Birds of Prey World Cup finish venue gets new name

Red Tail Stadium will now be known as the John and Karen Arnold Red Tail Stadium, the Vail Valley Foundation announced in a press release on Oct. 30. The iconic Birds of Prey World Cup race finish venue at Beaver Creek received the new name to recognize the Arnold’s “transformative contribution to the non-profit in support of ski racing in the Vail valley,” the release stated.

The Arnolds’ major donation supports the Empowering Possibility Campaign, the Vail Valley Foundation’s newest and most ambitious initiative to date. The Empowering Possibility Campaign is designed to propel the community forward through strategic investments in arts, athletics, education and community support programs. The Arnolds’ contribution specifically advances the campaign’s ski racing legacy goals, which include investments into the Birds of Prey World Cup to enhance the festival and competition experience and reinforce the region’s position as a premier destination for world-class athletic events.

This gift ensures that the stadium’s grandstands will remain free to spectators, preserving the event’s accessibility for ski racing fans from around the world.

“John and Karen Arnold’s leadership and commitment to the Vail Valley Foundation and alpine ski racing exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy that makes our community special,” said Mike Imhof, president of the Vail Valley Foundation. “Their generous contribution ensures that our legacy as an alpine world cup organizer since 1981 can continue for years to come. In addition, it allows us to deliver a world-class experience that brings incredible energy and economic vitality to our valley each year. We are humbled by John and Karen’s profound gift and grateful for their support in preserving and enhancing this cherished tradition.”

“The Vail and Beaver Creek community is one of a handful of places in the world that have hosted FIS alpine World Cups for nearly 60 years. We wanted to honor that amazing history and make certain it has a bright future for decades to come,” John Arnold stated.

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“The value of the Stifel Birds of Prey races goes far beyond the thrill of race day and the excitement of competition. They truly are a pillar of culture and community, a place where all of us can come together and celebrate the mountains, the ski racing heritage of our valley and the VVF, the remarkable athletes, and one another.”

Keeping the growing event free for spectators is something Arnold cares deeply about.

“That’s one of the many things that make our Birds of Prey races unique in the world,” he continued. “Karen and I are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of continuing this great tradition in ski racing and winter sports culture, and we look forward to seeing this year’s historic event get underway!”

John Arnold, a Vail Valley Foundation board member since 2015, serves on the board executive committee and is the chair of the organization’s finance and investment committee. Arnold brings extensive business and philanthropic experience to the organization. As chairman, CEO, and owner of his two companies — Petroleum Products Corp., which was sold in 2015, and PPC Lubricants, Inc., which was sold in 2021 — Arnold’s leadership extends across multiple prestigious boards, including the Sageworth Trust Co. board, the Alvernia University board, the Penn State Council on Philanthropy, and the Smeal School of Business board of visitors. Arnold was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Award from Pennsylvania State University in 2019.

The newly named John and Karen Arnold Red Tail Stadium will host all Birds of Prey World Cup races from Dec. 6-15, including men’s downhill, super-G and giant slalom as well as women’s downhill and super-G races.

For more information visit VVF.org.