Erik Hudson

As a general manager, I am responsible for booking all the live entertainment events, as well as overseeing the day to day operations of the Mountain America Center, Hero Arena, and the Blue Cross of Idaho Conference Center. I am also the resident loud voice in the office as a side job.

What has been your favorite memory to date from working at the Mountain America center?
My favorite individual memory was the Old Dominion concert, but overall I think as a whole, the entire first year was something that I will never forget.

One word to describe myself:
Goofy.

If you were on tour, what items or requests would you put on your artist rider?
Chicken and rice bowl from Zoe’s kitchen, playing cards, a cribbage board and local bourbon.

If you were the headliner for a concert, who would you want as your opener?
I always wanted to be a country music star, so a guy like Chris Young would be the coolest. Obviously, if he was alive it would be Johnny Cash though.

What dream event/concert would you like to have come to the Mountain America Center?
I saw Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell, Lee Brice, and Dierks Bentley at Soldier Field and that’s the concert I would want here. My second choice would be Morgan Wallen, Bailey Zimmerman, and Hardy.

Brennan Mihalick

As Assistant General Manager, I lend my hand to every department to assist with day-to-day operations and help cultivate a team atmosphere. I work heavily with our ticketed events, like concerts and comedy shows, to line up everything from lights and sound to backstage items like dressing room setup and production offices. I also oversee our ice rentals, so I work with our community users on booking everything from weekly practices to larger events like hockey tournaments and figure skating shows.

What has been your favorite memory to date from working at the Mountain America Center?
We’ve had a lot of great shows, but I’d have to say my favorite memory was hosting the Dropkick Murphys. As a band I’ve enjoyed listening to for years, it was incredibly rewarding to play a part in hosting them in our venue. Not only did the put on one heck of a show, everyone on the tour was great to work with, and the artists genuinely enjoyed their time and had such great things to say about our venue, fans, and community as a whole. It will be hard to top that day.

What are you currently excited about in your job?
The challenge of outdoing ourselves each year as we move towards a very bright future.

If you were on tour, what items or requests would you put on your artist rider?
A bag of Snyder’s of Berlin Hawaiian Sweet Onion chips, a dozen of assorted fresh donuts, and a six pack of a local dark beer.

If you were the headliner for a concert, who would you want as your opener?
DJ Khaled. He brings the highest of energy to everything he does, is the ultimate hype man, and has a rolodex filled with anybody who’s anybody. That’s the guy I want priming my crowd.

What dream event/concert would you like to have come to the Mountain America Center?
My dream event would be a new Up In Smoke tour with the core group of Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and Ice Cube joined by a few new guests.

Andy Birch

 I am the Director of Security and Guest Services. Our services are responsible for the front and back of house security, customer service, and cleanliness of the building. I along with my 2 fantastic managers, train, develop, and support over 180 security, ushers, ticket takers, and housekeepers. My role is to ultimately provide the best guest experience possible for all those who attend the venue, including fans, patrons, and performers alike.

What has been your favorite memory to date from working at the Mountain America Center?
My favorite memory of working for the Mountain America Center is being a part of the opening of this building. Starting from scratch and hiring all the fantastic people I get to work with day in and day out. The memories of the people I have made long-term relationships with will be what will forever be my favorite memories.

If you were on tour, what items or requests would you put on your artist rider?
Platter of sushi, must be local and fresh. Bonus points for sushi chef on site. Soda bar with all the fixings, must have Dr Pepper One , sugar-free coconut cream, and assorted sugar-free syrups. Assorted candy gummies, preferred Black Forest Gummy Bears or Worms, Swedish Fish, Dots, etc.

If you were the headliner for a concert, who would you want as your opener?
I would co-headline with Metallica and have any of the following open for me: Volbeat, Five Finger Death Punch, or Def Leppard

What dream event/concert would you like to have come to the Mountain America Center?
Metallica or Garth Brooks…..That would be amazing. A boy can dream can’t he?

