Spectators will now watch the best alpine ski racers in the world compete in the iconic two-weekend event at the John and Karen Arnold Red Tail Stadium
The Vail Valley Foundation (VVF) is pleased to share that Red Tail Stadium, the iconic finish venue at Beaver Creek for the Stifel Birds of Prey Audi FIS Ski World Cup races, will now be known as the John and Karen Arnold Red Tail Stadium, recognizing their transformative contribution to the VVF in support of ski racing in the Vail Valley.
The Arnolds’ major donation supports the Empowering Possibility Campaign, the VVF’s newest and most ambitious initiative to date. The 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 Stifel Birds of Prey Audi FIS Ski World Cup to enhance the festival and competition experience and reinforce our 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. 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,” John Arnold said. “It’s very important to us that these races continue to grow and remain free to spectate. That’s one of the many things that make our Birds of Prey races unique in the world. 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 VVF Board member since 2015, serves on the VVF Board Executive Committee, and is the Chair of the organization’s finance and investment committee. John 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 Company 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 races during the upcoming Stifel Birds of Prey World Cup from December 6-15, featuring men’s downhill, super G, and giant slalom races, as well as women’s downhill and super G races.
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