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Centerplate continues to cater to New Orleans venues

Live event hospitality company Centerplate has agreed a multi-year extension to its partnership with New Orleans’ Mercedes-Benz Superdome and Smoothie King Center.

The stadium, home of NFL American football franchise the Saints, and the arena, which hosts NBA basketball team the Pelicans, are sited next to each other and Centerplate will continue to provide food and beverage services to the venues.

A top host city for numerous National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Men’s and Women’s Final Fours, Super Bowls, NBA All-Star Weekends, college football playoff (CFP) and championship games and WrestleMania, the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and Smoothie King Center stage such annual events as the Allstate Sugar Bowl, Essence Festival and Bayou Classic as well many leading concert attractions.

“As we continue to transform these venues into premier entertainment destinations and leaders in guest services, we are happy to continue working with Centerplate as our exclusive hospitality partner,” said Alan Freeman, general manager for SMG, which operates the two venues.

“In the seasons ahead, fans can look forward to Centerplate’s upgrades to technology and menus. Working with the Centerplate team, we are dedicated to providing a more seamless food service experience for our fans.”

Earlier this month, it was revealed that the Superdome is poised to receive a $450m (£357.6m/€403.3m) renovation under a deal that will keep the Saints at the venue for a further decade and ensure that the stadium keeps pace with the new facilities being developed across the NFL.

Although a deal has yet to be officially signed, multiple reports in the local media said the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District (LSED), which oversees the Superdome for the state, and the Saints are close to an agreement that would involve a 10-year lease extension for the team. The Saints are currently committed to the Superdome through to 2025 and the extension would advance the contract through 2035.

Among the major upcoming events for the two venues are the 2020 NCAA Women’s Final Four, 2020 CFP Championship Game, 2022 NCAA Men’s Final Four and Super Bowl LVIII in 2024.