Kelsey Salsbery

As the Director of Marketing for the venue, my job is simple: get butts in seats! Our venue is meant to be FULL and LOUD and SOLD OUT! So, my job is to promote every event coming to our venue using a variety of traditional, digital, and grassroots marketing efforts. I am also in charge of back of house and artist hospitality to ensure that our special guests are provided with the best service in the industry. I have a large hand in our guest services, box office management, and content creation for every show that comes through our doors.

What has been your favorite memory to date from working at the Mountain America Center?
Opening the building in Nov 2022 was the most humbling, exhausting, exhilarating time in my life. So special to open our doors to the community of Eastern Idaho after they had waited over a decade for an arena to come to life. So many memorable shows already, but one of my favorites was watching the crowd absolutely having the time of their lives at the Falling In Reverse Popular MonsTOUR show in July 2023. I watched the crowd all night and it was incredible to see the fans so enthralled with their favorite artists. I also have lots of backstage memories, most of them involving our artist gift presentations. The times in which we present artists with curated and custom gifts at nearly every show has been humbling to be a part of. I have loved seeing their faces light up and how grateful they are for those special little touches and high level of hospitality we bring to every show.

If you were on tour, what items or requests would you put on your artist rider?
A large variety of snacks from Trader Joe’s, no overhead fluorescent lighting…lofi-dimmed lights only, a coffee cart complete with barista to make any espresso drink I feel like that day, and the city’s best local food truck on site for post-show meal.

If you were the headliner for a concert, who would you want as your opener?
Justin freakin’ Timberlake. And then I would make him come out on stage during my set to serenade me with a song. My show, my rules.

What dream event/concert would you like to have come to the Mountain America Center?
Ed Sheeran playing his album “Divide” top to bottom OR a Gonzaga University Men’s basketball game vs top 25 opponent.

Best concert you have been to and why:
Jack Johnson at The Gorge in early 2000s. In the last set of his encore, he told the crowd “Hey, I just wrote this song the other day and I kind of like it, so I want to try it out right now for you” and it was his song Banana Pancakes. Still one of my favs and what a treat to hear it for the first time! Garth Brooks at Rice-Eccles Stadium is a core memory, and Old Dominion at the Mountain America Center in February 2023 was UNREAL!

Meghan Wescoat

I oversee all the Food & Beverage Operations at the MAC. My commitment to our guests is to escalate and maintain superior food and drink quality adding to an overall outstanding experience at the MAC.

What has been your favorite memory to date from working at the Mountain America Center?
As I believe the strength of F&B lies within our people, after our last basketball game, a few of our suite runners and I got to shoot some late night hoops before they put away the court.

Best concert you have been to and why:
Stoney LaRue! Best Red Dirt Music around and adding in a dive bar atmosphere always hits home!

If you were on tour, what items or requests would you put on your artist rider?
Micheladas, Andes Mints, and Juicy Fruit Gum

If you were the headliner for a concert, who would you want as your opener?
Ole 60

What dream event/concert would you like to have come to the Mountain America Center?
Treaty Oak Revial

Chelsea Aken

As the Concessions Manager at the Mountain America Center my job is to oversee all the concession stands on the concourse. I may be found at the register of your favorite stand to greet you and offer you some of our delicious treats, or in the kitchen of a stand helping our cooks get your order made fresh and delivered to you hot.

What has been your favorite memory to date from working at the Mountain America Center?
Meeting Joe (the guitarist from Halestorm) after the concert when talking to their hospitality manager. He shook my hand and gave me his guitar pick from the show.

Best concert you have been to and why:
Joan Jett and the blackhearts, Berlin and Pat Benatar. I bought tickets for my mom and I to go and was able to keep it a secret from her until we were walking up to the gates to go inside. The best part is that I was able to get her reaction on video!

If you were on tour, what items or requests would you put on your artist rider?
Celsius energy drinks, barbeque food, and a firework show as big as the 4^th of July!

If you were the headliner for a concert, who would you want as your opener?
I would want someone that obviously has an amazing voice and talent, but would want it to be someone that isn’t well known, so I can hopefully help them become the headliner to their own show.

