Darren Parker
WHL's Victoria Royals
Darren Parker is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Victoria Royals and the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. Darren began his time with the Royals and the SOFMC six years ago when the hockey team arrived on the island.
The Calgary, AB native’s family has owned and operated several sports franchises including the Calgary Cannons AAA Baseball Club and the Victoria Seals of the Golden Baseball League. From his first job in sports as a bat boy for the Cannons to the several executive roles he has held, Parker has amassed 30 years within the sports and entertainment industry. This unique career history has provided him with a solid understanding of the day-to-day operations and challenges that face professional sports franchises in the market today.
The Royals and Parker were honoured with the 2015-16 Western Hockey League’s Business Award, and Parker was also named as the Golden Baseball League’s Executive of the Year in 2009.
Sports - Civic Pride and Cash
A panel discussion about the impact on economics, civic pride and tourism involving leaders of Victoria’s prominent sports franchises — and a hint of the marketing and community-driven opportunities lying just below the surface.
Featuring three people who have experience in multiple sports in Victoria — Darren Parker of the WHL’s Royals, former owner of the baseball Seals; Jason Sperling, involved with leadership for lacrosse’s Shamrocks and the football Rebels; and Jim Swanson, long-time media member and WHL journalist who owns baseball’s HarbourCats and advises hockey’s Grizzlies.
Darren’s co-panelists are:
- Jim Swanson, Managing Partner, Victoria Harbour Cats
- Jason Sperling, Victoria Shamrocks Operations Manager, Westshore Rebels Media & Community Relations