Blair Listino, raised in Colorado with a father employed in finance for the Denver Broncos, had sports ingrained in her life from an early age. “We only had one TV, and sports were constantly on. If you wanted to spend time with Dad, that meant watching DU [University of Denver] hockey,” Listino recalled. Currently, the chief financial and administrative officer at Comcast Spectacor, Listino, 43, also leads Flyers Charities, the philanthropic branch of the Philadelphia Flyers, and acts as an alternate governor on the National Hockey League’s Board of Governors. She stands out as one of the few women to have held the CFO position for an NHL team.
Listino is dedicated to expanding and broadening the sport of hockey. In her 12th season with the Flyers, her position goes far beyond typical CFO duties. As chair of the board for Flyers Charities, Listino is committed to making hockey more available to children of all ages and backgrounds. Below, she talks about the influence of generations as sports fans, the special culture of teamwork and cooperation in hockey, and how her strong curiosity affects her work.
What do you appreciate about the Flyers fans?
One of my favorite aspects of Flyers supporters is their strong loyalty. They have remained loyal during our highs and lows over the last decade. And they get loud!This applies to all Philadelphia supporters. They aren’t opposed to criticizing their team when they aren’t performing well. However, there’s a strong sense of generational commitment; many have followed the team since childhood, accompanying their parents and remaining loyal for many years.
Currently, 37% of hockey fans are women and girls, representing a 26% rise since 2016. What steps is the organization taking to boost the involvement of women and girls in hockey?
Girls are currently making a significant impact on hockey like never before. When my father attended games with his father, there were no girls involved. Then my dad took me and my sister to every sport possible. Now I witness entire families attending games together. Girls are now growing up seeing women professional athletes in the WNBA, professional soccer, and the PWHL (Professional Women’s Hockey League), which is increasing from six teams to eight. My daughters watch their sports role models who arewomen. Being able to admire your role models, who resemble you, can make a significant difference.
White players make up about 90% of the NHL. What steps are you taking to increase diversity in the sport?
We are still working to increase access to hockey within our community and more.accessible. We have launched multiple initiatives to involve young athletes from diverse backgrounds in the sport. One such program is Rink Revive, which focuses on modernizing community rinks. We have carried out tasks ranging from renovating existing rinks to constructing entirely new ones.
We renovated the Scanlon Recreation Center in Kensington, which serves as the home toEd Snider’s Youth Hockey and Education Program, which provides hockey and educational opportunities for underprivileged youth. We also constructed a brand-new outdoor ball hockey rink where none had existed before! In New Hanover, we restored a ball hockey rink thattwo remarkable 11-year-old females spoke up for enhancingWe are focusing on Gibbstown and Torresdale this year, so we have introduced two additional rinks, providing new chances for local players to develop their hockey skills.
These arenas serve as the hub for youth athletic initiatives, women’s ball hockey, and introductory skating sessions. We launched a “Girls Try Hockey Free” initiative this year, aiming to remove the financial obstacle. As children begin to participate, it spreads awareness and attracts more individuals to the sport.
What would you like people to comprehend about hockey that they might not be aware of?
Many people don’t understand how demanding it is to skate for an hour. The physical effort required is significant. However, I believe one of the special aspects of hockey is its emphasis on teamwork. The game has stayed distinctly focused on team play, unlike other sports that often rely on one or two well-known players per team. For young athletes who are learning hockey, it’s all about working together. This approach helps instill the idea that cooperation is essential for success. It shapes their perspective from an early age, showing them that collaboration leads to achievement. Hockey is truly a distinctive sport.
What are your goals for the role of board chair at Flyers Charities?
I would really like every child in Philadelphia to learn about the Philadelphia Flyers and the initiatives we are involved in within the community. For example, our community relations team organized a unique recess event where we visit a school with Gritty and some former players to discuss hockey and wellness. The children learn about the significance of physical activity. We connect it to hockey, but the main message is that exercise is crucial for your health, as well as managing stress.
You are among a small number of women who have held the roles of CFO and alternate governor in the NHL. Do you aspire to see more women pursue careers in professional sports?
Yes. As a mentor, I strive to assist other young women in discovering their direction within this industry, both via a program at my college and within the Flyers organization. On a personal level, I make an effort to take my daughters wherever I can. They attend games, and they participate in the Carnival and Gritty 5K. Simply witnessing me at work has a long-term effect. They join me at charity events and the Rink Revive programs. I want them to experience it all and understand that they have options.
