Daren Libonati, the former interim director of the Thomas & Mack Center, Sam Boyd Stadium, and the Cox Pavilion, has been named director of UNLV's three sporting and special event facilities, UNLV Vice President for Finance Anthony Flores announced today.

"We are pleased to announce Daren's appointment to this post," Flores said. "He possesses years of valuable experience in the field of event center management, as well as a great deal of knowledge of the university community. I am confident he will make an excellent director of the Thomas & Mack Center."

Libonati was selected through a national search. His appointment is effective immediately.

"Daren brings to this position a well-rounded background in event venue management within our complex entertainment-driven community," said UNLV President Carol C. Harter. "His knowledge of UNLV, athletics, and the entertainment industry will play an important role as we move forward to re-emphasize the Thomas & Mack Center's connection to the campus and the community."

"A close working relationship between athletics and the Thomas and Mack is essential for the success of both entities," said UNLV Athletic Director John Robinson. "I know that Daren and I, along with our departments, can work together to bring tremendous growth to our programs, become powerful forces in both athletics and special events, and serve the overall goals of the university."

Libonati began his tenure at the Thomas & Mack Center in 1988 as an event coordinator. In 1991, he was promoted to event booking director for the Thomas & Mack Center and Sam Boyd Stadium.

In 1993, Libonati was hired by the MGM Grand Garden Arena as the director of event booking. After two and a half years with the MGM, Libonati moved to the Star of the Desert Arena in Primm, Nevada. Libonati returned to the Thomas & Mack Center as associate director of the center and Sam Boyd Stadium in 1998. "Amusement Business Magazine," the international live entertainment and amusement industry news weekly, has ranked the Thomas & Mack Center the number one university venue with a capacity of 15,000+ twice since his return.

The 18,500-seat Thomas & Mack Center and the 40,000-seat Sam Boyd Stadium recently underwent major renovations with massive improvements, new amenities, and impressive upgrades. The 3,000-seat Cox Pavilion opened last year. The three facilities book an estimated 250 events annually.

Libonati graduated from UNLV in 1988 with a bachelor's degree in sports management and is a graduate of the two-year School for Public Assembly Management, sponsored by the International Association of Arena Managers.