Matthew, 40, is responsible for the growth and development of Bakersfield Sports Entertainment. After a second consecutive season of 200,000+ fans in attendance and over $470,000 in goods, services and monetary donations to the community, he was named ECHL Executive of the Year for the 2006-07 season.
Matthew joined the organization late in 1997, when they were named the Bakersfield Fog, to execute the transition from the Bakersfield Convention Center to Bakersfield Centennial Garden (now known as Rabobank Arena). He took charge of the Condors in July of 1998, and in his first season as General Manager, the Condors were named the West Coast Hockey League Organization of the Year. Matthew was awarded the WCHL Executive of the Year during his second season in 1999-2000, and the Condors won ten WCHL awards in five seasons under his leadership. In 2001, his title was expanded to include President. He is also a minority owner of the Las Vegas Wranglers in the ECHL.
During the summer of 2002, Matthew was named the Acting Commissioner of the West Coast Hockey League. He played a large role in the transition to the ECHL as well as shutting down WCHL operations. He currently serves on the ECHL Board of Directors and Executive Committee and is the ECHL Vice-Chairman.
The Keokuk, Iowa native has previously served as the Executive Director of the Mobile (AL) BayBears Baseball Club, the class-AA Southern League affiliate of the San Diego Padres, and was integral in the construction of Hank Aaron Stadium, their home park. During their inaugural season in 1997, the BayBears led the Southern League in attendance, and Matthew was the Southern League nominee for the National Association's Larry MacPhail Promotional Trophy. He also served as General Manager with the Mobile BaySharks Baseball Club, Assistant General Manager of the Chattanooga (TN) Lookouts (Southern League) and interned for the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Club. Matthew is a graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University with a degree in communications. He earned a master's degree in sport management from the United States Sports Academy in Daphne, Alabama.
Matthew serves on the Board of Directors for the American Red Cross Kern County Chapter. He and his wife, Teri, reside in Bakersfield with their son Landon.
Favorite NHL Team: Our future affiliation
Favorite MLB Team: St Louis Cardinals
Favorite NFL Teams: Minnesota Vikings, KC Chiefs
Favorite NBA Team: NY Knicks
Favorite College Team: Iowa Hawkeyes
Favorite Tee-ball Team: The team Landon plays on
Favorite TV shows: Get Smart, Seinfeld, Scooby Doo
Favorite Movies: Field of Dreams, Caddyshack
Matthew Riley can be contacted at mattr@bakersfieldcondors.com
