that's the ticket podcast Archives

That’s The Ticket: Season 4, Episode 5. Laura Ballance, Executive Director of The Hudgens Center of Arts & Learning

June 29, 2026 by Garrett Ervin

BRX National

That's The Ticket: Season 4, Episode 5. Laura Ballance, Executive Director of The Hudgens Center of Arts & Learning

00:00 /

Welcome to today’s episode of That’s The Ticket! podcast! Today, we are joined by someone
who is deeply involved with the arts community. Laura Ballance, Executive Director of The Hudgens Center for Arts and Learning joins host Stan Hall to discuss the positive impacts the arts has on the community.

The Hudgens Center is a non-profit arts center offering unique and inspiring year-round exhibitions, workshops and classes. This beautiful space is perfect for your next meeting or special event. The award-winning Al Weeks Sculpture Garden offers a serene site, perfect for romantic weddings. With 2,800 sq. ft. of enclosed, private outdoor space, this beautiful setting features a koi pond with waterfalls for guests to enjoy. The Grand Hall, Classic Room, and Rowe Promenade offer 2,200 sq. ft. of space, with the capability of hosting a wedding, rehearsal dinner, bridal shower, corporate event or reception. Come by for a tour and see for yourself.

You can watch the video of the podcast here https://youtu.be/jGdtUdP3owk

For further information about Gas South District and upcoming events, visit GasSouthDistrict.com

That’s the ticket!

Season 4, Episode 3: Keith Dawkins, President of Harlem Globetrotters

March 12, 2026 by Garrett Ervin

BRX National

Season 4, Episode 3: Keith Dawkins, President of Harlem Globetrotters

00:00 /

Welcome to today’s episode of That’s The Ticket! podcast! Today, we are joined by someone
who sits at the intersection of sports and entertainment and currently serves as President of the Harlem Globetrotters & Herschend Entertainment Studios.

Dawkins, who spent 17 years at Viacom (now ViacomCBS), was elevated to the position of Executive Vice President at Nickelodeon where he oversaw and grew some of that brand’s most beloved and successful networks. Dawkins also launched the Nickelodeon Sports initiative which saw him strike strategic partnerships with the likes of NFL, NASCAR, the PGA Tour, MLS, WWE, and a variety of pro athletes.

After his run at Nickelodeon, he went on to lead the internationally renowned junior golf nonprofit The First Tee, and was most recently Founder and CEO of Rock Hill Media Ventures. There, he forged partnerships with the National Basketball Players Association and Believe Entertainment, the developing studio of Dear Basketball – the Oscar® and Emmy® Award-winning short film from Kobe Bryant – and The LeBrons, an animated series from the mind of LeBron James.

“As we head toward a tremendous milestone, marking our 100th year, there’s never been a more exciting time for the Harlem Globetrotters,” said Herschend Enterprises CEO Andrew Wexler. “With ambitious plans in place for new content and branded media ventures, we know Keith will bring the perfect blend of expertise and drive needed to propel us to the next level.”

The Globetrotters content expansion into millions of homes worldwide is powered by its parent company’s in-house media arm, Herschend Entertainment Studios (HES), which develops and produces 360 franchises of wholesome entertainment worldwide for TV, film, publishing, licensing, and other media. Hit programming from HES includes the internationally syndicated animated series Chuggington and the PBS KIDS animated series Splash and Bubbles.

You can watch the video of the podcast here https://youtu.be/eD-Sj8orUes

For further information about Gas South District and upcoming events, visit GasSouthDistrict.com. That’s the ticket!

Season 3, Episode 11: THE GUEST EXPERIENCE AT GAS SOUTH DISTRICT

December 3, 2025 by Garrett Ervin

Gwinnett Studio

Season 3, Episode 11: THE GUEST EXPERIENCE AT GAS SOUTH DISTRICT

00:00 /

That’s The Ticket! brings you the stories behind the action happening at Gas South District in Duluth, GA.

On this episode, host Stan Hall is joined by Marcia Powell, Director of Guest Experience at Gas South District. Marcia pays a huge role in shaping the experience of every guest who visits the Gas South District campus. From concerts and graduations, to trade shows and sporting events, there’s one common thread — how guests feel when they’re visiting.

Marcia has been part of the Gas South District family for many years, beginning in 2000, returning in 2016, and continuing to grow her impact ever since. She’s been a part of the story through many milestones, creating memorable moments for guests. The next time you’re at a concert, graduation, or event at the Gas South District, remember that there’s a whole team behind the scenes making sure your experience is a great one.

You can watch the video of this podcast by CLICKING HERE.

The Gas South District’s “That’s The Ticket!” is the ultimate podcast exploring all things Gas South District, and a source for insights to events on campus and discussions on the wider entertainment and tourism industry. The series is hosted by Stan Hall, CEO of Gas South District and Explore Gwinnett.

For further information about Gas South District and upcoming events, visit GasSouthDistrict.com. That’s the ticket!

