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Concessions

With MLS
Georgia Tech Scores

eorgia Tech Concessions in Atlanta has made it to the big
Gleagues, hosting eight Major League Soccer (MLS) games
for the new Atlanta United team.
The team’s matches were originally set to be played at the city’s
new Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but due to time constraints, the
first eight home games were relocated to Bobby Dodd Stadium,
located on the campus of Georgia Tech. The first match on March
5th against the New York Red Bulls was sold out with more than
55,000 in attendance.
“Our first event was dynamic,” said Staci Flores, resident district
manager for GT Concessions, which is operated by Sodexo. “We
planned for high attendance and high energy, and that is exactly
what we received.”
Georgia Tech Concessions operated a total of 24 food and
beverage stands along with nine alcohol carts, in collaboration
with Premier Events, an Atlanta-based production company. The
concessions team also managed more than 70 VIP suites, including
the presidential suite, where members could purchase house-made
specialties like grilled Patak bratwurst from Austell, Ga., and pulled
Springer Mountain chicken from Gainesville, Ga.
“Specialty cuisines contribute to the fan experience,” said Flores.
“We pride ourselves on offering unique and delicious food options
along with quality and fast service.”
The second and third match were also sold-out events, with
thousands of fans pouring into the stadium to show their support.
This made the Atlanta United only the second Major League Soc-
cer team to break the 100,000 mark in combined attendance in its
first two home games.
In addition to providing a great fan experience and awesome
food, GT Concessions contributes to local communities by partner-
ing with more than 28 local non-profit organizations to run food &
beverage stands. Thus far more than $30,000 has been donated to
causes like Redemption Counseling Services and the Making the
Right Choice Community Center. GT Concessions is an advocate
of non-profit partnerships, and is proud to help generate awareness
and raise funds for impactful causes.
—OCH

ON-CAMPUS HOSPITALITY MAY 2017 | 21