in the sports industry.

Max Hammond was brought in to help ramp up the pace with Aspire’s partner, Maryland Athletics as a Sales Consultant. He earned a Bachelors’s degree in Sport Marketing and Management from Indiana University, with a minor in Business and Marketing. He spent two years working in the IU Athletics Ticket Office prior to his role.

Nicholas Hunt was recently hired as a Fan Relationship and Development Associate for Purdue Athletics. He graduated with a Master’s degree in Intercollegiate Athletics Administration from the University of Nebraska as well as a Bachelor’s in Business Management and Communication studies from UNC Charlotte. Hunt has over seven years of experience in the sports industry.

Michael Joiner was brought in to help assist the San Francisco Giants remote sales partnership. He earned a Bachelors’s degree in Sports Administration from Ball State University and this is his first role in the sports industry.

Jesse Palomera is now a Sales and Service Consultant for the University of Texas at El Paso FRMC. He graduated with a Master’s degree in Athletics Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from California State University Los Angeles. He has been in the sports industry for over one year.

Anthony Reed is also welcomed to the team as a new Service Consultant for Aspire’s partner, Maryland. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Administration from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He has over three years of experience in the sports industry.

Josh Watson is the newest member of the University of Denver FRMC as a Service Consultant. He earned a Bachelors’s degree in Sport and Entertainment Management from the University of South Carolina This is his first sports industry role.

The post 7 New Aspire F.A.M.I.L.Y. Members Welcomed appeared first on Playfly Aspire.

The Aspire Group has been ramping up its hiring practices with the addition of multiple partners within the last year. 10 new employees have been welcomed to the team.

Chris Ballard is the Toledo FRMC’s newest Sales Consultant. He graduated from The University of South Carolina and has been in the sports industry for two years.

Jeremy Curran was brought in to help with Aspire’s newest MLB partner as a Senior Sales Consultant for the San Francisco Giants. He earned a Bachelors’s degree in Business Administration from Oregon State University. He has been in the sports industry for over a year.

Courtney Martin was recently hired to help support a win-back campaign with the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management and a minor in Marketing from High Point University. She currently has over two years under her belt in the sports industry.

Matthew Massey was also brought in to help assist the San Francisco Giants. He earned a Bachelors’s degree in Marketing from Saint Mary’s College. He has been in the sports industry for three years.

Robby Nardini is now a Sales and Service Consultant for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism from the University of Illinois. He has been in the sports industry for a over two years.

Hannah Orloff is the newest Sales and Service Consultant for Loyola Marymount University. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Marketing and a minor in German from Fresno State University. She has 10 years of scorekeeping baseball experience.

Alyssa Richmond is the newest member of Aspire Headquarters as a Business Analyst. She earned a Bachelors’s degree in Economics and Mathematics from Georgia State University. This is her first sports industry role.

Bryan Safer is also an addition as a Sales and Service Consultant for the San Francisco Giants. He recently achieved a Master’s degree in Business and Analytics and previously earned a Bachelor’s in Sport Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He has been in the sports industry for almost a year.

Caitlyn Seiger has also been welcomed with the Arizona Diamondbacks as a Sales and Service Consultant. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management & Strategic Communication from Washington State University. She has 2 years of sports industry experience.

Jason Sirovina is the newest member of the UTEP FRMC as a Sales and Service Consultant. He earned a Bachelors’s degree in Sport, Event, and Tourism Management from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He has over three years of experience in the sports industry.

The post Aspire Hires for Multiple Partners appeared first on Playfly Aspire.

The Aspire Group has recently promoted Derek Schramm to our Director of Sales and Service at our Lamar University FRMC.

Schramm has been with The Aspire Group for over eight years and was promoted several times during his tenure, including work for multiple Fan Relationship Management Centers.

The post Aspire Promotes Schramm to Director appeared first on Playfly Aspire.

The Aspire Group has recently recruited three new members of the family.

Tyler Fisher graduated from The University of Toledo with a Bachelors’ Degree in Leadership and Marketing and has been in the sports industry for two years.

Hayden Hughes earned a Bachelors’s degree in Marketing from Kennesaw State University. He has been in the sports industry for one year.

Chynna Smyth graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from the University of Florida. She currently has two years under her belt in the sports industry,

The Aspire Group prides itself on being the launching pad for successful sports careers. We are excited to welcome all of our new family members.

The post Aspire Hires Fisher, Hughes, and Smyth appeared first on Playfly Aspire.

The Aspire Group has recently promoted four new members of the family, Jeff Arnold and Jason Kaplan of the Rutgers Fan Relationship Management Center, Jake Martin from Headquarters, and Jason Matteson from our Kansas Fan Relationship Management Center.

Jeff Arnold has been promoted to Senior Service Consultant at our Rutgers FRMC.

James Kaplan has been promoted to Senior Group Sales Consultant at our Rutgers FRMC.

Jake Martin has been promoted to Strategy and Marketing Coordinator at our headquarters in Atlanta, GA.

Jason Matteson has been promoted to an Annual Fund Stewardship Officer for our Kansas FRMC.

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