Michael Drake, a key executive in the Falcons’ opening of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, is switching teams and venues. But he isn’t going far.
Drake, who left the Falcons organization in early November "to pursue new challenges," will join the Hawks as senior vice president of corporate partnerships and premium sales.
He will be responsible for driving revenue from corporate sponsorships and new premium spaces in Philips Arena. The arena is undergoing a $192.5 million makeover, which is scheduled for completion next summer.
Drake also will be a "key member of the executive team" working on partnerships associated with the "Hawks-related" real-estate project around the arena, the Hawks said.
Drake previously was senior vice president and chief revenue officer of AMB Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of the Falcons and Atlanta United. He oversaw all ticket operations and led suite sales and personal seat license sales for Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
“This is an amazing time to join the Hawks organization,” Drake said in a statement. “I’ve been fortunate enough to help launch three incredible stadiums (the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium, the San Francisco 49ers’ Levi’s Stadium and Mercedes-Benz Stadium), and although there were a number of opportunities across the country, I quickly saw nothing compared to this year-round sports and live entertainment approach happening in downtown Atlanta.”
