Heartlanders add Director of Ticket Sales & Service Jacob Pellegrino

Coralville, Iowa – The Iowa Heartlanders have named Jacob Pellegrino the team’s Director of Ticket Sales & Service, President Matt Getz announced Tuesday. Pellegrino, a Pleasant Hill, Iowa native, joins the Heartlanders from NASCAR, where he most recently was a Senior Account Executive, Premium & Consumer Sales. In the role, Pellegrino will serve as the strategic, revenue-driving and retention lead for Heartlanders ticketing initiatives.

Pellegrino brings major league experience to the team, serving as Business Development Account Executive for the Arizona Coyotes in 2019-20 and as a ticket sales representative for the Miami Heat in 2018-19. 

"We have to create better opportunities for people to experience the Iowa Heartlanders,” Getz said. “It doesn’t matter how well we play or how entertaining our game experience is if no one is inside Xtream Arena to see it. We interviewed several outstanding candidates for this position, and what made Jacob stand out was how badly he wanted this opportunity. He didn’t want AN opportunity; he wanted THIS opportunity. He wants to make the vision we have for this organization a reality, and I’m excited for the dynamic role he’s going to play.”

“I accepted this role because I have an opportunity to help develop and grow young professionals in the sports industry and because I believe the Heartlanders have a chance to be the best fan-focused team in the ECHL,” Pellegrino said. “I look forward to seeing the change the Heartlanders can make in the community and to become a household name in the area. I am eager to get back to my roots and the ‘Iowa nice’ of eastern Iowa.”

In his first few weeks with the team, Pellegrino will be focusing on the development of a 5-game plan that will feature the most-exciting promotional nights for the Heartlanders in the 2024-25 season. He will also focus on hiring account executives to strengthen the Heartlanders sales team. 

Pellegrino earned a bachelor's degree in Sports Marketing and Operations of Supply Chain Management from the University of Indianapolis in 2018. While in school, he also earned a few months of experience in the ECHL with the Indy Fuel as a community relations assistant. 

He graduated from Southeast Polk High School in Pleasant Hill before starting his college career. 

Join the fun at Xtream Arena in the 2024-25 season

Full-season ticket plans are currently on-sale, and deposits can be placed for partial season-plans and group outings. Call 319-855-1775 or visit https://iowaheartlanders.com/tickets/ticket-plans to place a deposit on season tickets and learn more about becoming a season ticket member.

The 2024-25 ECHL schedule will be released this offseason. Stay tuned to Iowa Heartlanders social media (@goheartlanders) and the team’s website for the schedule release. Sign up here to be notified by text message when our Home Opener is announced for the 2024-25 season.