The installation and success of innovative new retail concepts at Celtic Park last season has been a major factor in Celtic FC’s decision to re-appoint Centerplate – which has managed the public concourse catering at the 60,832 capacity Celtic Park stadium for the past decade – as its catering partner for a long-term contract extension, following a competitive tender process.
Custom-branded retail outlets
Amongst the factors contributing to the awarding of the contract extension has been Centerplate’s new custom-branded retail outlets created specifically for Celtic Park which proved to be fan favourites in the 2013-14 season trial on the West Stand concourse, driving per capita sales increases of more than 60%.
One of the most popular sales drivers is ‘Ladle’ – a kiosk serving bowls of freshly-prepared soups and stews, along with stovies, a local speciality made from corned beef and potatoes. Two other popular new concepts are: Hoops Gourmet Pie Bar – home of the Specialty Gold Award-winning chicken Balti pie which took top honours at the 2013 Scotch Pie Championships — and a range of premium specialties, including hearty steak-and-ale pies stuffed with prime cuts of beef, vegetarian-friendly butternut squash-and-feta, traditional Scotch pies, and a rotating selection of “guest pies” new for each match; and The Celtic Fish Bar which serves hand-battered, sustainably-caught haddock and chunky hand-cut chips alongside traditional chip shop staples like battered burgers, smoked sausages, pickled onions and curry sauce.
As part of the new deal, Centerplate will be rolling-out the top performers across the stadium and is undertaking a full refurbishment of the 40-plus kiosks on the public concourse for the 2014-15 season.
Robin Buchanan, Celtic FC’s Stadium General Manager, says: “Expanding and enhancing the range and quality of the food on offer, and Centerplate’s investment in developing the catering facilities on the public concourses throughout the stadium this summer means that fans had a fresh new look to start what we anticipate will be another successful season.”
The value of the contract has not been disclosed.
About Centerplate
Centerplate is a global leader in live event hospitality, “Making It Better To Be There®” for more than 115 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 30 official U.S. Presidential Inaugural Balls, 13 Super Bowls, 22 World Series, the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, and the largest plated dinner in history at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Centennial Celebration.
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