Cincinnati Athletics Welcomes Sodexo Live! As New Hospitality Partner

Operating as 513 Culinary Group, the Bearcats are tapping Sodexo Live! to offer an elevated dining experience

CINCINNATI, Ohio – Cincinnati Athletics today announced a multi-year agreement with Sodexo Live!, the hospitality partner to the world’s most iconic venues, to manage premium fan hospitality at all of its athletics facilities. This strategic alliance marks an exciting venture between two institutions dedicated to providing exceptional experiences for the communities they serve.

Sodexo Live! will be bringing its renowned culinary expertise and years of sports and entertainment experience to Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium, Fifth Third Arena and UC Baseball Stadium, as well as the new Indoor Practice Facility and Performance Center for athletes, set to open in 2025. This is in addition to a variety of other venues across campus that will be handled by Sodexo campus services.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sodexo Live! to campus and begin a partnership that will greatly benefit our fans,” said Anthony Di Fino, Deputy Athletic Director for External Relations and Chief Revenue Officer, Cincinnati Athletics. “It is often mentioned that a great food experience makes events more memorable and that food is a common language for everyone. After months of exploring partnerships that will best fit our fanbase, Sodexo Live! emerged as the top candidate to fuel our student-athletes, fans and alumni.”

The University of Cincinnati hospitality teams, which will operate as the 513 Culinary Group, will elevate the gameday experience for Bearcats fans to enjoy. These offerings will include traditional stadium favorites, gourmet selections and even specialty items inspired by local suppliers. These items will be created in collaboration with chefs, businesses, and food providers local to the Cincinnati area. From concessions to special events hosted within the athletic facilities, fans and foodies alike can expect an array of delicious menu items catered to the diverse tastes of Cincinnati.

"We are thrilled to partner with the University of Cincinnati and become an integral part of the Bearcat culture," said Belinda Oakley, Chief Executive Officer, Sodexo Live! "Our team is passionate about enriching the fan’s gameday experience, and we are looking forward to introducing innovative concepts as well as our top-notch service that will leave a lasting impression on fans, athletes, and visitors alike."

Sodexo Live! has named Danielle Gallaway as its General Manager for Athletics, bringing over 20 years of experience in a professional kitchen to the team. She joined the University of Cincinnati in 2022 as a Senior Executive Chef, and before that, worked the University of Kentucky and the University of Pittsburgh. She is a culinary school graduate from Johnson & Wales University in Charleston, South Carolina. 

Cincinnati joins a growing portfolio of collegiate athletic venues managed by Sodexo Live!, including the University of Florida, University of Mississippi, University of Michigan, University of Louisville, and more. The company is also a partner to leading professional sports venues, such as Hard Rock Stadium, Lucas Oil Stadium and Caesars Superdome.

 

About Cincinnati Athletics
The University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics competes at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics with the vision to reach Next Level Success for all 18 varsity teams and more than 450 student-athletes. The Bearcats have a proud athletics history, winning eight national championships and 118 conference titles. The Cincinnati men's basketball team is among the 15 winningest programs all-time, while the football team became the first non-Power Five program to compete in the College Football Playoff in 2021. Olympic gold medalist volleyball player Jordan Thompson, NBA Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson and Major League Baseball legend Sandy Koufax are among the several luminaries who have competed as Bearcats.

In 2023, the Bearcats entered a new era as a Power Five School when they officially joined the Big 12 Conference, positioning Cincinnati among the nation’s premier athletics programs. 

Off the field, UC student-athletes continue to find success, as well, collectively posting a 3.42 GPA in the fall of 2023 with 81 percent earning spots on the Honor Roll. 
 
Under the leadership of Director of Athletics John Cunningham, and supported by more than 150 full-time staff members, UC Athletics' mission is to connect our community, enhance our university and impact the lives of student-athletes as they prepare to change the world on and off the field.
 
For more information visit gobearcats.com.
 
About Sodexo Live!
Sodexo Live! manages prestigious convention, cultural, and sporting venues and major events all over the world. With 40,000 employees and 500 sites, Sodexo Live! offers clients a range of bespoke catering, sales, and event management services, helping to transform the consumer experience into unforgettable memories. Sodexo Live! commits to unlocking customers’ full potential while favoring local communities. Sodexo Live! contributes to the success of prestigious events such as Royal Ascot, the Tour de France, the Rugby World Cup and soon the Paris 2024 Games, and showcases exceptional venues such as the Eiffel Tower Restaurants, Bateaux Parisiens, Yachts de Paris, the Royal Academy of Arts in London, the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Hard Rock Stadium, the Scottish National Gallery, and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.