Centerplate signs early extension with Rotherham United FC

Centerplate UK has signed an early extension to its catering and hospitality contract at Championship football club Rotherham united.

The caterer originally won the business in 2012 as Lindley Group, in a five-year deal that was reported to be worth £6.1m. Lindley was rebranded as Centerplate UK the following year after it was taken over by the US foodservice firm.

Centerplate has been tasked with assisting the South Yorkshire club's AESSEAL New York stadium in its efforts to also act as a community centre. It has helped to develop a robust conference and banquet business, with around half of which made up of repeat bookings and double-digit returns via clients from outside the local area.

As part of the long-term deal, an undisclosed amount of investment will be made into the installation of two new kiosks in the stadium's Ben Bennett East Stand, which will offer a variety of locally-sourced family-friendly fare when they are opened later this season.

Commenting on the contract extension, Rotherham United FC's commercial director Steve Coakley said: "We believe that our partnership with Centerplate has played an integral role in helping us to establish a strong foundation for realising the objectives we set out to achieve for catering and hospitality services at AESSEAL New York Stadium.

"We've certainly made excellent progress since we moved to our new home and this is a great testament to both parties' commitment to working together for the benefit of the fans and visitors to the stadium."

Adrian Dishington, chief operating officer of Centerplate's UK Division, added: "The solid repeat business among our AESSEAL New York Stadium convention and banquet clients demonstrates that we are making it better to be there and keeps guests coming back for more. We are passionate about our offering and we source local ingredients to create bespoke menus using the latest in innovative cooking techniques to ensure that Centerplate and our clients' venues stay ahead of trends.

"Creating two new outlets on the Ben Bennett East Stand is just part of our commitment to improving facilities and the fans' match day experience and it cements our relationship with the club as its chosen catering partner."

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