Old hand Barney in Sportservice top slot

Image: Delaware North

Delaware North recently announced that their longtime company executive Tom Barney has been appointed President of Sportservice effective January 12^th.

‘Delaware North’ stated that the Sportservice is Delaware North’s longstanding sports hospitality and retail division with operations spanning all major professional sports leagues. The company services nearly 50 locations including the 81,441-capacity Lambeau Field in Green Bay, the 82,500-capacity MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the 25,000-capacity Miami Freedom Park in Miami, the 41,108-capacity Truist Park in Atlanta, the 39,860-capacity Petco Park in San Diego, the 20,332-capacity Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, and the Delaware North-owned 19,580-capacity TD Garden in Boston – all in the United States of America.

Buffalo (US)-based Delaware North is a global leader in the hospitality and entertainment industry. The company annually serves more than a half-billion guests across three continents including at high-profile sports venues, airports, national and State parks, restaurants, resorts, hotels, and casinos. Building on more than a century of enduring partnerships and a commitment to the local communities and sustainability Delaware North’s vision is to delight guests by creating the world’s best experiences today while reimagining tomorrow.

‘Delaware North’ further stated that Barney, a veteran leader of more than three decades at Delaware North, brings extensive experience in operations, finance and strategic initiatives. He most recently served as the Chief Transformation Officer and led companywide programs to improve performance and foster innovation. Prior to that, he served as the Senior Vice-President and Treasurer where he played a pivotal role in guiding the company’s recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. He implemented a new financing structure that enabled continued investment in the business and positioned Delaware North for long-term growth.

His operational leadership includes serving as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Patina Group where he played a key role in integrating the then-newly acquired restaurant and catering company into Delaware North and oversaw the opening of several new dining concepts in Boston. Barney also led finance for Delaware North’s Parks and Resorts Division supporting major expansions such as new National Park Service contracts and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) agreements for the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

For over 30 years the Los Angeles (US)-based Patina Group proudly delivered exceptional culinary and hospitality experiences across both coasts. As an award-winning pioneer in restaurants and catering and an established leader in elevated, premium hospitality the Patina Group is deeply connected to culture, entertainment and the arts. Today, the Patina Group pursues the art of radical hospitality – going beyond traditional service, fostering genuine connections with their guests and sparking a sense of belonging in every warm, welcoming environment they create.

Said Jamie Obletz, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), Delaware North, “Tom’s leadership experience across multiple operating businesses combined with his strategic vision makes him the ideal choice to lead Sportservice.”

Obletz, who held the role of Sportservice President prior to his October 2025 elevation to Chief Operating Officer of the broader organization, added, “He understands what it takes to deliver exceptional guest experiences while driving operational excellence and growth.”

Barney, a Buffalo native, has an MBA from the University at Buffalo and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the Rochester Institute of Technology, New York. In 2022, he was named Chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the University at the Buffalo School of Management.

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