Centerplate Extends Contract with the American Bank Center

STAMFORD, Conn., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Centerplate, the hospitality provider to North America's premier convention centers and entertainment venues, announced today that it has extended its food and beverage services contract with the American Bank Center. Home to the American Bank Center Arena, Selena Auditorium and the Convention Center, the American Bank Center hosts hundreds of events each year from concerts to sports and wrestling at the 10,000 seat arena, Hot Rod auto shows at the convention center and live theatre at the 2,500-seat Selena Auditorium. Centerplate assisted in opening the venue in 2004 and has since served as the caterer to the facility, earning the title of "Best of the Best" #1 Caterer in Corpus Christi from the Corpus Christi Caller Times for four consecutive years. With the new agreement in place, Centerplate will continue its support of the greater Corpus Christi community, mentoring Del Mar Community College culinary students and sponsoring and judging the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America State Culinary Arts Contest.

Each year, Centerplate also assists HEB in hosting the Feast of Sharing at the American Bank Center Convention Center, a holiday banquet where over 10,000 free meals are served to needy members of the community. Centerplate's executive chef at the American Bank Center, Ye Tun, represented the Corpus Christi chapter of the Texas Chefs Association, receiving the 2008 Contributor of the Year Award. Chef Tun has hosted many notable events at the American Bank Center including the Texas Governor's "State of the State" Luncheon, the Red Cross Bash and the American Heart Association Heart Ball. Centerplate has also participated in the March of Dimes Chef Showcase and holds yearly sustainable seafood cooking demonstrations at the Texas State Aquarium. As a part of Centerplate's greater commitment to sustainability initiatives, the American Bank Center's foodservice operations also integrate many biodegradable items into its events.

"We are pleased to announce the extension of our relationship with the American Bank Center and look forward to providing our partners in Corpus Christi with the unparalleled service they have come to expect from Centerplate," said Bob Pascal, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Centerplate.

"Centerplate has definitely raised the bar with food and beverage services in the city's facilities," said Margie Rose, Assistant City Manager of Corpus Christi. "They have proven an earnest interest in both driving revenues for the city and investing in the greater Corpus Christi community."

Last summer, Centerplate announced the introduction of a 100 percent biodegradable foodservice solution at the Dallas Convention Center, dramatically reducing the environmental impact of the two million square foot venue. The contract extension with the American Bank Center comes on the heels of other recent Centerplate contracts with the Baltimore Convention Center and the Olympic Regional Development Authority, as well as the company's merger with the Boston Culinary Group.

About Centerplate

Centerplate crafts and delivers "Craveable Experiences. Raveable Results." in more than 250 prominent sports, entertainment and convention venues across North America. Centerplate has provided services to 11 Super Bowls, 19 World Series, key events for the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, Art Basel Miami Beach, 15 official U.S. Presidential Inaugural Balls and the largest plated dinner in history at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Centennial Celebration.  In addition, Centerplate is proud to serve as a hospitality partner to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games and to Superbowl XLIV at Land Shark Stadium.  Visit the company online at www.centerplate.com.

SOURCE Centerplate