Categories: College University Athletics

University Approves Levy as Exclusive Food Service Provider

UCF Athletics facilities bustling with fans enjoying exclusive food offerings.

News Summary

The University of Central Florida’s Board of Trustees has approved a 10-year contract with Levy to be the exclusive food and beverage service provider for the UCF Athletics Association. This agreement signifies a strategic shift in UCF’s food operations and includes a significant investment commitment from Levy, promising enhanced offerings for athletes and fans at various athletic venues. With an initial $5.5 million investment and a $1 million signing bonus, UCF aims to elevate the athletic experience through improved services and amenities.

Orlando, Florida – The University of Central Florida’s Board of Trustees (BOT) has approved a 10-year contract with Levy to become the exclusive food and beverage service provider for the UCF Athletics Association (UCFAA). This decision was made during a BOT meeting on Thursday and marks a significant shift in the university’s food and beverage operations within its athletics facilities.

The contract, which will take effect on July 1, introduces Levy as the provider that will replace the incumbent Oak View Group. It includes the option for UCFAA to extend the agreement for two additional five-year terms with a 120-day written notice. This flexibility allows UCFAA to maintain a long-term relationship with Levy if it meets the university’s expectations.

Levy’s comprehensive services under this contract span across various locations within the Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village. This includes the recently renamed football stadium, Acrisure Bounce House, Addition Financial Arena, and several other sports venues. As part of their responsibilities, Levy will offer exclusive concessions, premium hospitality for renovated stadium areas, training table operations for student-athletes, and catering services for special events within the Athletics Village.

Financially, the agreement includes commission-based revenue shares from Levy on gross food and beverage sales, assuring that both UCFAA and Levy benefit from sales performance. Levy will undertake an initial capital investment of $5.5 million in the first year, followed by investments of $1.5 million in the second and fifth years of the agreement. Should UCFAA opt to renew the contract after the first and second terms, Levy has committed to infusing an additional $5.5 million with each renewal.

Additionally, UCFAA will receive a $1 million signing bonus, which can be allocated at its discretion, providing immediate financial support to further enhance athletic programs and facilities.

In the selection process for this partnership, an eight-member committee evaluated bids from several companies. A total of nine companies were invited to compete for the contract, yielding four proposals, including two joint bids. Other notable competitors in the bidding included Aramark Sports + Entertainment, Sodexo Live, and Oak View Group.

Levy brings a wealth of experience to the partnership, having provided food and beverage services for numerous high-profile venues, including Camping World Stadium and Kia Center. The company is also scheduled to take over services at ESPN Wide World of Sports this summer. In the collegiate athletics sector, Levy has established relationships with several prestigious universities, including Ohio State, Notre Dame, Alabama, Texas A&M, Wisconsin, Colorado, Oklahoma, Air Force, Indiana, and Purdue.

This contract signifies an important development for UCF’s athletics program as it aims to enhance the overall experience for athletes and fans alike through improved food and beverage offerings. With Levy’s proven track record and substantial investment commitments, UCFAA anticipates a successful collaboration that will elevate its athletic events and help further engage the university community.