Feb. 29, 2012
ATLANTA – Rick Thorpe, a sales and marketing executive for the PGA TOUR since 2006, was named Associate Athletic Director for Sales & Fan Experience, Athletic Director Dan Radakovich announced Wednesday.
In his new role, Thorpe will oversee Georgia Tech athletics’ sales and fan experience, and will provide leadership to premium sales, ticketing, promotions and spirit group departments.
“We are excited to have Rick join the Georgia Tech athletics family,” Radakovich said. “With his combination of experience with the PGA TOUR and college athletics, he brings a wealth of experience and creativity to our department. He will be an asset to us in a number of different areas.”
Thorpe worked in a variety of roles with the PGA TOUR, beginning his tenure as director for business development from 2006-08. He was promoted to vice-president of tournament sales and marketing in 2008, and he held that role until 2011 when Thorpe was named championship management director of sales.
In his most recent role with the PGA TOUR, Thorpe managed a 15-person regional sales team for 10 PGA Tour tournaments. He also served as co-chair of a PGA Tour sales and revenue task force of 21 people charged to investigate opportunities for tournaments to increase sales and revenue through sales strategy, sales management and ticketing promotions.
Before working at the PGA TOUR, Thorpe served as Associate Athletic Director for Marketing and Corporate Relations at the University of Connecticut from 2002-06. In 2005, the Huskies set football ticket sales and attendance records for the fourth straight year. All six UConn home games at Rentschler Field (capacity 40,000) were sold-out.
Prior to his stint at UConn, Thorpe worked from 1997-2002 in the athletic marketing office at UCLA. From 1994-97, he worked in the Vanderbilt athletics department, serving as director of marketing and promotions his final three years in Nashville.
Thorpe began his athletic administration career in 1993 as a sports administration intern at the University of Central Florida.
Thorpe is a Penn State graduate.
