Centerplate Extends Its Relationship with University of Florida Gators

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Aug. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Centerplate, the leading hospitality partner to North America's premier sports, entertainment and convention venues, announced today it has been awarded a renewal to continue a long-term relationship with the athletic facilities at the University of Florida. As part of its winning strategy, Centerplate developed a proposal to upgrade service areas, introduce new menu concepts, and provide added value and convenience for Gator fans this upcoming season.

"I am enthusiastic that we are continuing a great collaboration with the University of Florida - a partnership that becomes increasingly stronger each year," said Charlie Maloney, Centerplate's general manager based at the University. "We are excited about our new concepts for football, including our new Everglades Barbeque featuring in-house smoked beef, pork and we will be renovating a number of service locations throughout the Stephen C. O'Connell Center, home to Gator basketball, Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, home to Gator football, and the Alfred A. McKethan Stadium Baseball Stadium."

"We have had a long-standing relationship dating back to 1996," said the University of Florida Athletics Director Jeremy Foley. "After careful consideration we are pleased to announce that we have established a new agreement with Centerplate. They have consistently provided outstanding performance and accountability. We look forward to continuing our relationship and meeting the needs of our fans."

"We are thrilled and honored to be continuing to serve the students, faculty, staff, alumni and fans of the University of Florida," said Sal Ferrulo, Centerplate's Senior Vice President with executive responsibility for the University. "Between our signature menu offerings, impressive service upgrades and ambitious menu additions, Centerplate will take the Gator Fan experience from great to extraordinary."

Including the University of Florida, Centerplate serves as hospitality partner to 24 premier colleges and universities. This announcement follows other long-term collegiate contract awards for Centerplate including the University of Notre Dame, the University of Alabama, the University of Kansas, and the KFC Yum! Center, the new home for University of Louisville basketball.  

About Centerplate

Centerplate crafts and delivers "Craveable Experiences. Raveable Results." in over 250 prominent entertainment, sports and convention venues across North America -- annually serving over 100 million guests. Centerplate has provided event hospitality services to 15 official U.S. Presidential Inaugural Balls, 12 Super Bowls, 20 World Series, the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, and the largest plated dinner in history at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Centennial Celebration. The company was recently named the fastest growing hospitality group in the country by Nation's Restaurant News. Visit the company online at www.centerplate.com

SOURCE Centerplate