MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Sept. 27, 2010) – Target Center and Delaware North Companies Sportservice – one of the nation’s leading food, beverage and retail management companies – today announced a seven-year partnership.
Under the terms of this new agreement between Sportservice and arena manager AEG Management, TWN, LLC, Sportservice will oversee general concessions services for the Minneapolis arena. Target Center is owned by the City of Minneapolis.
“AEG is extremely excited to announce our partnership in Minneapolis with Delaware North Companies Sportservice,” said Steve Mattson, VP/general manager of Target Center. “They have an excellent reputation in our industry for providing quality food and beverage options while delivering outstanding customer service.”
In addition, Sportservice will make an investment to enhance concessions operations at the arena. State-of-the-art concessions equipment, appealing stand designs, new product offerings and upgraded guest amenities are all part of the investment plan to be developed in partnership with AEG and the City of Minneapolis.
“Delaware North Companies is honored to join AEG/Target Center and the City of Minneapolis as partners,” said Rick Abramson, president of Delaware North Companies Sportservice.
“Minneapolis is a fantastic food city, and we are excited about having the opportunity to showcase new and exciting menu items that are exclusive to Target Center. We will be bringing an incredible event-day experience to Target Center as we have helped bring to Target Field and the Twin Cities,” Abramson said.
Jeff Johnson, executive director of the Minneapolis Convention Center and City liaison to AEG/Target Center, stated: “The selection of Delaware North Companies Sportservice starts the next phase of a renewed guest experience at Target Center. We believe that this partnership will bring much of the same excitement, creativity and commitment to our community that Sportservice has brought to Target Field. The City of Minneapolis is pleased to see Target Center continue to move forward in a positive direction.”
Sportservice will take over the general concessions operations on Friday, Oct. 1, 2010. The remodeling and upgrading of concession stands and concession menus is expected to begin in November and will be ongoing throughout the Timberwolves season.
“The timing of this partnership couldn’t be better. Target Center will celebrate its 20-year anniversary in October. Over the next few months, arena management will work closely with Delaware North Companies Sportservice and the City of Minneapolis to begin to reinvent the entertainment experience for our fans,” added Steve Mattson.