The Ricoh Arena, home to English soccer side Coventry City FC and Premiership Rugby side Wasps, has signed a 20-year partnership with Delaware North to provide all catering and hospitality services at the facility.
US hospitality expert Delaware North will expand its growth into the UK market, adding to its UK stadia portfolio, which includes catering at Wembley Stadium, Emirates Stadium and London Stadium.
“We’re in growth mode in the UK, with strong financial backing from our US parent company,” said Doug Tetly, Delaware North UK managing director.
At the Ricoh Arena, which attracts approximately 1.6 million visitors annually, Delaware North will provide services for sports, conferences, exhibitions and music events.
“This is a landmark deal for Wasps Group and the start of a long relationship with Delaware North who have shown enormous confidence in both the Ricoh Arena and the quality of the region’s staff,” said Nick Eastwood, chief executive of Wasps Group.
“The company has an outstanding reputation for quality service and works with some of the biggest venues in sport, leisure and business.”
The US company is also positioned as a content provider, bringing events to the venue as a result of its strong links to the NFL and MLB, as well as a partnership with professional e-sports organization, Splyce. The growing industry boasts more than 300m fans globally, something that the Ricoh Arena and Delaware North are looking to tap into.
Above: The Rolling Stones at Ricoh Arena.
June 20, 2018
