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Concession Improvements Boost Quality, Service 9/14/2005 Vanderbilt athletics recently agreed to terms with SodexHo Sports and Leisure Services to be the concessionaire for all Vanderbilt events within Vanderbilt Stadium, Hawkins Field, and Memorial Gym. All improvements and product additions have been made without any substantial price increases. The new agreement brings a wealth of new products to Vanderbilt athletic events. New Commodore Grill carts will provide Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches, Bratwurst sausage with peppers and onions, and a new jalape?o cheese hot dog courtesy of Field’s. The concessions stand in the south end zone has been rebuilt into the new Gridiron Grill featuring barbeque sandwiches, fresh sub sandwiches, popcorn chicken, and flavored French fries along with fresh brewed iced tea! “I am tickled to death to have some new products for Vanderbilt fans to choose from,” said Director of Marketing Eric Nichols. “The days of serving only hot dogs and popcorn are over in the sports entertainment business. Fans expect and deserve a better variety of food options at Vanderbilt games. My favorite addition is the sweet tea. Nothing says southern hospitality like sweet tea.” SodexHo is also dedicated to providing excellent customer service. A more robust service training program coupled with the addition of several new stand supervisors should provide fans with a rededication to be helpful and courteous. Another tangible addition is the installation of credit card machines at all concession stands. SodexHo also repositioned the stands that accept the students’ Vandy cards to stands #3 and #4 behind Sections N &M. The move is intended to decrease the traffic flow at stand 2 which is one of the busiest in the facility. Significant facility and equipment improvements have also been included into the new agreement and are ready for the opening football game. New stainless steel condiment tables have been installed and will replace the wooden stands that have been aging. A fresh coat of paint and new sealer for the serving counter have been applied to each of the nine concessions stands. “To talk a good game is one thing, but SodexHo has put their ideas into action and has invested in the service Vanderbilt and its fan base expects,” said Nichols. “We are pleased to be making tangible progress in an area that we have been striving to improve for years. Between the service expectations in the concession stands and the new programs in and around the stadium, we are making statements that all our fans are important to us.” |
