313 Presents, Detroit’s premier live entertainment company that promotes and produces top events at six leading venues, announced today that industry booking veteran Sarah Zawalski has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Booking & Industry Relations. In this role, Zawalski will lead the 313 Presents booking team and advance the company’s mission to provide access to amazing entertainment and alive moments inspired by the soul of Detroit. Zawalski succeeds Dana Warg, one of the nation’s best-known live entertainment booking leaders, as part of a planned succession.

Zawalski, recently named one of VenuesNow 2024 “Women of Live,” will oversee the booking and content strategy for the company’s six world-class venues – Little Caesars Arena, Fox Theatre, Pine Knob Music Theatre, Comerica Park, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre and Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre as well as lead partnerships across new markets and venues to expand the company’s business. Zawalski will immediately assume this leadership role from Warg, with whom she has worked for more than 15 years. Warg will continue with the company focusing on larger-scale projects and new initiatives while supporting the transition.

“After an extensive national search, Sarah distinguished herself as the best candidate to lead our booking team and key industry relationships into the future,” said Howard Handler, president of 313 Presents. “Sarah lives and breathes our culture, she’s a no-nonsense problem solver, talented dealmaker and drives the business with a growth mindset. I’m excited to watch Sarah soar.”

“I’ve been privileged to witness and support Sarah’s growth over many years. She works tirelessly with promoters, agents and artists to build trusting relationships and to put the very best content on our stages.” said Warg. “I am thrilled to see her take this well-deserved next step.”

Zawalski is a 25-year Detroit sports and entertainment industry veteran, beginning her career with Olympia Entertainment, holding a variety of roles from private event sales to arena production leading to her role as Director of Booking which she had held since 2005. During this time, she actively participated in planning and development for Little Caesars Arena providing valuable insight into the artist compound, seating configuration and sightlines from a concert perspective. She also played an instrumental role in the creation of 313 Presents, collaborating with both Ilitch Sports + Entertainment and Pistons Sport & Entertainment to ensure a smooth transition.

Zawalski most recently served as 313 Presents Senior Director of Booking, securing more than 4,000 events throughout her career including 50 stadium shows at Comerica Park. She also manages the event calendar across the company’s expansive portfolio of venues. Recent noteworthy events include securing a multi-year commitment to host iHeart Radio’s “Jingle Ball” and Cirque Du Soleil’s Christmas blockbuster “Twas The Night Before…”, Claressa Shields World Middleweight Boxing Championship defense at Little Caesars Arena, and the acquisition of other big events including the 2022 NCAA D1 Wrestling Championships and the 2024 NCAA D1 Men’s Basketball Midwest Regional.

“I’m eager for the opportunity to serve Metro Detroit’s incredible passion for live entertainment and to further build 313 Presents position in our industry,” said Zawalski. “I’d like to thank my mentor, Dana Warg, who has helped guide me to this point and Howard Handler for his confidence and support as I step up to this leadership role.”