Aramark Sports + Entertainment expands NCAA portfolio and completes major renovations ahead of start of college football in 2024

PHILADELPHIA, August 29, 2024–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As the countdown to the 2024 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) football season begins, Aramark Sports + Entertainment (Aramark, NYSE: AMRK), the award-winning food and beverage provider at over 60 premier stadiums, arenas and sports facilities across North America, continues to solidify its position as an industry leader across its extensive portfolio of 21 NCAA venues and power conference schools.

This season, Aramark welcomed Georgia Southern University And Washington State University as new customers, expanded his business to East Carolina University to expand Premium Services and Training Table operations, and carried out extensive renovations at Louisiana State UniversityThe University of North Carolinaand the University of TennesseeIn addition, Aramark successfully renewed several contracts for elite collegiate sports ahead of the new academic year, further demonstrating its strength in collaborative innovation.

“Success isn't just about winning games; it's about creating an environment that keeps fans coming back,” said Kris Armes, Aramark's director of college sports. Armes specializes in college clients, transforming venues by optimizing operations through advanced analytics and strategic planning. He also leads new client onboarding and leverages his expertise to improve fan engagement and increase performance quality across all venues. Under Armes' leadership, Aramark is bringing the fan-centric, data-driven and innovative approach that has proven successful across its professional sports portfolio to the NCAA landscape.

“Aramark is committed to revolutionizing hospitality with our fan-first philosophy,” said Alison Birdwell, president and CEO of Aramark Sports + Entertainment. “Our growth in the NCAA is marked by a commitment to delivering groundbreaking services and unparalleled experiences every game day. By strategically investing in our partners, we are setting new standards of excellence and creating unforgettable moments for college sports' most dedicated fans.”

In collaboration with its partners, improvements have been made across Aramark’s university portfolio, including: Clemson University, East Carolina University, Georgia Southern University, Louisiana State University, North Carolina State University, University of Arizona, University of Georgia, University of Iowa, University of Kentucky, University of Minnesota, University of North Carolina, University of Pennsylvania, University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee, University of Virginia, University of Washington, Virginia TechAnd Washington State University.

Key innovations designed to speed up service, increase the selection of local specialties and provide an unforgettable food and drink experience include:

Premium services

This season, two new hospitality brands will be introduced: Pirate Hospitality at East Carolina University and Crimson Hospitality at Washington State UniversityThese tailor-made brands provide services for clubs, luxury suites and special events in the stadiums. In addition, University of Tennessee is expected to open a state-of-the-art kitchen to support the upscale and extensive game day menu options, and University of Virginia will introduce a premium wine bar featuring local wineries and unique offerings at every game.

Speed ​​of service innovations

Aramark's groundbreaking Walk Thru Bru Express takeaway markets are now available at Georgia Southern University And University of GeorgiaGuests who prove their age as 21+ with a valid government ID can serve themselves and choose from a wide selection of beverages. Choose Walk Thru Brus at Georgia Southern University will be equipped with VisioLab's self-checkout technology, making it one of the first NCAA football stadiums to offer this technology for an entire season.

Concepts rethought

With a bold approach to menus and branding that pays tribute to tradition, five new concepts will be launched on the University of Virginia. The University of North Carolina has also been extensively updated, including the addition of BBQ, Hot Dog and Classics locations. NC State will introduce several new brands, including a grilled cheese concept and a fast food restaurant.

About Aramark Sports + Entertainment

Aramark Sports + Entertainment provides more than 150 award-winning food and beverage, retail and facility services programs in premier stadiums, arenas, convention centers, cultural attractions, venues and unique entertainment destinations across North America. The company has received accolades for industry innovations including autonomous markets, artificial intelligence-powered hospitality concepts and high-profile events such as the MLB World Series, MLB at Rickwood Field and NBA All-Star. Aramark has been named to FORTUNE's list of the “World's Most Admired Companies,” The Civic 50 by Points of Light 2024, Fair360's “Top 50 Companies for Diversity” and “Top Companies for Black Executives,” Newsweek's list of “America's Most Responsible Companies 2024,” the HRC's “Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality,” and received a score of 100 on the Disability Equality Index. Learn more at www.aramark.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Xand Instagram.

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Contacts

Media contact:
Sheena Weinstein
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