Centerplate Kicks Off 2017 College Football Season

STAMFORD, Conn., Sept. 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As excitement builds for the first weekend of the 2017-2018 college football season, Centerplate – hospitality partner to North America's premier sports stadiums, convention centers and entertainment venues – announced today a series of new menu concepts, facility improvements and environmental initiatives at its partner stadiums. Each of Centerplate's college football stadiums will unveil new upgrades and locally inspired menu items for their respective opening games.

Over the offseason, Centerplate gathered extensive guest feedback and conducted a series of strategic planning sessions in preparation of serving millions of fans this season. Along with the famed 101,000-capacity Bryant-Denny Stadium at the University of Alabama and renowned Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at the University of Florida, Centerplate's partnerships include schools in the American Athletic Conference, Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 12, The Ivy League, Mountain West Conference and Southeastern Conference.

"Our network of chefs and service professionals around the nation collaborate throughout the year to brainstorm and share concepts," said Centerplate Executive Vice President Sal Ferrulo. "We're especially excited to welcome this year's college football season. Between our new menu offerings, impressive facility upgrades and ambitious new partnerships, Centerplate is poised to bring fans an extraordinary experience this fall."

The latest enhancements reflect a diverse set of solutions, including:

University of Alabama

• An expanded partnership with Dreamland Bar-B-Que to offer their legendary barbecue in even more locations throughout Bryant-Denny Stadium
• A series of collective souvenir cups to celebrate 125 years of Alabama Football

University of Florida

• An expanded roster of signature food trucks adds heightened excitement to the activities on the North Lawn at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, including local favorites Cilantro Tacos, Vanarchy Sandwiches, Monsta Lobsta, Latin American Fusion, Kona Ice and more

Ole Miss

• A new gourmet chicken salad stand will offer an array of health-conscious choices
• The City Grocery Burger and Polish Sausage, both presented in collaboration with Chef John Currance, James Beard award-winner
• For the field club, the debut of City Grocery hot chicken and fried rice, Chops' Beef Brisket Sandwich, Chops' Sausage and Cheese Board and Calvin's Catfish and hush puppies
• A brand new self-serve concessions kiosk concept – Fins Up Fast – at four locations throughout the stadium, with enhanced mobile ordering capabilities

University of Miami (Florida)

• Miami fans who arrive early to Hard Rock Stadium can now enjoy pancakes from Fort Lauderdale's famed O-B House; located in section 146, it will serve eight-inch oven-baked buttermilk pancakes in plain, blueberry, and andouille sausage and corn… making home games South Florida's hottest new brunch spot
• Celebrity chef David Chang's Fuku chicken sandwiches are now available in the stadium
• Newly created fan favorites from the Centerplate culinary team: jalapeño popper grilled cheese, buffalo wing fries, BBQ tater tots and the "305" roast pork wrap, fried to golden perfection
• Other new additions include local favorites Coyo Taco, Los Ranchos, O-B House, Sushi Maki and Jackson's Soul Food

Kansas University

• A new "Field Goal Club" with a viewing area just steps away from the end zone will be located on the north end of Memorial Stadium, offering food choices from Chick-fil-A and Salty Iguana.

Virginia Tech

• In Blacksburg, new "Hokie Fit" menu options include a black bean burger with a baby spring mix and house-made cilantro lime sauce, as well as a smoked turkey wrap with white cheddar and honey mustard slaw

Fans can find out more about the new additions this season, and much more, at www.centerplate.com.

About Centerplate
Centerplate is a global leader in live event hospitality, "Making It Better To Be There®" for more than 116 million guests each year at more than 300 prominent entertainment, sports and convention venues across North America, Europe and the United Kingdom. Centerplate has provided event hospitality services to more than 30 official U.S. Presidential Inaugural Balls, 14 Super Bowls and 22 World Series. Visit the company online at Centerplate.com, connect via Twitter @centerplate, Instagram @Centerplate_ or Facebook.com/centerplate.

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SOURCE Centerplate