What dream event/concert would you like to have come to the Mountain America Center?
I would love to have Jelly Roll come to the Mountain America Center.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Broken Wing- Martina McBride. ( I saw her by the loading dock doors, got star struck, turned around back to the kitchen, and died)

Scott Beseris

I work with all departments to handle everything from building maintenance and repairs to logistics and set ups for our live events. I also drive the Zamboni during Spud Kings games and ice events and ensure that the ice floor is pristine and functional. 

What has been your favorite memory to date from working at the Mountain America Center?
Spud king overtime victories 🤘🏻

What is your Zamboni driver nickname?
Scott VanZam

Do you have a motto or mantra? What is it?
We’ll figure it out

If you were on tour, what items or requests would you put on your artist rider?
Top Shelf Long Island Ice Teas, freshly made to order, a locally sourced smoothie (for balance), Edostory hot tub portable oval 2 person spa with 90 bubble jets. I perform my best after a good jacuz and snooze.

If you were the headliner for a concert, who would you want as your opener?
If I was a headliner, I’d obviously be a comedian. We would bring Daniel Tosh to vibe check everyone.

What dream event/concert would you like to have come to the Mountain America Center?
Slumfest meets Idaho featuring a line up with Caskey (BlackSheep). Yelawolf and Jellyroll.

Jennifer Bjornlie

As the financial controller, I process settlements for all shows and events. Fun times! And as the HR specialist, I finalize all the hiring of employees, plus process their payroll.

What has been your favorite memory to date from working at the Mountain America Center?
My favorite memory from the past year was riding one of the 4-wheelers on ice before the X-treme International Ice Racing show

Best concert you have been to and why:
Went to PowerTrip in California this past Oct. It was the best because it was 6 bands over 3 days. Awesome!

Do you have a motto or mantra? What is it?
Buy the tickets!

If you could write a book about your life, what would it be and why?
The Life and Times of a Boring Accountant Who Loves Music & Motorsports

What’s your go-to karaoke song?
I don’t do karaoke, but if I did, my song would be Pour Some Sugar on Me by Def Leppard

If you were on tour, what items or requests would you put on your artist rider?
Dogs/puppies on site, coffee bar, Jelly Bean Skittles

If you were the headliner for a concert, who would you want as your opener?
I would invite the bands that inspired me to become a headliner: Metallica, Def Leppard, Alabama

What dream event/concert would you like to have come to the Mountain America Center?
Something similar to PowerTrip: 3 day, 6+ bands to include: Metallica, Def Leppard, AC/DC, Maiden, Priest, Tesla

Cody Haggerton

I am responsible for the building and creation of events to be available for purchasing tickets at the Mountain America Center. I ensure all tickets are priced accurately as well as set up the seating chart to the standards of the promoter and show. I also ensure all tickets are scanning and working properly during events, and my team assists any patrons needing assistance whenever needed.

What has been your favorite memory to date from working at the Mountain America Center?
Being able to see one of my favorite bands, TOOL, for the first time in concert.

Best concert you’ve ever been to and why:
YEEZUS TOUR – 2013, Main Act: Kanye West, Opening Act: Kendrick Lamar, enough said….

If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would you choose and why?
Any professional basketball player, so that I can finally know what it’s like to be tall.

If you were on tour, what items or requests would you put on your artist rider?
If I was on tour the items I would put on my rider would be an Iced Vanilla Cold Brew from a local coffee shop, endless supply of tortilla chips and queso dip, and a 12 pack of a locally brewed IPA.

If you were the headliner for a concert, who would you want as your opener?
If I was headlining, I would want Nirvana opening up for me

What dream event/concert would you like to have come to the Mountain America Center?
Dream event/concert would be Headliner: Pearl Jam, Openers: Smashing Pumpkins and Alice in Chains

Josh Hepworth

I work with all departments to handle everything for logistics and repair for every ticketed event in our building. I also drive the Zamboni during Spud Kings games and ice events and ensure that the ice floor is pristine and functional. 