How is your involvement with the Flyers and their charitable initiatives expanding the appeal of hockey?
When I consider the Flyers and their influence on the game of hockey, whether it’s within the community or in the arena, I aim to concentrate on how to serve as a positive force. Our charitable efforts are a significant aspect of who we are, and it’s something that has been passed down through generations. People often recall attending the annual Carnival event at the arena during their childhood, and it continues to bring new families and their children together.
All of our athletes are present, along with the coach, the GM, and every individual in the organization. When you’re a fan and you gain access to your favorite player, or you get to meeteveryA single player on the team, that’s uncommon. The players’ wives handle the raffle and games, so the entire Flyers family is involved. That’s something our fans value. We are a large family and we support one another.
How do you encourage players to participate in community initiatives?
At the start of the year, I meet with the players and inquire about their interests. Volunteering tends to be more effective if it aligns with something they truly care about.
Numerous hockey players are quite young, which means during our initial year of this initiative, some hadn’t yet considered what they wanted to engage in. They have dedicated their whole lives to playing hockey, so we connect them with community-focused organizations, such as youth initiatives. They enjoy giving back to children, which is logical since someone provided them with an opportunity, and they wish to extend that chance to others.
In what ways is artificial intelligence or technology transforming the world of sports?
As we develop our strategy, technology plays a central role. I envision significant advancements in the sports industry and the fan experience over the next decade. However, nothing compares to being in the stadium. The energy there is unmatched! We are focused on enhancing the entertainment value, such as enabling you to listen to the announcer’s play-by-play right from your seat. Many fans appreciate having play-by-play commentary and statistics, which we are capable of providing.
In what ways has the arena experience evolved with the merging of sports and entertainment?
We established the “Gritty Chaos Corner,” a unique area where supporters can feel the excitement and playful behavior of the team’s mascot,GrittyIn an energetic, engaging area. It has been beneficial in two ways. The first is that there are many fans who ask, “How do I find Gritty?” or “My kids want to see Gritty!” So, if you come to see Gritty, you should purchase a ticket in the Chaos Corner. He will be throwing popcorn at you, or you might be dancing, singing, or beating drums with him. You’ll have the complete experience, if that’s what you’re looking for. If you came to concentrate on the game, you shouldn’t sit there!
Your position as chief financial and administrative officer doesn’t encompass everything you are responsible for.
When you hold the position of chief financial officer, people often assume you’re simply managing spreadsheets. However, one key principle I promote throughout my team is to maintain a sense of curiosity. From the beginning of my career, I’ve always had a strong professional curiosity. Although I started in finance, this field connects with many different aspects of the business.
I ask questions to gain insight into how each part of the business functions. This curiosity and desire to learn about all areas of the company have greatly advanced my professional growth. It’s crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the organization, which enables me to make well-considered decisions. When our leadership team makes a choice, we must recognize how different departments might benefit, while others could need to adapt. Grasping the overall perspective and the various interactions involved is very significant.
What or who influenced you?
My father was my greatest inspiration. He was also involved in the sports industry. He worked in finance for the Denver Broncos. He was a very intelligent person, yet he remained extremely humble. As we walked through the stadium, everyone knew him, from the cleaner to the owner.
We had just one television in our home, and sports were constantly on. I didn’t really have any choice but to watch that. If I wanted to spend time with my dad, it meant watching baseball, football, or hockey. My dad has always been a DU supporter. He developed a love for hockey, as that’s what the team was famous for. We grew up attending hockey games and following DU before the Avalanche arrived in Colorado in 1995.
That marked my first experience with hockey. It was me and my sister watching DU. Unbeknownst to my dad, when he introduced his daughters to the sport, I would end up falling in love with it.
PHILLY QUICK ROUND
What gives you the strongest sense of being a Philadelphia native?That I never wish to depart.
You haven’t truly experienced Philadelphia until you…Do you know how to spell “Schuylkill”?
Favorite Philly food spot?Osteria. I am fond of Italian cuisine.
Favorite neighborhood to explore?I have a deep affection for the Old City. Its rich historical background holds great significance for me.
Favorite performing artist? Jill Scott.
Favorite Philadelphian from history?Benjamin Franklin, as he’s present wherever you go, even in our arena! On our balcony level, an artist created a painting depicting what Benjamin Franklin would look like today, featuring a tattoo of Gritty.
Lucy Danzigeris a journalist, writer, and former editor-in-chief of Self Magazine, Women’s Sports & Fitness, and The Beet.
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