Oak View Group Invests in Family Entertainment Holdings to Ignite the next wave of Family-Oriented Live Events

Oak View Group (“OVG”), the global venue development, advisory, and investment company for the sports and live entertainment industries, today announced a strategic investment in Family Entertainment Holdings (“FEH”), a diversified entertainment holding company, solidifying a partnership that will bring highly sought-after family-oriented live events to audiences worldwide.  This landmark partnership sets the stage for a new era of captivating family-oriented live events, catapulting OVG and FEH into the forefront of the entertainment industry. 

Renowned for its strong ties with Mattel, FEH is the creative force behind Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live (“HWMTL”), a toys-to-life extravaganza featuring Mattel’s iconic Hot Wheels Monster Trucks, showcased across North America, Europe, and internationally. FEH’s Magic of Lights® (“MOL”), an enchanting outdoor holiday lights drive-through experience featuring Mattel IP including Barbie®, has become a seasonal sensation at venues throughout North America.

FEH’s visionary approach includes leveraging beloved franchises like Hot Wheels to craft additional family-oriented content. With a robust 2024 schedule and additional dates confirmed for 2025+, FEH is set to achieve significant international growth. In 2024, Magic of Lights will illuminate 25 locations for a total of 1,250 event nights, while Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live will roar into stadiums with 108 events and 349 global performances.

Francesca Bodie, COO of OVG, envisions a global impact. “This strategic investment in Family Entertainment Holdings marks an exciting chapter for Oak View Group,” said Bodie. “We see enormous potential in FEH’s family-oriented live events, including Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live and Magic of Lights. The global growth they are already experiencing aligns seamlessly with our vision for creating unparalleled entertainment experiences. We look forward to the collaborative opportunities this partnership brings, both for OVG and our Alliance venues.”

Ken Hudgens, CEO of Family Entertainment Holdings, commented, “We are thrilled to welcome Oak View Group as a strategic partner in Family Entertainment Holdings. This investment is a testament to the success we’ve achieved in delivering high-quality family entertainment experiences. With OVG’s support, we aim to further expand our reach, create innovative content, and enhance our sponsorship efforts. Eric Cole, COO of FEH, and I are excited about the growth opportunities ahead.”

FEH’s ambitious plans extend into 2025, where fans can anticipate an expanded roster of Magic of Lights shows and the introduction of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live stadium extravaganzas. The partnership not only promises a surge in global family entertainment but also presents tremendous upside to EBITDA through an enhanced sponsorship effort led by OVG’s Global Partnerships team.

Currently backed by Seaport Capital, a NY-based lower middle market private equity firm, and Gray Television (NYSE: GTN), the second largest television broadcaster in the US, FEH is poised for unparalleled success with its unique blend of family entertainment offerings.