Legends will have exclusive rights as Raymond James Stadium's concessionaire starting March 1GETTY IMAGES
The Buccaneers have picked Legends Hospitality to handle concessions at Raymond James Stadium in a deal that is now being finalized and will run through March '25, according to documents from the Tampa Sports Authority. The Authority owns the venue, and its board approved the Bucs moving forward with the Legends deal at a Tuesday meeting. Aramark previously handled concessions for the Bucs. Tampa will host Super Bowl LV in '21 (Mike Sunnucks, THE DAILY). In Tampa, Veronica Brezina-Smith noted Aramark "gave notice to the state on Jan. 2 that it plans to lay off all 919 workers all on Feb. 28 at Raymond James Stadium due to its contract ending." Legends will have "exclusive rights at the stadium" starting March 1. The company will also be "putting in a new point of sale system, digital menu boards and will also be adding grab-and-go locations inside the building" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 1/29).
SEASON OF CHANGE: In Albany, Eric Alderson noted Centerplate and NYRA are "going their separate ways after a quarter-century partnership" in what the concessionaire called a "joint decision." The move comes as NYRA "prepares for next summer's opening of the 1863 Club, a new addition to the historic grandstand" at Saratoga Race Course that "will feature dining and banquet facilities, as well as luxury suites." Centerplate's contract "will end following the close" of the spring meet at Aqueduct Racetrack in April. Centerplate served as "food and beverage vendor" for Saratoga and Belmont Park Race Course, and "merchandise vendor for all three tracks" (Albany TIMES UNION, 1/29).
