Delaware North wins 20-year deal with Coventry's Ricoh Arena

Delaware North has won a 20-year deal to provide catering and hospitality services at Coventry's Ricoh Arena.

The contract caterer has added the home of Wasps RFC and Coventry City FC to its portfolio, which already included Wembley Stadium, Emirates Stadium and the London Stadium.

The Rioch Arena includes an exhibition hall, conference facilities, two restaurants, a casino and a Double Tree by Hilton hotel.

Delaware North UK managing director Doug Tetley (pictured) said: "The Ricoh Arena is an innovator in the world of business, entertainment and sport. Delaware North is an innovator in hospitality and catering services. We have spent a considerable amount of time and effort looking at ‘What's Next', best referenced in our publication of two reports on The Future of Sports.

"We're in growth mode in the UK, with strong financial backing from our U.S. parent company. I have an immensely experienced senior leadership team in place and we're hungry to grow our business."

As well as supplying catering services Delaware North plans to use its links with the NFL, MLB and Esports organisation Splyce to add events to the stadium's calendar.

Nick Eastwood, chief executive of Wasps Group added: "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.

"The company has an outstanding reputation for quality and service and works with some of the biggest venues in sport, leisure and business.

"We are very excited about the partnership and continuing to provide all our visitors with the highest level of hospitality and customer experience."

The deal marks an end to the stadium's relationship with Compass' Levy Restaurants, an extension to which had been announced in 2015.

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