20-year deal for Ricoh Arena

Global hospitality giant Delaware North has agreed a 20-year deal for the exclusive catering and hospitality services at the Ricoh Arena.

Venue owner Wasps Group described it as a “landmark deal” having agreed terms with the $3bn-turnover business. The value of the contract, which starts in July, has not been disclosed.

Delaware North already runs the catering services at Wembley, The London Stadium, the Emirates and Heathrow Airport, as well as at Derby County’s home, Pride Park.

Doug Tetley, UK managing director at Delaware North, said: “The Ricoh Arena is an incredible venue and one of the most diverse in the UK in terms of its mix. Few other venues host professional sports, major concerts, trade exhibitions and conventions as well as housing a successful hotel and casino.

“We have global expertise in all of these areas and look forward to building on the work done by the staff already working at the Ricoh Arena.”

The Ricoh Arena has a 32,609-seater stadium bowl – which is home to rugby union team Wasps – a 12,000-capacity indoor arena, 20,000 sq m of event space, 80 conference and exhibition suites, a 121-bedroom Doubletree by Hilton hotel, a casino, two restaurants and a coffee shop.

Delaware North, which is based in Buffalo, USA, operates internationally across a variety of sports including American football, baseball, tennis and ice hockey. It also has interests in national parks, luxury resorts, retail and travel.

Nick Eastwood, chief executive of Wasps Group, said: “The company has an outstanding reputation for quality and service and works with some of the biggest venues in sport, leisure and business.

“We are very excited about the partnership and continuing to provide all our visitors with the highest level of hospitality and customer experience.”