Sportservice
JANUARY 2024
Delaware North goes ‘viral’ with Taylor Swift-themed menu for Bills-Chiefs playoff game
Delaware North’s team at Highmark Stadium was in the spotlight for curating Taylor Swift-themed menu items for the Buffalo Bills’ Divisional Round playoff matchup in January against the Kansas City Chiefs. The culinary tribute – with dishes such as the “Bad Blood Waffle Fries” and “Karma Quesadilla” – sparked a media frenzy, generating over 400 stories worldwide, reaching 854 million people and earning $9.8 million in publicity value.
Major outlets such as Sports Illustrated, Bleacher Report, TMZ, Vanity Fair, NBC News and CBS News covered the viral menu, while segments aired on the “Today” show and ESPN’s “SportsCenter.” The coverage extended to TV news broadcasts nationwide, ensuring the Swift-inspired creations became a key part of the cultural buzz surrounding the high-stakes playoff game.
FEBRUARY 2024
Delaware North delivers specialty menu and retail offerings for 2024 NHL Stadium Series at MetLife Stadium
Delaware North, the hospitality and retail partner at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, introduced several specialty menu items and activations for the 2024 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™. Held in February, the event featured back-to-back outdoor games with the New Jersey Devils facing the Philadelphia Flyers and the New York Rangers taking on the New York Islanders.
As part of the festivities, Delaware North set up a 100-foot-long refreshment tent within the New Amsterdam Vodka® NHL PreGame™ area, offering curated culinary selections by Executive Chef Camilo Baquero.
Alongside food and beverage offerings, Delaware North operated 18 retail locations for official NHL merchandise. The company also brought in additional culinary and management support, including staff from UBS Arena, to ensure a seamless experience for fans attending the event.
APRIL 2024
Delaware North enhances MLB fan experience with exciting 2024 offerings
As the 2024 MLB season kicked off, Delaware North introduced innovative food, beverage and retail offerings across the 10 ballparks it serves.
Highlights included specialty menu items such as the Boomstick Triple Play at Globe Life Field, farm-to-table options at Busch Stadium, and bold new flavors at Target Field and Comerica Park. The company also expanded partnerships with local restaurants and national brands, bringing fans a diverse culinary experience.
Retail collections featured exclusive merchandise, such as the Rangers Gold Collection celebrating their 2023 World Series win and limited-edition Minnesota Twins sneakers.
Ballpark enhancements went beyond food, with new hospitality spaces such as the Budweiser 703 Club at Busch Stadium, Lexus Premium Boxes at Truist Park and a reimagined Gallagher Square at Petco Park. Advanced self-checkout technology was implemented in several venues, streamlining fan purchases. Meanwhile, Delaware North expanded its role at Rate Field, including managing the ChiSox Bar & Grill, providing a lively destination for White Sox fans before and after games.
JUNE 2024
Delaware North highlights sustainability efforts at Green Sports Alliance Summit
Delaware North leaders showcased their sustainability initiatives at the 2024 Green Sports Alliance Summit in Los Angeles, the premier gathering for environmental stewardship in sports.
At the June event, Kelly McLinden and Kevin Adames of UBS Arena (where Delaware North operates foodservice) presented on the venue’s successful zero-waste efforts, highlighting a diversion rate of 90% or higher. Delaware North’s GreenPath® team led key initiatives, including eliminating single-use landfill-bound items, introducing clearer waste signage, sourcing 75% of ingredients locally and donating surplus food to nonprofits.
These efforts earned UBS Arena the Play to Zero-Waste Champion award and a TRUE Silver Certification. In addition, Delaware North’s sustainability efforts at Allianz Field in Minneapolis, home of Minnesota United FC, were recognized. The venue received the Play to Zero-Waste Leader award for its successful waste diversion initiatives.
JULY 2024
Delaware North enhances fan experience at 2024 MLB All-Star Week at Globe Life Field
Delaware North delivered an exceptional fan experience for the 2024 MLB All-Star Week at Globe Life Field, featuring innovative food, beverage, retail and technology offerings.
The culinary lineup included freshly prepared poke bowls, onsite smoked brisket, steak sandwiches and specialty items from local partners such as Hurtado Barbecue and Shrimp Doc. The event also included high-profile appearances, including TikTok star StaleKracker preparing Cajun dishes.
Retail offerings featured exclusive All-Star merchandise from top brands such as Nike, New Era and Peter Millar, along with activations including the Jersey Coaster customization station and a new container store in the North Plaza.
Delaware North also implemented sustainability and technology innovation at Globe Life Field through donating surplus food to Mission Arlington, sourcing ingredients locally to reduce carbon emissions and expanding recycling initiatives. Technological advancements included ADAM – the sport’s first-ever robot bartender – and the Rotender automated cocktail system.
Click here to view a video with highlights of hospitality offerings from Delaware North during MLB All-Star Week.
AUGUST 2024
Delaware North knocks it out of the park at the 2024 Little League Baseball World Series
Delaware North once again played a key role in the Little League Baseball World Series, providing foodservice and retail operations at the 11-day event in South Williamsport, Pa. Delaware North has been part of this iconic tournament since 2002 and expanded its role in 2024 by managing the new flagship retail store open year-round.
In addition to retail offerings such as apparel, pins and memorabilia, Delaware North provided an extensive food and beverage lineup at the main concession stand and two portable locations – Home Base and International Groove.
Through its partnership with Little League International, Delaware North supports the organization’s mission of positively impacting youth and communities while delivering an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike.
SEPTEMBER 2024
Delaware North delivers award-worthy hospitality at MTV Video Music Awards
As the music industry’s biggest names filled UBS Arena on Long Island for the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) in September, Delaware North executed a seamless food and beverage operation behind the scenes, catering for over 40 celebrity presenters and performers as well as thousands of crew members and fans.
By the numbers, Delaware North served 12,491 crew meals, 2,684 cocktails, 736 glasses of champagne for talent and 281 dressing room meals at the 2024 VMAs.
Led by Executive Chef Ted Donnelly, Premium Director Kelly McLinden and Director of Operations Jose Guzman, the team flawlessly executed catering and concessions, including offering a QR code ordering system for talent. A specialty cocktail program with Bacardi proved to be a hit, doubling last year’s cocktail sales with drinks such as the Moonwalk Mojito and Mango Fuego.