Kansas City Royals pick Delaware North for new ballpark F&B

Major League Baseball’s Kansas City Royals have picked Delaware North Sportservice as the food and beverage provider for their new downtown ballpark in the heart of Kansas City.

Sportservice will begin operations at Kauffman Stadium in 2028, giving the Royals and Delaware North an opportunity to build the team, systems and local relationships that will carry forward to the new ballpark.

The partnership will place Kansas City’s culinary community at the center of the future food and beverage experience.

The Royals and Sportservice will work with area restaurants, businesses, purveyors and culinary talent to create a program that reflects the region and helps ensure the new ballpark feels welcoming and connected to the community it will serve.

Royals President of Business Operations Cullen Maxey said:

“Delaware North has a proven track record of best-in-class service with an entrepreneurial spirit and high value on distinctively local options for fans.

“Their experience and success in other ballparks and the feedback we have seen from fans in those cities gives us confidence they are the right partner. Our new ballpark will be a reflection of Kansas City and our fans, and this partnership is a critical piece of bringing that vision to life.”

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Sportservice, Delaware North’s sports hospitality business, has been serving Major League Baseball fans since 1930 and currently partners with 10 MLB clubs.

Seven rank among the top 10 in Major League Baseball’s “Voice of the Consumer” survey for concessions, including the No. 1 and No. 3 spots.

Tom Barney, President of Sportservice, said:

“The Royals have a tremendous connection to Kansas City, and we’re honored to help bring their vision for the new ballpark to life.

“That starts with listening to the community and building meaningful relationships with the local restaurants, businesses and culinary partners that make Kansas City distinctive. Beginning our work at Kauffman Stadium in 2028 will allow us to establish those relationships and build an experienced local team before carrying that foundation into the Royals new home.”

Beginning operations at Kauffman Stadium in 2028 will also allow Sportservice to recruit, train and develop its Kansas City team ahead of the move.

That continuity will support a smooth transition and establish a strong operational foundation for the future ballpark.

Source and image Delaware North

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