Global Symposium on Racing Speaker: Todd Gralla
Mr. Gralla is Director of Equestrian Services for Populous, an international planning and architecture practice specializing in sports facilities, convention centers, equestrian facilities, and other public assembly venues. The firm’s projects are spread globally and include iconic venues such as Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the Sphere in Las Vegas, Sydney International Convention Center, and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the first ever Premier League/NFL stadium, to name a few. Populous is also highly regarded for very large event overlay design and management, including the Super Bowl, the Breeder’s Cup, the Kentucky Derby, FIFA World Cup, multiple Olympic Games and other major international events.
Over the past 38 years, Mr. Gralla has played a key role in the development or redevelopment of more than 400 racing and equestrian sport venues around the world. His experience includes all facets of facility development, including market & feasibility analysis, master planning, facility design, construction, and special event overlay planning. Fan engagement and in-venue event experience are key components of the firm’s approach to design, and Populous’ experience in designing today’s most prolific professional sports and entertainment venues worldwide is unique in the industry. Since joining Populous in 2009, Gralla has focused on applying the Populous design approach to racing and equestrian sport venues, elevating facility design and developing innovative design strategies around unique experiences that can only be had in the equestrian realm.