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Audit finds AS&TA lapses in concession and event‑settlement reviews; authority agrees to fixes
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Summary
The Auditor General’s performance audit of the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority identified weaknesses in verification of concession and event settlement revenues and gaps in conflict‑of‑interest processes; the authority told the committee it will work with its facility manager and the Auditor General to implement recommendations.
Auditor General staff presented results from a performance audit of the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority (AS&TA), reporting two primary issues: the authority had not verified that concessions and event revenues were accurate and had not consistently performed required event settlement reviews since July 2024, and the authority’s conflict‑of‑interest policies and disclosures lacked key elements required by statute.
The contractor’s analysis showed the authority received approximately $18 million from concessions and $229 million from events over the last five years and identified the authority’s failure to monitor the facility manager’s reconciliation of concessions and event settlements as potentially resulting in under‑ or over‑payments. The audit recommended verifying concession revenues for FY2021–FY2025, strengthening oversight of the facility management contract, and revising conflict‑of‑interest policy to meet statutory requirements.
Tom Sadler, AS&TA president and CEO, told the committee the authority and its management partner, Legends Global, will work with the Auditor General’s staff to implement best practices and that conflict disclosures have been updated and approved by the authority board. Sadler said the authority will catch up on event settlement reviews before the Auditor General’s six‑month follow‑up and reiterated the authority’s focus on stadium upkeep and revenue generation.
The committee heard the presentation but did not take a motion on the authority; Auditor General contractors will follow up with the authority later this spring.
