Multi-year extension will ensure the continuity of gameday hospitality for all Rebels sporting events

OXFORD, Miss. (February 2, 2021) – Centerplate, the hospitality partner to North America's premier sports stadiums, convention centers and entertainment venues – has announced a multi-year contract extension with the University of Mississippi. The newly forged agreement will see Centerplate and Sodexo Sports & Leisure work closely with university officials to curate an enhanced food and beverage experience for Rebels fans at what is already considered one of the nation’s best.

"As we look to the future for our loyal fanbase, we are happy to continue working with Centerplate as our exclusive food and beverage service provider,” said Keith Carter, Ole Miss Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics. “As an example of where we are already heading, we’ve upgraded our cashless technology and delivered innovative service concepts like expanded grab-n-go offerings. Working with the Centerplate team, we will implement a more seamless food service experience for our students and fans in the years ahead.”

Centerplate’s highly trained and award-winning team artfully blends innovative presentation and style to host games and functions of all types for the university. It has served Ole Miss Athletics since 2002, a long-term partnership rooted in creativity, passion and innovation.

Over the last few years, the company has introduced the following for Rebels fans:

  • A made-to-order Burger Me stand with new self-serve kiosk technology, enabling fans to fully customize their burger, from buns to toppings
  • Chop’s Tot-cho’s, served on a bed of tater tots and topped with nacho cheese, BBQ sauce and jalapeños
  • Tony’s Grab and Go: a new convenience store layout featuring an expanded menu of drinks, snacks and Healthy Rebel items
  • The introduction of beer sales for age-appropriate fans in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium and many other athletics venues for the first time

Current operations reflect the most stringent COVID-19 protocols that adhere to all regional and local guidelines. The hospitality-specific efforts are rooted in a global program from Sodexo, the world leader in Quality of Life Services and parent company of Centerplate, supported by a devoted Medical Advisory Council.

"We are thrilled to continue our valued partnership with Ole Miss, a school at the forefront of inspiring the next generation of collegiate athletics,” said Darren Hubbard, Regional Vice President, Centerplate / Sodexo Sports & Leisure. "More than just the food offerings, we are committed to calibrating a level of hospitality that resonates with all fans who come to experience the famed Grove and discover all that Oxford has to offer.”

 

About Ole Miss Athletics

The University of Mississippi, which is known as Ole Miss, is a member of the NCAA and Southeastern Conference and features 18 varsity sports in its athletics department. Bearing the nickname Rebels and wearing the colors Cardinal Red and Navy Blue, these teams and student-athletes have produced 25 national championships and 149 conference and division titles since 1893, when the football program fielded the school's first varsity squad. Based in Oxford, Mississippi, with a student enrollment of 21,676, Ole Miss has operated with a $117 million athletics budget.

 

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 superheroes 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, connect via TwitterInstagram or Facebook.

 

Media Contacts

Paul Pettas, Centerplate, Communications Director

Kyle Campbell, Ole Miss, Associate Athletics Director

Back to the list