Anaheim Arena Management, LLC (AAM), the
management company for Honda Center, is greatly saddened to announce that
General Manager Mike O’Donnell passed away today following a three-year battle
with cancer.
“Mike built a legacy in our industry
that will never be forgotten,” said Tim Ryan, president and CEO of Honda Center.
“His unrelenting work ethic and unwavering optimism set him apart both as a
professional and a friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the O’Donnell
family as they mourn this significant loss.”
O’Donnell’s career in
public facilities, professional sports and arena management spanned
more than 22 years, including 15 years with Honda Center. Along the way he
was associated with numerous successful ventures, events and professional sports
teams and was instrumental in bringing prestigious events to Honda Center.
During his tenure, the arena hosted multiple NCAA events, the 2003 World
Gymnastics Championships, the 2004 US Olympic Team Trials for Gymnastics as well
as the 2005 World Badminton Championships.
He began his career at Honda
Center in early 1993. Prior to the opening of the arena, he was hired as the
point person for the final phases of design and construction and assisted in
preparing the arena for it’s opening and daily operation. During his first 10
years at the arena, he held the titles of Operations Manager, Director of
Operations, and Assistant General Manager.
In 2003, O’Donnell was named
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the arena. Prior to coming to
Honda Center, he worked at the Great Western Forum, then home to the National
Basketball Association’s Los Angeles Lakers and the National Hockey League’s Los
Angeles Kings.
He is survived by his wife,
Payge.
Services for Mike O’Donnell will be held on Friday, August 24 at 1:00 p.m. at Rose Hills Memorial Park at the Skyrose Chapel in Whittier. Please click here for directions.
Following the service, a memorial gathering celebrating Mike’s life will take place at Honda Center at 5:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Mike O’Donnell’s memory to:
USC / Norris Cancer Center
1441 Eastlake Avenue, Room 8302
Los Angeles, CA 90033