The Role of an Owner’s Rep

What Does It Mean to Be an Owner’s Rep?

When most people think about new stadiums, arenas, or sports facilities, they imagine the architects sketching designs or the contractors pouring concrete. But behind the scenes, there’s another role just as important: the Owner’s Representative (or “Owner’s Rep”) for any given initiative.

At NOVA, we serve as an Owner’s Rep for some of the most complex sports and venue projects in the world—including the Chicago White Sox’s new Baseball Academy in the Dominican Republic, The 1901 Project, and more. But what exactly does that mean?

The Owner’s Eyes and Ears

An Owner’s Rep is like the trusted quarterback of a project. We act on behalf of the owner—whether that’s a team, city, or venue operator to ensure every choice—whether in design, construction, or even transportation planning—stays true to the overall vision and financial goals of any given project.

While project managers handle day-to-day tasks (which we do a lot of), an Owner’s Rep strategizes and asks questions like: Are we protecting the owner’s time, money, and vision? Or Will it serve athletes, fans, and the community for the long haul?

How We Work in Sports & Major Venues

Sports and entertainment projects are unlike any other. They’re complex, high-visibility, and come with immovable deadlines (like Opening Day or artist tour stops). As an Owner’s Rep, NOVA ensures nothing falls through the cracks:

• Managing complexity – coordinating between architects, contractors, sponsors, and city officials.

• Protecting investments – reviewing contracts, financial planning, monitoring budgets, and holding partners accountable.

• Future-proofing facilities – delivering innovations like smart technology integrations, security readiness, sustainability initiatives, and fan-experience upgrades.

In short, we turn vision into reality, without the costly surprises.

Owner’s Rep vs. Project Manager: What’s the Difference?

People often confuse the two. Here’s the quick playbook:

• Project Managers keep the trains running on time.

• Owner’s Reps make sure the train is even on the right track.

Both are essential, but the Owner’s Rep exists to protect the owner’s interests above all else.

Why It Matters

For example, when the White Sox wanted to invest in the future of baseball with a world-class academy in the Dominican Republic, they needed more than a construction manager. They needed a partner to navigate cultural, logistical, and technical challenges—someone who could bring all the moving parts together while staying true to their vision. That’s where NOVA came in.

The NOVA Difference

As a woman-owned company, NOVA brings not only deep and unique expertise but also a collaborative, team-player mindset. Many of our team members first worked together at Uber, where we learned how to deliver on global-scale projects like the Super Bowl, the Olympics, and major international airports—all under intense timelines and scrutiny. Today, at NOVA, we bring that same level of precision and adaptability to the world of sports and venues, supporting some of the most visible stages, such as the Democratic National Convention and Opening Day for professional baseball teams.

That unique lens—grounded in diversity, innovation, and decades of shared experience—means we thrive in complexity and know how to deliver projects that leave a lasting legacy.

Because in the end, being an Owner’s Rep is about building trust, impact, and the future fan experiences.