Centerplate Extends Long-Term Hospitality Contract with Ole Miss Athletics
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.”