What has been your favorite memory to date from working at the Mountain America Center?
TOOL

What is your Zamboni driver nickname?
The Big Zambowski

If you were on tour, what items or requests would you put on your artist rider?
A “Crossover Tropical Inflatable Bounce House with Double Inflatable Water Slides, 16.5 x 15 x 11 Foot, Bouncy House , Commercial Outdoor Party Bouncer with Stakes and Storage Bag” (I will check receipts!), A barrel of shelled peanuts, and one (1) 7-11 Slurpee, mixed flavor

If you were the headliner for a concert, who would you want as your opener?
Those that know me are aware that I’m already a rock star. So, they would have to worthy to be in my presence. With that said, I would like to have my boys of Limp Bizkit open for my show.

What dream event/concert would you like to have come to the Mountain America Center?
My dream show would be to bring back Ozzfest but I would make Black Sabbath headline. I’m not talking about nowadays Black Sabbath; I’m talking pre-1988 Black Sabbath.

Kaylene Hunt

As the Director of Bars and Guest Services, I play a pivotal role in overseeing the seamless operation of part our hospitality establishments. I oversee 7+ bars, 100+ beer taps, and 24 suites and loge boxes.  I love being a support to my amazing staff in making sure we have the highest standards of customer service to ensure the best experience for our amazing guests.

What has been your favorite memory to date from working at the Mountain America Center?
Bartending at the Skydeck bar during the Falling in Reverse concert and when Our Last Night started playing “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls the whole bar was singing along with them. Then the next day seeing Our Last Night posting a Tik Tok of the Idaho Falls show and knowing the whole entire arena was singing too just made it all the more special of an experience. 

If you were on tour, what items or requests would you put on your artist rider?
Coconut water no pulp, 2 dozen of the best local gluten-free donuts, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan protein shakes

If you were the headliner for a concert, who would you want as your opener?
Glass Animals

What dream event/concert would you like to have come to the Mountain America Center?
John Michael Montgomery and Reba McEntire

Kayla Hunter

I assist the controller with day-to-day accounting tasks and the GM with projects or any other tasks needed. I help those in other leadership roles where I can. Most importantly, I keep the breakroom and operations staff stocked with coffee, energy drinks and snacks.

What has been your favorite memory to date from working at the Mountain America Center?
One of my best memories was seeing one of my favorite bands from high school, the Goo Goo Dolls.  It was fun to attend the concert with my kids and introduce a new generation to their music. My son was also a huge fan of Fitz and The Tantrums who opened for Goo Goo!

If you were on tour, what items or requests would you put on your artist rider?
Wood-fired pizza food truck, assorted locally made pastries and fancy desserts, nugget ice maker and soda bar

If you were the headliner for a concert, who would you want as your opener?
I would have loved The Cranberries to be my opener.

What dream event/concert would you like to have come to the Mountain America Center?
Incubus, Trapt, 3 Doors Down

Tony McCarty

I work with all departments to handle everything from building maintenance and repairs to logistics and setups for our live events. I also drive the Zamboni during Spud Kings games and ice events and ensure that the ice floor is pristine and functional. 

What has been your favorite memory to date from working at the Mountain America Center?
My favorite memory working here has to be dressing up as characters for driving the Zamboni. 

What is your Zamboni driver nickname?
Tony Zamboni, of course!

If you could trade places with anybody, who would it be and why?
If I could trade places with anybody it would be our GM Erik Hudson, so that I could book Creed and Limp Bizkit and could make Josh happy.

If you were on tour, what items or requests would you put on your artist rider?
An assortment of local beer, Lego set (minimum 500 pieces, no max), and Baskin Robbin’s Daiquiri Ice 

If you were the headliner for a concert, who would you want as your opener?
Creed or Motley Crue 

What dream event/concert would you like to have come to the Mountain America Center?
Juice Wrld or Elvis Presley

Tina Melnar

I am the kitchen manager at Mountain America Center and that entails making sure our kitchen team provides our guests with quality food service, ensuring an overall satisfactory experience at our arena.

What has been your favorite memory to date from working at the Mountain America Center?
My favorite memory so far is when Meghan, my team, and I were able to feed 1250 people successfully!!

