Everton’s landmark stadium partnership deal will create 1,200 jobs

Everton FC has struck what it says is one of the biggest commercial deals in its history, with food service provider, Aramark UK, which it says will create 1,200 jobs.

The group, based in Farnborough, Hampshire, specialises in creating food and beverage-led venue experiences.

 It will become a Founding Partner of Everton Stadium, with construction of the new £760m 52,888-seat waterfront ground nearing completion ahead of being fully operational for the 2025/26 football season.

Everton’s current catering partner for its Goodison Park stadium is Sodexo.

The new long term partnership with Aramark, which marks its first step into English football, will see it deliver food, drink and experiences across Everton Stadium’s footprint all year round, incorporating matchday and non-matchday events.

Aramark said it will be drawing on the solutions it has deployed across a range of sports venues around the globe. These include some of the most high-profile NFL venues such as Philadelphia Eagles Lincoln Financial Field, Denver’s Mile High Stadium, and the Cleveland Browns’ Stadium.

Also within Aramark’s portfolio are nine La Liga stadia, including Atletico Madrid’s Cívitas Metropolitano Stadium and eight Bundesliga stadia, including Olympiastadion in Berlin. All offer innovative technology-enabled experiences tailored for fans and event attendees.

Embracing Everton’s vision for a digital-first stadium, Aramark will implement technology aimed at minimising wait times and enhancing fan satisfaction with support on hand from dedicated staff.

Everton Stadium will boast ‘frictionless’ operations, which will significantly reduce queueing through ‘walk-in walk-out’ technology solutions. Alongside modern kiosks, these retail outlets will be established at key locations across the stadium where supporters will be able to enjoy food and drink quickly and easily. 

These will include self-service beer systems, immersive food and beverage offers and kitchen collection points which specialise in producing food exclusively for online order pick-up.

Development of The Plaza – a 30,000 sq m space at the eastern entrance to the stadium – will showcase a wide range of specially curated food and drink concepts.

Alongside pre-match entertainment and activities, Aramark will work alongside the club to design food and drink offerings that will be flexible and on-trend, seasonally adapting to the needs of Evertonians and visitors, as well as any events taking place throughout the year.

In partnership with the club’s charity, Everton in the Community (EitC), a new social enterprise will be introduced. This will see Aramark and Everton work in partnership to promote the career opportunities available at the stadium and support local food and drink suppliers in bringing their concepts to life.

Richard Kenyon, Everton’s Chief Commercial and Communications Officer, said: “This is a landmark partnership for the club.

“Aramark understands what goes into, and what is required to deliver, high profile and multi-purpose venues. As we look forward to the club’s bright future at our new home, we are focused on working together to deliver the right type of experience for every fan and every visitor, both within the stadium and on The Plaza.”

He added: “By utilising Aramark’s global expertise across many industries, we will be adopting the very latest in retail technology to make a visit to Everton Stadium an amazing experience for every Evertonian.”

Aramark UK CEO and President, Helen Milligan-Smith, said: “We are thrilled to be a Founding Partner and chosen as the Culinary Experiences Partner for Everton.

“Our shared commitment to delivering remarkable experiences means we are developing something truly extraordinary for the launch of the new stadium.”

She added: “It’s important to us that we go above and beyond to forge strong connections not only with our venues, but with the wider community, too.

“The introduction of a new social enterprise programme is a great example of this, and we look forward to working with Everton in the Community to champion local produce and provide training and job opportunities to local people across Liverpool.”