Season 3, Episode 10: THE RENOVATION OF GAS SOUTH ARENA

November 19, 2025 by Garrett Ervin

Gwinnett Studio

Season 3, Episode 10: THE RENOVATION OF GAS SOUTH ARENA

00:00 /

Monte Ortel, Hannah Sechrist, Christina Nguyen, and Stan Hall

This epsiode dives into something that’s shaping the future of the campus — the upcoming renovation of Gas South Arena. This project represents years of planning, collaboration, and innovation, all with one goal in mind: to enhance the experience for every guest who walks through the doors.

This episode features three leaders who are playing key roles in bringing this vision to life — from design to construction to daily operations: Christina Nguyen, Senior Designer with architectual firm Perkins & Will; Hannah Sechrist, Director of Special Projects for Gas South District; and Monte Ortel, Chief Operating Officer for Gas South District.

For further information about Gas South District and upcoming events, visit GasSouthDistrict.com. That’s the ticket!

Season 3, Episode 9: ARTISTIC CROSSWALKS AT GAS SOUTH DISTRICT

October 14, 2025 by Garrett Ervin

Gwinnett Studio

Season 3, Episode 9: ARTISTIC CROSSWALKS AT GAS SOUTH DISTRICT

00:00 /

That’s The Ticket! brings you the stories behind the action happening at Gas South District in Duluth, GA.

Host Stan Hall introduces a project that has brought creativity and community spirit right into the heart of Sugarloaf, explaining how new artistic crosswalks are more than just ways to safely cross the street, but a reflection of who we are as a community, and how partnerships can bring meaningful ideas to life. Alyssa Davis, Executive Director of the Sugarloaf CID, and Alexandra Sorto, the artist behind the beautiful design called “Quilt”, join Stan to explore how the project came to be, the partnerships that made it possible, and what it means for Gwinnett.

You can watch the video of this podcast by CLICKING HERE.

For further information about Gas South District and upcoming events, visit GasSouthDistrict.com. That’s the ticket!

Season 3, Episode 8: BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE GAS SOUTH DISTRICT

August 28, 2025 by Garrett Ervin

Gwinnett Studio

Season 3, Episode 8: BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE GAS SOUTH DISTRICT

00:00 /

That’s The Ticket! brings you the stories behind the action happening at Gas South District in Duluth, GA.

On this episode, host Stan Hall sits down with someone who truly embodies the growth and spirit of the Gas South District campus, Senior Vice President Robyn Ali. Robyn has been with Gas South District since 2007, and in that time, she has worn just about every hat you can imagine — from booking and marketing to business development and now overseeing day-to-day operations of the convention center and supporting the business across the entire campus.

Robyn is also a Certified Venue Professional, a Leadership Gwinnett graduate, and someone who has made a real impact not just with the Gas South District organization, but on the Gwinnett community as a whole.

You can watch the video of this podcast by CLICKING HERE.

For further information about Gas South District and upcoming events, visit GasSouthDistrict.com. That’s the ticket!

Season 3, Episode 7: PBR WORLD CHAMPION DAYLON SWEARINGEN

July 25, 2025 by Garrett Ervin

Gwinnett Studio

Season 3, Episode 7: PBR WORLD CHAMPION DAYLON SWEARINGEN

00:00 /

Host Stan Hall is joined by one of the top names in the sport of professional bull riding. PBR World Champion Daylon Swearingen is a fan favorite for the Carolina Cowboys, and one of the toughest, most determined athletes in professional sports. You may have seen him dominate in the arena, or recently on the big screen in The Last Rodeo, where he brought his real-life grit to the role of Billy Hamilton.

You can watch the video of this podcast by CLICKING HERE.

For further information about Gas South District and upcoming events, visit GasSouthDistrict.com. That’s the ticket!

Season 3, Episode 6: GWINNETT’S DIVERSITY & CULTURAL LANDSCAPE

June 25, 2025 by Garrett Ervin

Gwinnett Studio

Season 3, Episode 6: GWINNETT'S DIVERSITY & CULTURAL LANDSCAPE

00:00 /

Host Stan Hall interviews Sarah Park, a passionate community builder and storyteller who’s played a big role in highlighting the rich cultural diversity in Gwinnett County.

You can watch the video of this podcast by CLICKING HERE.

For further information about Gas South District and upcoming events, visit GasSouthDistrict.com. That’s the ticket!

Season 3, Episode 5: SUSTAINABILITY AT THE GAS SOUTH DISTRICT

April 16, 2025 by Garrett Ervin

Gwinnett Studio

Season 3, Episode 5: SUSTAINABILITY AT THE GAS SOUTH DISTRICT

00:00 /

Host Stan Hall interviews Jeremiah Cooper, Arena Sporting Events Manager and leader of the Green Team at Gas South District. Jeremiah explains how major events can be both exciting and environmentally responsible when it comes to sustainability.

You can watch the video of this podcast by CLICKING HERE.

For further information about Gas South District and upcoming events, visit GasSouthDistrict.com. That’s the ticket!