If you were on tour, what items or requests would you put on your artist rider?
Chicken and dumplings, 1942 Don Julio Silver, Godiva chocolate.

If you were the headliner for a concert, who would you want as your opener?
I would like an old, classic rock tour to open for me.

What dream event/concert would you like to have come to the Mountain America Center?
Alice in chains, Motley Crue and ACDC

Best concert you’ve ever been to and why:
Hank Williams Junior, because i was 17 and my mom let me go to the rodeo myself. 

Chad Nelson

I oversee our guest service and security team. I strive to maintain a safe and secure venue at all times. One of my main goals is to try to make sure our guests’ have a memorable, fun, and overall pleasant experience while they are visiting our amazing venue.

What has been your favorite memory to date from working at the Mountain America Center?
I have many fantastic memories of working here. Anywhere from all of the awesome shows I have had the opportunity to be a part of, meeting many cool and fantastic artists, to receiving fatherly advice and a hug from Beach Boy, Bruce Johnston. I think one of my favorite memories is how I was recruited to work for the Mountain America Center.

If you were on tour, what items or requests would you put on your artist rider?
A large spread of fresh Sushi, Sashimi, and Nigiri with a sushi chef rolling made to order rolls, a full service bar including alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks, a masseuse and hot tub on site available all day, and a personalized welcome mat at my dressing room door welcoming all who enter.

If you were the headliner for a concert, who would you want as your opener?
I would like Journey, Sting, or Elton John as my opener. Unless I’m rappin’: then go Snoop, Dre, or Ice Cube

What dream event/concert would you like to have come to the Mountain America Center?
I would enjoy a number of concerts like Snoop Dogg, Dr Dre, Eminem, or Ice Cube But, an event I think would be fun is the Sumo Sushi show! They have real, live Sumo wrestling while serving sushi. Best of both worlds!

Tyler Ogren

As the Assistant Kitchen Manager at the Mountain America Center, I help with the catering jobs, premium seating food orders, inventory management, and overall food quality. 

What has been your favorite memory to date from working at the Mountain America Center?
I don’t really have one specific favorite memory, but I have just loved working here and watching the magic unfold with all of the shows and events we bring to Idaho Falls. 

If you were on tour, what items or requests would you put on your artist rider?
I would request a mixture of pasta dishes, Shrimp Alfredo being a must! I would also require lemonade to be on hand. Pretty simple!

If you were the headliner for a concert, who would you want as your opener?
I would love to have Jelly Roll or Upchurch open for me.

Best concert you have been to and why:
I haven’t been able to attend a show yet, but I worked the night of Falling In Reverse and they sounded great!

What dream event/concert would you like to have come to the Mountain America Center?
My dream concert would be Jelly Roll, but it would also be cool to get WWE in the building since I grew up watching it. 

Emily Sellers

As the Director of Accounting at Mountain America Center, I work hand in hand with our controller to oversee financial operations and ensure compliance with industry standards. My strategic approach to financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls aligns with the dynamic needs of a sports and event Center. I am committed to optimizing financial systems in a collaborative work environment.

What has been your favorite memory to date from working at the Mountain America center?
I’d have to say through the shared experience of watching the hockey games with my family. The joy and enthusiasm my boys have for interacting with the hockey team, as well as the commitment they’ve made to catching every game, whether at the arena or on TV, speaks volumes. These memories not only celebrate the excitement of sports but also a testament to the lasting impact that community, sports, and family connections have on creating these treasured memories!

If you were on tour, what items or requests would you put on your artist rider?
Diet Coke, corn hole Boards, mexican burritos from back home, chips, guac & multiple flavors of HOT salsa and hot wings… with a nice outdoor patio to be on.

If you were the headliner for a concert, who would you want as your opener?
Warren Zeiders & Logan Michael

What dream event/concert would you like to have come to the Mountain America Center?
A Finals Rodeo!

Anna Smith

As the Meeting and Banquet Events Manager at the Mountain America Center, I turn visions into memorable occasions. From booking to execution, I orchestrate the details and ensure every private event goes off without a hitch – all while making it look effortless. I love working with local organizations and community members to utilize this amazing facility in making their events come to life.

