- August 9, 2023
- Posted by: SportsV
- Categories: Home News, Industry News, News, Press Releases
The Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury have announced a transformative new partnership with Oak View Group’s food and beverage division, OVG Hospitality, to redefine the overall fan experience at all Suns and Mercury games, as well as at concerts and live events held at Footprint Center.
OVG’s first-ever partnership with an NBA and WNBA venue, this groundbreaking deal further expands the best-in-class experience for Suns and Mercury fans, and elevates Phoenix as a premier destination for basketball and entertainment.
Mat Ishbia, Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury owner, said:
Our commitment is to continue to find innovative ways to invest in our community and put forth our championship mentality in everything we do, on and off the floor. From the moment fans walk through our doors, we want every part of their game-day experience to be world-class and something they can only have in Phoenix – the best basketball city in the world.
As the exclusive food and beverage provider, OVG Hospitality brings an experience unlike any other in the Valley to Suns and Mercury games with first-class food and beverage, service and state-of-the-art technologies. Features include premier food and beverage in all clubs, suites and concessions throughout the lower and upper concourses, new technology to ensure faster lines at concessions to allow fans to spend less time in line and more time enjoying the game or concert, and a robust selection of new menu items that will roll out throughout the year.
The partnership is the first in the sports and entertainment industry to feature OVG Hospitality’s newly-acquired luxury hospitality and catering company, Rhubarb Hospitality Collection (RHC) – elevating the Suns and Mercury’s premium services to unprecedented standards. RHC will create and provide a unique culinary journey for all club and suite guests. From specialised beverages as fans enter the arena and customised food offerings by locally renowned chefs to an elevated wine program for connoisseurs of every variety, fans will be treated to a bespoke culinary experience.
ALSD International 2023 will take place at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium October 9-10. Optimising revenue through New Builds, Renovations & Service Expansions is the key focus of this industry-leading event, with architecture & design, fan experience, hospitality, premium sales & service, and technology taking centre stage. OVG International’s Becci Thomson, Head of Premium Sales for Co-op Live, is one of some 60+ speakers.
Josh Bartelstein, Chief Executive Officer, Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury, said:
Every fan should be treated to a best-in-class experience, and that includes providing top-quality food and beverage options and unrivalled service. Through our partnership with OVG we are significantly raising the standards of excellence for our fans and further elevating Phoenix as the preeminent city for sports and entertainment.
As part of its offerings, OVG Hospitality will use locally sourced ingredients to create customised menus specific to each event, making the food and beverage experience unique to the Valley and a reflection of the city’s growing culinary scene.
Ken Gaber, President of OVG Hospitality, said:
With high-tech market expertise to diverse local suppliers, OVG Hospitality has all the resources to elevate the experience for all fans, whether at the concourse concession stands or in the luxury suites. We are excited to partner with the Suns and Mercury and add a delicious and savoury menu to their roster.
OVG was founded in 2015 as a positive disruption to business as usual in the sports, live entertainment and hospitality industries. The company has grown rapidly, building the world’s most sustainable arenas, ensuring the fan experience is second to none, and last month, announcing the acquisition of Rhubarb Hospitality Collection (RHC).
About OVG Hospitality
OVG Hospitality, a division of the Oak View Group, is a full-service food and beverage company that is making a positive disruption in the sports, live entertainment, and convention and meeting industries. Their culinary artisans are focused on elevating the guest experience by creating new memories in every bite.
Led by award-winning culinarians, their hospitality teams work with the highest-quality partners and locally sourced items to deliver a delicious and exceptional food and beverage experience at every event, whether a small meeting or a large convention.
Service-oriented and driven by social responsibility, OVG Hospitality serves more than 250,000 events and over 40 million guests each year across arenas, stadiums, convention centres, sporting events and festivals throughout North America.
Imagery, courtesy: NBA
Sports Venue Business organises and delivers ALSD International – the leading event and 365 community for the Premium Seat & Hospitality sector – on behalf of the Association of Luxury Suite Directors (ALSD).
ALSD International 2023 is taking place at Etihad Stadium this October, with venue tours complimenting the high-level conference, exhibition and networking events. This year’s edition will feature the inaugural Tech Symposium and a Fan Experience breakout being delivered by IIFX.
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