Frank C. Cravotta
Senior Vice President of Design / Buffalo Bills 2021-Present
Selected as a key leadership team member in building a state-of-the-art football stadium in Western New York, driven to capture detail and emotion in all elements, from architecture to interiors to branding. This multi-layered, complex role focused on authenticity to the region, football fans, and Buffalo Bills brand.
Key Impacts
• Maximize owner interests by strengthening partnerships and delivering a detailed focus on all aspects of the stadium complex's design and construction, scheduled for completion in 2026.
• Building a stadium focused on football by creating signature interiors and architectural elements representing the Western New York region, its football legacy, and the Buffalo Bills fan base.
• Stir emotion and pride by selecting key artwork installations throughout the facility, including a signature bison statue as the focal point greeting fans entering the main entry concourse.
• Elevate brand value as a key negotiator in entitlement sponsorships, ensuring fulfillments align closely with the stadium's comprehensive design and branding and speaks to the authenticity of the Buffalo Bills.
• Lead site selection, conceptual design, multimedia vision, construction, and budget oversight of a one-of-a-kind New Stadium Experience, an immersive and historical experience with the primary goal of ticket sales.
Executive Vice President Creative Services / Pegula Sports & Entertainment 2016-2021
Creative leader and founding member of a start-up company directing a diverse portfolio of over 20 notable brands in sports, entertainment, and hospitality industries, including NFL’s Buffalo Bills and NHL’s Buffalo Sabres. Actively pursued corporate interests and ownership goals through comprehensive creative services, content strategies, marketing, business development, and community revitalization. Adeptly managed large-scale projects, navigating multiple design agendas and adhering to financial forecasting and budget constraints while meeting day-to-day requests and deliverables.
Key Impacts
• Developed team of 30 creative professionals, fostering a collaborative environment to deliver innovative graphic design, photography, video production, and architectural design solutions.
• Multiplied revenue potential by transforming PSE’s creative department into a wholly owned subsidiary, PicSix Creative, capable of generating revenue through business partnerships with Labatt USA, New Era Cap, and University at Buffalo.
• Contributed to growth of Buffalo’s waterfront area by directing all design aspects and construction of Harborcenter, a $200 million multi-use destination featuring two NHL regulation ice rinks, a large hotel, multiple restaurants, and retail spaces.
• Fostered economic growth while preserving local heritage by directing design and restoration of a historic cornerstone of Buffalo’s Cobblestone District, transforming it into a hub of commerce featuring corporate headquarters and restaurants.
Vice President Creative Services / Director Creative Services Buffalo Sabres 2004-2016
Design leader promoted through progressive roles and responsibilities. Directed creative vision and strategy for NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, NLL’s Buffalo Bandits, and First Niagara Center (now KeyBank Center). Led an in-house design team in conceptualizing and executing widely diverse projects, including marketing campaigns, in-venue fan experiences, television broadcast graphics, interior enhancements, and apparel design. Effectively balanced competing priorities to achieve ownership goals for multiple entities.
Key Impacts
• Intensified NHL and NLL fan base through immersive storytelling, recalling the rich history of sports in Buffalo with a deeply embedded sense of nostalgia, resulting in record ticket and merchandise sales year after year.
• Enriched fan and player experience through design and project management of significant 30,000 sq. ft. renovation at First Niagara Center (currently Key Bank Center). Aspects of the project included creating a signature locker room, repeatedly recognized throughout the NHL as best in class, and elevating public spaces by introducing inspirational graphics, lighting displays, sculptures, and historical exhibits to celebrate Buffalo’s teams.
• Drove revenue growth by successfully collaborating with Business Development to initiate an exclusive sponsorship group, Gold Ring Partners, and provided this limited number of partners with luxury gametime amenities, access to team events, and seamless branding integration during games and broadcasts.
• Elevated branding by introducing multiple team logos and jersey designs, creating a uniform suite and related content to differentiate gameday experiences and highlight key marketing events.
Exhibit Designer / Access TCA, Inc. 1999-2004
Created compelling graphics, exhibits, and marketing events to enhance brand engagement for industry leaders. Developed conceptual exhibit designs and renderings, translating creative visions into impactful experiences for target audiences.
Key Impacts
• Recognized as a top designer in the mid-Atlantic region, leading the 2001 Mastercard International Exhibit Design program.
• Applied emerging technologies to deliver unique value to customers, building virtual modeling and 3D walk-through animations to visualize design and customer investment options.
Principal / Cravottadesign
Artist and creator of multi-media visual art, including exhibits, sculptures, murals, and paintings that express ideas, emotions, or narratives. Utilizes traditional mediums, 3D digital tools, and AI to convey messages, challenge perceptions, and enrich patron experience for multiple global retail brands, professional sports leagues, and historical development enterprises.