CelebrityAccess announced that the First Annual “Innovator of the Year Award” goes to Tom Cantone, president of sports and entertainment for Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment.
This award is designed to recognize the entertainment industry’s most innovative organizations, who pave new paths and initiatives to creatively bring new business and productivity to the industry.
Cantone is largely responsible for revolutionizing casino entertainment over a career that has spanned 14 years at Connecticut’s Mohegan Sun.
“Our first recipient embodied all these accomplishments by creating a remarkable story of historic significance during the height of the pandemic that shut down the world,” said Marc Gentilella, president and CEO of CelebrityAccess.
Mohegan Sun Arena, part of Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment’s network of properties worldwide, never actually closed during the pandemic; Mohegan Sun partnered with Viacom to broadcast a series of “Bubble Broadcasts” from the facility that brought Showtime Boxing and Bellator Mixed Martial Arts events to over 12 million television and streaming viewers all over the world.
“We found a way to stay relevant during historic times,” Cantone said. “We could have sat it out and waited but we took advantage of opportunity that comes with a crisis. We were able to keep a lot of people working and kept the venue alive and well with nonstop programming to viewers around the world. ‘Live From Mohegan Sun Arena’ were five special words people looked forward to every week.’”
“This recognition is shared with great respect and empathy for all our team members at Mohegan Sun,” Cantone said. “At a time of uncharted territory and personal risk, they found a way to show the world what leaders do best even during a historic pandemic.”
Mohegan Sun Arena is now open for live audiences including hosting a private concert to show player appreciation for Mohegan Sun and to provide a chance for ticket-takers, security, vendors and other employees to reacquaint themselves with the routines of live events and focus on guest service.
“It was such a great night,” Cantone says. “People were hugging each other and there was a genuine sense of rejuvenation. I think we all realized how much the people who work in the arena and throughout the property realize this is a great place to work. It sounds corny, but we’re back to making memories.”
“Undoubtedly, Tom’s vision of a Viacom Residency will go down as one of the most successful game plans to beat a pandemic in casino and venue history,” said Marc Gentilella, president and founder of CelebrityAccess, as he presented the award to Cantone.
