Culinary delight at Suns-Mercury fixtures

Article posted by Coliseum, August 14^th, 2023

Image: Footprint Center, Troutfarm27, CC BY-SA 4.0

The National Basketball Association (NBA) (US) team Phoenix Suns and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team Phoenix Mercury announced a transformative new partnership with the Oak View Group’s (OVG) food and beverage division, OVG Hospitality (a food service contractor with locations across North America) to redefine the overall fan experience at all Suns and Mercury games, as well as concerts and live events.

‘QSR’ stated that OVG’s first-ever partnership with an NBA and WNBA venue, this groundbreaking deal further expands the best-in-class experience for Suns and Mercury fans and elevates Phoenix (Arizona, US) as a premier destination for basketball and entertainment.

The Phoenix Suns are an American professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona (US). They compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the league’s Western Conference Pacific Division. The Suns are the only team in their division not to be based in California.

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The 18,422-capacity Footprint Center is a multipurpose arena in Phoenix, Arizona (US). Built in the regional population center of Southwestern United States, the arena opened on June 6th, 1992 at a construction cost of $89 million. It serves as the home pitch of the Phoenix Suns.

The Phoenix Mercury is an American professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona (US), playing in the Western Conference in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The team was founded before the league’s inaugural 1997 season began and is one of the eight original franchises. The Footprint Center serves as their home venue.

The OVG Oak View Group, LLC is an American Global Advisory, Development and Investment Company for Sports and Live Entertainment industries. Based in Los Angeles, it was formed on November 16th, 2015 by Tim Leiweke and his business partner, Irving Azoff. Leiweke is the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Stated Mat Ishbia, Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury Owner, “Our commitment is to continue to find innovative ways to invest in our community and put forth our championship mentality in everything we do, on and off the floor. From the moment fans walk through our doors, we want every part of their gameday experience to be world-class and something they can only have in Phoenix – the best basketball City in the world.”

‘QSR’ further stated that as the exclusive food and beverage provider, OVG Hospitality brings an experience unlike any other in the Valley to Suns and Mercury games with first-class food and beverage, service and state-of-the-art technologies. Features include premier food and beverage in all clubs, suites and concessions throughout the lower and upper concourses, new technology to ensure faster lines at concessions to allow fans to spend less time in line and more time enjoying the game or concert, and a robust selection of new menu items that will roll out throughout the year.

The partnership is the first in the sports and entertainment industry to feature OVG Hospitality’s newly-acquired luxury hospitality and catering company, Rhubarb Hospitality Collection (RHC) – elevating the Suns and Mercury’s premium services to unprecedented standards. The RHC will create and provide a unique culinary journey for all club and suite guests. From specialized beverages as fans enter the arena and customized food offerings by locally renowned chefs to an elevated wine program for connoisseurs of every variety, fans will be treated to a bespoke culinary experience.

Said Josh Bartelstein, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury, “Every fan should be treated to a best-in-class experience, and that includes providing top-quality food and beverage options and unrivaled service. Through our partnership with OVG we are significantly raising the standards of excellence for our fans and further elevating Phoenix as the pre-eminent City for sports and entertainment.”

As part of its offerings, OVG Hospitality will use locally sourced ingredients to create customized menus specific to each event, making the food and beverage experience unique to the Valley and a reflection of the City’s growing culinary scene.

Added Ken Gaber, President of OVG Hospitality, “With high-tech market expertise to diverse local suppliers, the OVG Hospitality has all the resources to elevate the experience for all fans, whether at the concourse concession stands or in the luxury suites. We are excited to partner with the Suns and Mercury and add a delicious and savory menu to their roster.”

The OVG was founded in 2015 as a positive disruption to business as usual in the sports, live entertainment and hospitality industries. The company has grown rapidly, building the world’s most sustainable arenas, ensuring the fan experience is second to none and last month, announcing the acquisition of Rhubarb Hospitality Collection (RHC).

The Rhubarb Hospitality Collection (RHC) is a premium hospitality collection that is embarking on an exciting adventure to create and deliver food and beverage experiences.

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