Hospitality partner will assume exclusive catering services at the multi-purpose stadium

STAMFORD, Conn. & HAMILTON, Ont. (FEBRUARY 6, 2020) – Centerplate, the leading hospitality partner to North America’s premier sports entertainment venues, today announced a multi-year agreement with Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario. The multi-year partnership will grant Centerplate management of catering, food and beverage, and concessions services at the venue, effective immediately. This will entail the upcoming seasons for the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats and CPL’s Forge FC, along with the 2021 Grey Cup and an ongoing collection of other high-profile events hosted at Tim Hortons Field.

“We prioritize a first-class environment for the fans and our corporate partners at Tim Hortons Field and are constantly looking for ways to enhance our fan experience,” said Matt Afinec, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Tiger-Cats and Forge FC. “We look forward to working with our new partners at Centerplate to deliver an exciting new era in hospitality and service, building on what is already the best live viewing experience in Canada.”

Centerplate’s focus, aided by its in-house Hospitality Solutions Group, is to work alongside the venue to reinvent what guests take away from their time spent at the general concourses, social viewing areas and premium spaces of Tim Hortons Field. Through understanding the local food trends and offering best-in-class dynamic customer service, Centerplate is helping influence a new standard in Canadian entertainment.

“We are excited to come in and enhance the guest experience for all Hamiltonians and visitors who come to Tim Hortons Field to enjoy an event,” added Steve Pangburn, Centerplate Chief Executive Officer. “Our team has hit the ground running, with a focus on quality service, partnerships with premium local, regional and national partners, and innovative new design. The bold vision of the venue managers makes this an exciting new venture for us.”

This announcement comes on the heels of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats unveiling plans to deliver the most unique and social stadium experience in Grey Cup history for the 2021 Grey Cup. Capitalizing on the distinctive design and configuration of Tim Hortons Field, the day will be highlighted by the Grey Cup Social, a “music festival meets food expo” in the South Plaza. The venue will expand from a capacity of 23,218 to more than 33,000 for the Grey Cup, and the dining experience will be a key facet in making sure that all fans have a memorable experience.

Centerplate also serves as the hospitality partner Centerplate also serves as the hospitality partner for numerous leading multipurpose Canadian venues, including Bell MTS Place – home of the National Hockey League’s Winnipeg Jets – and BC Place –home of the Vancouver Whitecaps and BC Lions, and host of the opening ceremonies for the 2010 Winter Olympics. The company also just completed hosting its 15th Super Bowl, with Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Members of the media will be invited to an exclusive food and beverage showcase to unveil some of the new concepts and menu items later this spring before, Forge FC’s home opener.

About Tim Hortons Field

The home of the Canadian Football League’s (CFL) Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Canadian Premier League’s (CPL) Forge FC, Tim Hortons Field opened its doors on Labour Day 2014 and has since welcomed well over a million fans and hosted a multitude of sport, entertainment and community events. The 23,218-seat multipurpose stadium has over 1,000 club seats, 30 private suites and social viewing areas, and has hosted numerous high profile events, including the CFL’s Eastern Final, the CPL’s Inaugural Match, the Vanier Cup, a Rugby Canada Men’s World Cup Qualifier match, Canada Women’s National Team soccer matches, the 2015 Pan American Games (Football/Soccer), numerous concerts and more. Tim Hortons Field will also serve as the venue for the 2021 Grey Cup. Visit ticats.ca/tim-hortons-field/  or forgefc.canpl.ca/stadium-profile/ for more details.

About Centerplate

Centerplate is a leader in live event hospitality, "Making It Better To Be There®" for more than 115 million guests each year at more than 200 prominent entertainment, sports and convention venues. From hosting VIPs at the Super Bowl to super heroes at Comic Con, the company provides hospitality services to North America's premier events. A Sodexo company, Centerplate creates unique, locally-inspired menus, best-in-class guest service, and one-of-a-kind experiences backed by world-class design and insights teams. Visit the company online at Centerplate.com, connect via Twitter @centerplate, Instagram @Centerplate_ or Facebook.com/centerplate.

Media Contacts

Paul Pettas, Communications Director, Centerplate Paul.pettas@centerplate.com

Aaron Gogishvili, Director, Communications, Hamilton Tiger-Cats/Forge FC Agogishvili@ticats.ca

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