NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt University Athletics today announced a new partnership with Oak View Group (OVG), the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, to redefine the fan experience, student-athlete support, and venue strategy across its athletics venues.
As Vanderbilt Athletics’ exclusive hospitality partner, OVG Hospitality’s services at Vanderbilt include concessions, premium suite and club catering, and team performance dining for student-athletes at FirstBank Stadium, Memorial Gymnasium, Hawkins Field, and additional Vanderbilt Athletics facilities. The partnership represents a collaborative effort to elevate the fan and student-athlete experience with more initiatives to be introduced this year.
“Partnering with Oak View Group allows us to deliver an elevated hospitality experience for our fans that matches the energy and ambition of Vanderbilt Athletics,” said Deputy Athletic Director Derek Grice. “This collaboration positions us for an exciting future on and off the playing surface that will redefine the game-day experience for both our fans and student-athletes.”
In 2025, OVG introduced new hospitality services at FirstBank Stadium, improving service flow, reducing wait times, and elevating the fan experience across premium and general-admission spaces. OVG also expanded its role to support Vanderbilt student-athletes through ongoing investment in the training table program.
“Vanderbilt represents excellence across academics, athletics, and campus life, and our partnership shows what’s possible when hospitality is approached with intention,” said Ken Gaber, president of OVG Hospitality. “With a strong operational foundation in place, we’re excited to keep building thoughtful enhancements to the Vandy men’s and women’s basketball seasons and continuing to raise the standard for every guest who walks through these venues.”
With winter sports underway, the partnership will continue refining hospitality offerings while exploring additional opportunities to further advance Vanderbilt Athletics’ long-term venue strategy.
This partnership builds on OVG’s growing portfolio of collegiate athletics collaborations, supporting some of the nation’s most respected universities and campus venues, including the University of Connecticut, Penn State University, University of Kansas, University of Arizona, Texas Tech University, Villanova University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Colorado State University, University of Illinois, University of Texas, Missouri State University and Virginia Tech, among others.
