The 49ers and Santa Clara city leaders “have struck a nearly $7 million-a-year deal" with Stamford, Conn.-based sports concessions company Centerplate to "sell food, drinks and souvenirs" at the team's new stadium set to open in '14, according to Mike Rosenberg of the SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS. Centerplate also currently "operates concession stands at Candlestick and AT&T parks.” Santa Clara officials “expect to endorse the agreement” today. The 60-page agreement “includes such provisions as celebrity chef meals in suites, a guarantee that all food ordered at stands be ready within 60 seconds and up to eight spots for local restaurants to sell food.” Centerplate will “provide $1 million toward construction of the $1.2 billion stadium.” The 49ers will “rake in" 55% of gameday concession and merchandise sales, or "at least $6.8 million per year, during the five-year contract, which can be extended an additional decade.” Centerplate also “must give the team $75,000 to $125,000 for each NFC home playoff game" and provide the Santa Clara Stadium Authority 40-48% commission "during concerts and other events.” The firm was "picked as the likely" concession operator in '11, and currently "is the concessionaire for 250 venues and events, including 10 NFL teams" (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 8/21).
