Entertainment
AEG And Pepperdine University Partner To Bring Sports And Entertainment Focused Education To Students
LOS ANGELES, (FNN NEWS) By AEG — With an extraordinary demand for talent in the sports and entertainment space, AEG and Pepperdine University are partnering to offer a post-graduate level and undergraduate-level educational experience that will combine AEG’s expertise and international network of venues, sports properties and franchises and live entertainment assets with Pepperdine University’s academic excellence. The agreement, brokered by AEG Global Partnerships, names Pepperdine University the exclusive Education Partner of STAPLES Center, L.A. LIVE, and the LA Kings and will give students unprecedented access to the business acumen behind the world’s leading sports and entertainment company.
The partnership will provide Pepperdine University the opportunity to build out a branded classroom within the iconic STAPLES Center, home to four professional sports franchises and numerous concerts and special events, providing the top-ranked college a strategic educational hub in downtown Los Angeles and cementing the school’s place within Los Angeles’ vibrant business community. Students enrolled in the sports and entertainment-focused program will be able to gain hands-on experience through an AEG “best-in-class” speaker series as well as first-person experiences in one of the world’s most successful arenas. The agreement also facilitates AEG providing speakers from across its world-class divisions such as AEG Global Partnerships, AEG Live, AEG Sports, AEG Facilities, and more — further distinguishing the program by offering guidance from some of the top executives in the industry today.
AEG AND PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY PARTNER TO BRING SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT FOCUSED EDUCATION TO STUDENTS
“As one of the nation’s most respected Universities, Pepperdine is an exceptional partner for the LA Kings, STAPLES Center and AEG,” said Dan Beckerman, president and CEO, AEG. “Working closely with their respected faculty and staff will not only enable us to create unique sports-related curriculum and programming, but will also allow us to provide their undergraduate and graduate students with valuable insights and lessons from some of the industry’s most respected leaders. Through this partnership, we are also excited to offer students valuable hands-on training through our renowned internship program, while providing our employees with continuing education opportunities through the University.”
“Pepperdine University is a best-in-class partner that shares our collaborative values and community-focused vision,” said Jon Werbeck, vice president, AEG Global Partnerships. “Working together, we are excited to develop this one-of-a-kind platform to amplify the University’s downtown Los Angeles presence and well-respected educational reputation as we recruit and train the next generation of sports and entertainment professionals. As this relationship evolves, we look forward to expanding our partnership with the school on a global level across AEG’s network of assets.”
The partnership not only directly contributes to the knowledge of the students enrolled, but also the sports and entertainment industry at large. As part of the partnership, the University will have the opportunity to collaborate with AEG to produce a sports, music, entertainment, and business conference. The conference would be hosted in the heart of Los Angeles’ preeminent downtown sports and entertainment district, L.A. LIVE, and the University would work strategically with AEG and its brand partners to produce a conference that provides attendees an insightful view into the rapidly evolving sports and entertainment industries.
“By partnering with AEG, Pepperdine will be at the forefront of academic innovation, creating world-class educational programs in sports and entertainment management,” said Andrew K. Benton, president of Pepperdine University. “We look forward to working with professional athletes, entertainers, and business professionals — as well as our students and alumni — as we develop new initiatives that will powerfully engage and serve the Los Angeles community.”
AEG will also have the opportunity to further the education of some of its own staff through an employee integration and internship program with Pepperdine. The program will afford a number of AEG’s staff the chance to participate in the University’s prestigious MBA program while placing select Pepperdine undergraduate and graduate students in AEG’s competitive internship program.
Additionally, Pepperdine will help further educational opportunities outside the classroom by developing a series of events and custom content with the LA Kings. In accordance with the University’s educational mission, it will serve as the presenting partner of “LA Kings Business of Hockey,” a regularly scheduled event that gives participants a chance to meet and gain advice from top hockey and sports business professionals both in and out of the AEG organizational network. Past events have included speakers such as Luc Robitaille, president, business operations, LA Kings, and more.