If you were on tour, what items or requests would you put on your artist rider?
New York style pizza, fresh squeezed lemonade, and pistachio gelato. 

If you were the headliner for a concert, who would you want as your opener?
Pat Benatar 

What dream event/concert would you like to have come to the Mountain America Center?
George Strait or P!nk

Jessica Smith

I monitor all the daily operations of the housekeeping department, including the cleanliness of the entire building. Train and supervise cleaning staff, prepare schedules and assign duties to staff, maintain the inventory of cleaning supplies, inspect the building and common areas to make sure they are clean. I work hard to keep good morale amongst employees.

What has been your favorite memory to date from working at the Mountain America Center?
If I had to pick one it would be taking my kids to see a hockey game.

If you were on tour, what items or requests would you put on your artist rider?
Lots of ice cold water with lemons, but the ice is from Sonic. No chicken or eggs in the building! A giant goldfish bowl full of an assortment of ChapStick and gum

If you were the headliner for a concert, who would you want as your opener?
Manchester Orchestra

Best concert you have been to and why:
Green day, Blink 182, Jimmy eat world. First time I crowd surfed.

What dream event/concert would you like to have come to the Mountain America Center?
Green day, Blink 182, Blue October and Manchester Orchestra.

Maileigh Taylor

As the Bar and Suites Manager at our prestigious 4000+ people event arena, I am the person behind the scenes, ensuring the seamless operation of our bars and suites. My responsibilities encompass meticulous inventory management to guarantee well-stocked and efficiently run bars. Additionally, I personally oversee the setup of suites for our guests and expediting flawless food service during events.

What has been your favorite memory to date from working at the Mountain America Center?
It would have to be the Foreigner concert that my grandma got to come see. When I was able to check on her during the show, she had several other guests holding her up so she could dance and sing with them. Now that she is no longer with us, having that memory made me even more grateful to have the job that I do.

If you were on tour, what are three items you would put on your artist rider?
Milagro Silver Tequila with Pineapple Juice (obviously), 24 carne asada tacos, no onion; from Tacos Mi Pueblo in Idaho Falls with their homemade green sauce (not sharing at all), and a recorded tape of the Philadelphia Eagles beating the New England Patriots in the 52^nd Superbowl in 2017, for pre-show warm ups. P.S. (Tom Brady sitting on the field crying, will forever be my favorite memory).

Best concert you have been to and why:
Simple Plan, because they were one of my favorite bands growing up. I haven’t gotten to go to a lot of concerts, so getting to see them was nostalgic.

If you were the headliner for a show, who would you want as your opener?
It would most definitely have to be Paramore! Hayley Williams baby!

What dream event/concert would you like to have come to the Mountain America Center?
Linkin Park, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, or 3 Doors Down

Sydney Taylor

I am the Assistant Box Office Manager and Plaque Seat Liaison. I assist Cody, the Box Office Manager, and also handle any issues or concerns with the our premium seating owners (suites, loges, and seat plaques). I also help manage our Bingham Healthcare Box Office during open to the public and event days. I help teach and empower guests how to use the Ticketmaster app with ease and efficiency!

What has been your favorite memory to date from working at the Mountain America Center?
One of my favorite memories from working at the Mountain America Center would be when Martina McBride came to town. It was so fun to see her tour again, and see she still has it!

If you were on tour, what items or requests would you put on your artist rider?
I would put Hawaiian Mac Salad and Pulled Pork Sandwiches, hot tub access, and a fruit smoothie!

If you were the headliner for a concert, who would you want as your opener?
I have always been a country fan, so I would love to have Kelsea Ballerini or Lauren Alana open for me.

Best concert you have been to and why:
One of my favorites was Falling in Reverse, Ice Nine Kills, and supporting bands. It was a blast, and lots of great music!

What dream event/concert would you like to have come to the Mountain America Center?
My dream concert would include Dan + Shay, Brett Young, and Cody Johnson.