Anastasia Palmer Johnson
Corporate Director of Entertainment at Gila River Resorts and Casinos
Anastasia Palmer Johnson known throughout the industry as “A.P.” a veteran sports and entertainment executive specializing in booking and business development and currently serving as the Corporate Director of Entertainment at Gila River Resorts and Casinos. Brought on in 2022 to develop a robust calendar of concerts and events for the rapidly expanding gaming enterprise and elevate the show offerings as they transitioned from a traditional Casino business model to a hard ticket program. In this capacity she oversees the portfolio of entertainment at four venues including Vee Quiva, Lone Butte, SanTan Mountain, and the flagship Wildhorse Pass.
Prior to joining GRGE, A.P. served as Regional Director of Events for Live Nation U.S. Concerts. Booking private and special events for (28) amphitheaters spanning the coasts from Seattle (The Gorge) to Miami (FPL Solar) and specializing in convention and multi-venue corporate deals. After thirty years of calling Los Angeles home, it was during this time of extensive travel when she relocated back to her hometown of Tucson, AZ. to serve as the home base for her family.
In 2014 when U.S.C. assumed management of the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Sports Arena campus, they required a Business Development executive who could completely change the narrative, create and oversee all streams of revenue generating business including private and ticketed events, F/B, tourism, and monetizing the extensive historical archive with show and experience creation. A.P. filled these needs as the Senior Director of Booking and Partnerships. Working closely with the L.A. Sports and Entertainment Commission she was part of a core R.F.P. team instrumental in bringing The Super Bowl, FIFA World Cup, and the Olympics to Los Angeles. Booking highlights from her time with U.S.C include the 2017 (ICC) match with Real Madrid vs. Manchester City, breaking all records with an attendance of (93,098) it is still the largest soccer match held in the Coliseum. A.P. also booked the last concerts in the L.A. Sports Arena before it was demolished to make room for the future L.A.F.C home, three iconic concerts with Bruce Springsteen were booked in his aptly coined “The Dump that Jumps”.
Prior to working at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Johnson spent fourteen years generating revenue, providing client services, and conceptualizing dynamic F/B experiences as Senior Director of Sales and Marketing with Levy Restaurants at STAPLES Center, Microsoft Theater, Dodger Stadium, Dignity Health Park, The Center at Cathedral Plaza. She has executed world-class hospitality for events including two NFL Super Bowls, MLB and NBA All-Star games, NHL Stanley Cup events, GRAMMY Awards, Emmys and countless concerts and music festivals.