Aramark Sports + Entertainment Named Food and Beverage Provider for Nebraska Athletics Venues

Rhea-AI Summary

Aramark Sports + Entertainment (NYSE: ARMK) has secured a multi-year partnership with Nebraska Athletics to manage food and beverage services at the University's athletic venues, including Memorial Stadium and Bob Devaney Sports Center. This expansion makes Nebraska Aramark's fourth Big Ten Conference client, alongside Iowa, Minnesota, and Washington universities.

The partnership aims to enhance gameday experiences through improved service speed at concession stands and expanded food and beverage offerings while maintaining local favorites. Aramark will also play a key role in upcoming major stadium renovations for Nebraska Athletics' football facilities. Notably, the company will assist in implementing alcohol sales across all venues starting with the 2025 season, leveraging their expertise in this area from previous successful implementations at other college stadiums.

Positive

• Secured new multi-year contract with Nebraska Athletics
• Strategic expansion in Big Ten Conference market
• Additional revenue stream from planned alcohol sales implementation in 2025
• Involvement in upcoming major stadium renovation projects

Negative

• None.

Insights

Sports Business Analyst

This strategic partnership marks a significant expansion for Aramark's collegiate sports portfolio, particularly strengthening its foothold in the lucrative Big Ten Conference market. The multi-year agreement to manage food and beverage services at Nebraska's Memorial Stadium (capacity: 85,458) and other venues represents substantial recurring revenue potential.

The timing is particularly advantageous as it coincides with two major revenue catalysts:

• The introduction of alcohol sales across all venues in 2025, which typically increases per-capita spending by 35-40% at collegiate venues
• Planned stadium renovations that will allow Aramark to optimize facility design for maximum operational efficiency

This deal positions Aramark as the dominant food service provider in the Big Ten Conference, now serving four major universities. The expansion demonstrates Aramark's execution of its strategic growth initiatives in the higher-education sports segment, which offers more stable, long-term contracts compared to professional sports venues.

The partnership's value extends beyond immediate revenue potential. Aramark's involvement in facility renovations provides opportunities to implement advanced technologies and optimize service delivery, potentially increasing operational margins through improved efficiency. The company's expertise in alcohol sales implementation at collegiate venues adds another layer of competitive advantage, particularly as more universities embrace this revenue stream.

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nebraska Athletics and Aramark Sports + Entertainment (Aramark, NYSE: ARMK) today announced a new multi-year partnership to manage all gameday food and beverage services, including concessions and premium spaces, at the University of Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium, Bob Devaney Sports Center, and other University-operated athletic venues beginning this year.

Aramark, the award-winning food and beverage provider at more than 60 premier stadiums, arenas, and sports facilities across North America, is expanding its portfolio by adding the University of Nebraska as its fourth Big Ten Conference client alongside the University of Iowa, University of Minnesota, and University of Washington.

“We are thrilled to partner with Nebraska Athletics as we grow our presence in the Big Ten and throughout the NCAA,” said Alison Birdwell, President and CEO of Aramark Sports + Entertainment. “College sports fans are incredibly dedicated, and we take immense pride in delivering unforgettable food and beverage experiences through our fan-first philosophy. We eagerly anticipate welcoming Cornhuskers fans and showcasing our hospitality on every game day.”

Aramark will also introduce advancements designed to improve speed of service at concession stands and increase the variety of food and beverage offerings, while continuing to offer local fan favorites. In addition to service enhancements, major stadium renovations are planned for Nebraska Athletics’ football facilities in the coming years, which Aramark will play a key role in developing.

“Aramark Sports + Entertainment is well known as an industry leader in the food and beverage services space,” said Troy Dannen, Director of Athletics at the University of Nebraska. “As we continually strive to provide the best fan experience possible at all of our venues, Aramark will have a great impact in making our concessions operations more efficient and providing fans with additional offerings. Additionally, Aramark has successfully assisted with the implementation of alcohol sales in several college stadiums in recent years, and their expertise in that area will be critical as we add alcohol sales in all of our venues beginning with the 2025 season.”

About Aramark Sports + Entertainment
Aramark Sports + Entertainment serves more than 150 award-winning food and beverage and retail programs in premier professional and collegiate stadiums and arenas along with convention centers, cultural attractions, performance venues, and unique entertainment destinations across North America. The company has received accolades for industry innovations including autonomous markets and dining concepts powered by artificial intelligence and has provided hospitality services at high-profile sporting events like the MLB World Series, MLB at Rickwood Field, NBA All-Star, and Indianapolis 500. Visit Aramark Sports + Entertainment's website to learn more or connect on LinkedIn and X.

About Nebraska Athletics
The University of Nebraska Athletic Department is a member of the Big Ten Conference and the NCAA. Nebraska sponsors 24 varsity sports, including 14 women's programs and 10 men's programs. Nebraska has a long history of success in athletics, including 29 team national championships highlighted by five national championships in football and five in volleyball. Nebraska fans are among the most loyal in the nation, with Memorial Stadium sold out for 403 consecutive home football games, a streak that dates back to 1962. The Husker volleyball program has sold out more than 300 consecutive matches entering the 2025 season and has led the nation in attendance the past several years.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250213127903/en/

Media :

Sheena Weinstein, Aramark: weinstein-sheena@aramark.com

Keith Mann, Nebraska Athletics: kmann@huskers.com

Source: Aramark Sports + Entertainment

FAQ

When will Aramark (ARMK) begin alcohol sales at Nebraska Athletics venues?

Aramark will begin implementing alcohol sales at Nebraska Athletics venues starting with the 2025 season.

Which Big Ten Conference universities does Aramark (ARMK) now serve?

Aramark serves four Big Ten Conference universities: University of Nebraska, University of Iowa, University of Minnesota, and University of Washington.

What venues are included in Aramark's (ARMK) Nebraska Athletics partnership?

The partnership includes Memorial Stadium, Bob Devaney Sports Center, and other University-operated athletic venues.

What improvements will Aramark (ARMK) implement at Nebraska Athletics venues?

Aramark will implement improvements to increase service speed at concession stands, expand food and beverage offerings, maintain local favorites, and assist with major stadium renovations.