Aug. 22, 2014
DeKALB, Ill. - Northern Illinois University Athletics has partnered with Sodexo, the world leader in Quality of Life services, to manage concession and catering services at the NIU Convocation Center and at Huskie Stadium, NIU Associate Vice-President and Director of Athletics Sean T. Frazier announced Friday.
The initial three-year agreement will upgrade the fan experience at both venues by expanding the concessions offerings and upgrading the level of service provided to Huskie fans. Frazier said bringing Sodexo on board directly addresses a need voiced by fans and Convocation Center patrons.
"We have heard the voices of our patrons and fans asking for upgraded offerings and a higher level of customer service, and we've responded," Frazier said. "We're confident teaming up with Sodexo will better serve all of our guests, and we're excited about the partnership. Concessions are an important aspect of the fan experience and this is a step forward for us in improving customer service."
In addition to managing the concession areas for the general public, Sodexo will handle catering in the premium areas of Huskie Stadium and the Convocation Center, including the new Coaches Club, the Yordon Terrace, the Skybox and the Nelson Club. The agreement with Sodexo also provides for the opportunity for growth to other NIU Athletics venues, including the Soccer and Track & Field Complex, Ralph McKinzie Field and Mary M. Bell Field.
Sodexo's clients include four of the largest collegiate stadiums in the United States, and venues ranging from the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. and Circuit of The Americas in Austin, TX, the first purpose-built Formula 1 venue in the United States. Headquartered in Gaithersburg, Md., the company serves more than 15 million consumers daily and has 700 facility management sites. They provide services across the spectrum of education, health care, senior living, business, sports & leisure and government.
"Sodexo is pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the athletic department and Convocation Center at Northern Illinois University," said Monte Pedersen, Regional Vice-President of Sodexo. "We look forward to enhancing the fan experience at all NIU events while supporting the overall goals and mission of the university."
Sodexo's services officially begin today (Aug. 22) with the Family Resource Fair and Dinner during NIU Welcome Days. The first athletic event will be the NIU football season-opener versus Presbyterian on Thursday, August 28 at Huskie Stadium. Kickoff is at 6 p.m. and tickets are on sale now at the NIU Athletics Ticket Office in the NIU Convocation Center and online at www.NIUHuskies.com.
About Sodexo
Sodexo, Inc. (www.sodexoUSA.com), a leading Quality of Life services company in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, delivers on-site services in Corporate, Education, Health Care, Government, and Remote Site segments, as well as Benefits and Rewards Services and Personal and Home Services. Sodexo, Inc., headquartered in Gaithersburg, Md., funds all administrative costs for the Sodexo Foundation (www.SodexoFoundation.org), an independent charitable organization that, since its founding in 1999, has made more than $20 million in grants to end childhood hunger in America.
-- NIU --
Twitter: @NIUAthletics
Facebook: NIU Huskies
