Hospitality company Levy has secured its second NFL team contract in the space of a month after agreeing a multi-year partnership with the Chicago Bears.
Levy, which is based in Chicago, will seek to transform the food and beverage experience at Soldier Field for Bears home games. The deal covers all areas of the stadium, from premium clubs to concessions, beginning with the 2024 Bears pre-season.
“The Chicago Bears are committed to providing our passionate fans with an exceptional home game day experience,” said Chicago Bears president and CEO, Kevin Warren.
“Levy shares our passion for excellence, and we both recognise the unique connection between the Chicago Bears, football, family, and the City of Chicago. This partnership will elevate the fan experience through exceptional food, innovative offerings and a continued commitment to supporting Chicago-based businesses in our community.”
The partnership between the Bears, Soldier Field owner Chicago Park District and Levy is set to provide fans with a variety of new food and beverage options that aim to “reflect the diverse and vibrant culinary scene” of Chicago.
It comes after the Baltimore Ravens last month appointed Levy as its official food, beverage and hospitality partner at M&T Bank Stadium from next season.
“Chicago is where Levy was born, and it’s the city we still call home after all these years, so we’re thrilled to begin this new partnership.” said Levy CEO, Andy Lansing. “We know how much game days mean to the fans here, and how much the fans mean to the city. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Soldier Field with a whole new hospitality experience.”
The Bears are currently at the centre of intrigue surrounding the team’s long-term stadium future. Warren last month confirmed that the franchise plans on building a new lakefront stadium as it shifts its focus away from Arlington Park.
Earlier in the month, Warren issued a statement expressing the Bears’ intention to contribute over $2bn (£1.6bn/€1.87bn) to build a stadium in the City of Chicago.
The team had earmarked Arlington International Racecourse as the site for a new home and commenced demolition work on the site in May last year. A week later, the team revealed that Arlington International Racecourse was no longer its singular focus for a new stadium, and a new venue near the team’s current home, Soldier Field, now appears to be the preferred option.
