Sodexo tackles 15-year contract with Emerald Headingley Stadium in £100m deal

Foodservice firm Sodexo has renewed its contract with Emerald Headingley Stadium, home to Yorkshire Cricket and Rugby League's Leeds Rhinos, for the next 15 years.

Following successful negotiations with Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Leeds Cricket, Football and Athletics, the global firm will take on hospitality and public catering at the site, which has an estimated turnover of £100m.

A full-time team of 14 staff will be accompanied by more than 1,000 temporary workers to cater for all matches at the stadium, including Super League, this summer's Ashes series, the ICC Cricket World Cup and new cricket event the Hundred from 2020.

It follows a £40m refurbishment of the venue to incorporate a 450-person lounge overlooking the stadium's cricket and rugby pitches, as well as new corporate boxes.

Nick Byrom, Sodexo sports and leisure business development director, said: "We are thrilled to announce our long-term partnership with the iconic Emerald Headingley Stadium.

"Sodexo will significantly invest in the public and executive facilities at the ground to improve speed of service and further enhance the customer experience. Sodexo will also be a major sponsor of Yorkshire Cricket and Leeds Rhinos until 2034 to demonstrate our long-term investment strategy in sport."