The under-construction Sydney Football Stadium has signed up Merivale as its first in-house hospitality partner, with the food and beverage business also linking up with Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
Merivale has been named as the exclusive hospitality experience partner of the SCG and the 45,000-seat Sydney Football Stadium (SFS) precinct by Venues NSW. From December 2021, Merivale will provide all catering and beverage services at both venues for an initial term of nearly six years until September 2027.
The partnership, which begins with the Big Bash League (BBL) next month, will see Merivale’s executive chefs such as Danielle Alvarez and Dan Hong bring their expertise into a stadium setting under the leadership of the group’s chief executive Justin Hemmes.
Merivale, founded in the 1950s, operates a string of prominent hotels, nightclubs and restaurants, primarily in Sydney.
“In partnering with Venues NSW, we will strive to provide the most enjoyable and exciting experience to the people of NSW and to all guests of the SCG and the new SFS; food and beverage forms an integral part of the overall experience, and we look forward to delivering on all occasions,” Hemmes said.
“This is an incredible and truly unique opportunity for Merivale; we are humbled to be a part of Sydney’s sporting and entertainment history. I want to sincerely thank Venues NSW for sharing our vision. This new partnership will see us bring together Merivale’s wonderful talent pool, diverse restaurant brands, quality service and inherent love of Sydney to help deliver a world-class experience to every person who steps into the stadium.”
In a statement, the partners said SCG summer menus are currently being finalised by the Merivale executive chef team. They said the partnership will deliver an offering focused on “quality, variety, value for money and ease and speed of service” with staple items such as hot dogs and chips costing AUS$5. Merivale said it will offer premium food and beverage options in the stadiums.
Merivale will work with SFS when it opens next year as the home ground of the New South Wales Waratahs, Sydney FC and Sydney Roosters.
Kerrie Mather, SCG and Venues NSW chief executive, said preparations are in full swing for the Ashes New Year’s Test match in January 2022.
“This is a transformational moment for our precinct and I am so excited about this new partnership with Merivale. I know they will offer our customers, members, sporting and entertainment partners the highest quality food and drink this city has to offer,” Mather said.
“When Merivale brings the best from its amazing collection of venues, we will set a new benchmark in live experiences.”
