Al Guido stands as a prominent figure in the sports and entertainment industry, currently serving as President of the San Francisco 49ers and Chairman and CEO of Elevate. His leadership is marked by a commitment to innovation and a proven track record of success across multiple major sports leagues. With over two decades of experience, Al Guido has consistently demonstrated his ability to elevate organizations and drive significant revenue growth, solidifying his reputation as a top operator in the field.
Al Guido’s Transformative Leadership at the San Francisco 49ers
Since assuming the role of President in 2016, Al Guido has been instrumental in shaping the San Francisco 49ers into a globally recognized sports franchise renowned for its business acumen and community engagement. Prior to his presidency, Al Guido served as Chief Operating Officer, further cementing his deep understanding of the organization’s operations. Under Al Guido’s guidance, the 49ers have achieved remarkable milestones, including consistently breaking franchise records in key revenue areas such as season ticket memberships, premium seating, and corporate partnerships.
Levi’s® Stadium, under Al Guido’s management, has become a premier destination for world-class events. The stadium’s impressive roster of hosted events includes Super Bowl 50, WrestleMania 31, the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship Game, and sold-out concerts featuring global music icons. Looking ahead, Levi’s® Stadium is poised to make history by hosting both Super Bowl LX and the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, a testament to Al Guido’s strategic vision and ability to attract major international events to Santa Clara. This unprecedented achievement will mark Levi’s® Stadium as the first venue to host both prestigious events in the same year, further solidifying Al Guido’s legacy in stadium management.
Alt text: Aerial view of Levi’s Stadium during Super Bowl 50, showcasing Al Guido’s success in making the venue a top destination for major events.
Al Guido’s focus on technology and innovation has also transformed the fan experience at Levi’s® Stadium. The introduction of the Member Inclusive Menu (MIM), a groundbreaking initiative that incorporates food and beverage into season ticket costs, has been lauded as a game-changer in fan concessions and recognized as the “Best New Concept in Concessions” by VenuesNow. Furthermore, the Executive Huddle presented by SAP exemplifies Al Guido’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance stadium operations and fan engagement, earning international accolades as the most innovative venue technology. Levi’s® Stadium’s technological advancements have also been recognized by the White House Smart Cities Initiative and the Department of Homeland Security, highlighting Al Guido’s holistic approach to stadium management, encompassing security and smart city integration.
Elevate: Al Guido’s Vision for a Next-Generation Sports Consulting Firm
Driven by his entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to innovate beyond his role with the 49ers, Al Guido founded Elevate in 2018. Recognizing a gap in the market for a truly integrated and results-oriented sports consulting agency, Al Guido brought together the expertise of the 49ers and industry giants Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, Live Nation | Ticketmaster, and Oak View Group to launch Elevate. This strategic alliance has propelled Elevate to become an award-winning, full-service consulting firm, serving a diverse clientele across the sports and entertainment landscape.
Under Al Guido’s leadership as Chairman and CEO, Elevate has rapidly grown into a powerhouse in sports consulting. Within just six years, Elevate has built an impressive portfolio of clients spanning major sports leagues including the EPL, NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and MLS, as well as college athletics, motorsports, and more. Elevate’s success stems from its unique blend of agency and operating experience, coupled with proprietary technology and data-driven solutions. The firm offers a comprehensive suite of services, including consumer insights, brand representation, partnership sales, executive talent strategy, and venue feasibility consultation. Elevate’s commitment to innovation and client success has been recognized by Sports Business Journal, which honored the firm with the 2023 Award for “Best in Property Consulting, Sales and Client Services,” underscoring Al Guido’s impact on the consulting side of the sports industry.
Alt text: Al Guido leading a strategic meeting at Elevate, illustrating his leadership in the sports consulting industry.
Recognition and Industry Influence of Al Guido
Al Guido’s contributions to the sports and entertainment industry have earned him widespread recognition and numerous accolades. He has been consistently lauded for his leadership, innovation, and business acumen. Sports Business Journal has twice honored Al Guido as a “Forty Under 40” recipient, a testament to his early career impact and potential. Furthermore, Al Guido was named 2021 Sports Executive of the Year by the StadiumBusiness Awards, acknowledging his global influence and success.
Al Guido’s expertise and insights are highly sought after, making him a frequent speaker at major industry conferences worldwide. He has delivered keynote addresses at prestigious events such as Leaders in Sport, Sports Business Journal’s World Congress of Sport, and the World Football Summit, sharing his vision and perspectives on the evolving sports landscape. Al Guido’s thought leadership extends to broadcast media, where he regularly appears on networks like Bloomberg, CNBC, and FOX Business Network, providing expert commentary on sports business trends and innovations.
Early Career and Foundations of Al Guido’s Success
Prior to his impactful roles with the 49ers and Elevate, Al Guido honed his skills and gained invaluable experience in various leadership positions within the sports industry. Notably, Al Guido played a key role in the Dallas Cowboys’ successful opening of AT&T Stadium, where he spearheaded PSL sales that broke industry records, generating over $600 million. His tenure with the NHL’s Phoenix Coyotes saw him drive revenue increases for the first time in the franchise’s history and achieve top rankings in new business sales within the NHL. Al Guido’s career trajectory began with Comcast-Spectacor, where he gained foundational experience in managing major sports and entertainment properties, setting the stage for his future leadership roles.
Beyond his professional achievements, Al Guido is deeply committed to community engagement and philanthropic endeavors. He serves on the Board of City Year San Jose/Silicon Valley, contributes to the Navy Seal Foundation, and is involved with various advisory boards focused on sports, society, and positive coaching. Al Guido’s dedication to making a positive impact extends beyond the boardroom and into the community, reflecting his holistic approach to leadership and success. His educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the College of New Jersey, where he also excelled as a wide receiver on the football team, instilling in him the values of teamwork and dedication that underpin his professional life.
In conclusion, Al Guido’s career is a testament to visionary leadership, strategic innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the sports and entertainment industry. From transforming the San Francisco 49ers and Levi’s® Stadium to building Elevate into a leading consulting firm, Al Guido continues to shape the future of sports business and inspire those around him with his passion and dedication.