AEG will also host Pepperdine University alumni at a co-created networking night at one of the 250 events at STAPLES Center each year. The event will focus on connecting the University’s prestigious alumni with top AEG executives.
Central Florida News
Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Presents ‘HYPE HAIR’ Exhibit by Peppermint Sandy in Downtown Orlando
Entertainment
USF Credit Union Named Presenting Sponsor of ‘Rainbow To Your Door’ With $5,000 Challenge Match Grant
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The production team behind Rainbow To Your Door announced that USF Credit Union has joined the upcoming theatrical production as its Presenting Sponsor, accompanied by a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant aimed at encouraging community support and helping fully fund the project.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to arts, education, and community engagement across Central Florida. Organizers say the challenge grant will match community contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000, helping expand public access and educational opportunities connected to the production.
Original Play Celebrates Florida’s Artistic Legacy
Rainbow To Your Door is an original stage production written by Los Angeles-based playwright Kenneth Brown. The play is inspired by the historic friendship and artistic exchange between acclaimed author and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston and artist Jules André Smith.
Set in 1938 at the historic Maitland Art Center, the production explores the challenges, triumphs, and purpose of artists navigating a rapidly changing world while preserving their creative voices.
“This partnership represents more than sponsorship. It is an investment in storytelling, culture, and preserving the legacy of artistic voices that helped shape Florida’s creative identity,” Brown said. “We are incredibly grateful to USF Credit Union for believing in this vision and helping us create meaningful community impact through the arts.”
Challenge Match Campaign Aims to Fully Fund Production
As part of the sponsorship, USF Credit Union will provide a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant to encourage community participation and charitable giving. Production organizers say that once the matching goal is reached, Rainbow To Your Door will be fully funded.
Donations generated through the campaign will support expanded accessibility initiatives, educational programming, community outreach, and audience engagement efforts associated with the production.
“USF Credit Union is proud to support initiatives that enrich the communities we serve,” said Rick Skaggs, CEO of USF Credit Union. “Rainbow To Your Door reflects the power of culture, education, and the arts to inspire meaningful conversations and strengthen community connections.”
Production Scheduled for October 2026
Media relations and promotional efforts for the production are being coordinated by Fierce Entertainment.
Rainbow To Your Door is scheduled for Oct. 10–11, 2026, at the Timucua Arts Foundation in Orlando.
Additional information regarding ticket sales, sponsorship opportunities, and the community challenge campaign will be announced in the coming weeks.
Media Contact:
Rob Henlon
Fierce Entertainment
rob@alwaysfierce.com
For sponsorship information and production updates, visit Rainbow To Your Door.
Central Florida News
FNN Honors Teen Reporter Isabella Schmitt as She Graduates and Pursues Communications Degree
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News proudly celebrates Isabella Schmitt as she marks an important milestone with her high school graduation and prepares to begin an exciting new chapter pursuing Communications in college.
Over the years, Isabella has represented the next generation of young voices with professionalism, creativity, determination, and passion.
Through reporting opportunities, community involvement, and media experiences, she has continued to shine both on and off camera while inspiring others through her dedication and work ethic.
Jenny Rosario, Vice President of Florida National News, praised Isabella’s accomplishments and bright future ahead.
“Watching Isabella grow both personally and professionally has been truly inspiring,” Rosario said. “She represents the future of journalism, communications, and storytelling. Her passion, confidence, and commitment to making a positive impact through media are remarkable, and we are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished.”
Rosario added that Isabella’s decision to pursue Communications in college is a natural next step for someone with such strong talent and determination.
“The world of media and communications needs more young voices like Isabella’s,” Rosario said. “We know this is only the beginning of many great accomplishments to come.”
Florida National News congratulates Isabella Schmitt and the entire Class of 2026 on this exciting achievement.
“Keep dreaming big and telling stories that matter,” Rosario added.
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