VOL 27 ISSUE 1, Jan. 5, 2026
In 2025, Delaware North operations around the globe hit significant milestones, secured new business, supported high-profile events and garnered major recognition – accomplishments anchored in the company’s Transformation agenda and made possible due to the dedication of our team members.
Here’s a look back at some of the top stories of the year from the Enterprise, Australia, Boston, Gaming, Parks and Resorts, Patina Group, Sportservice and the United Kingdom.
Enterprise
Delaware North Transformation drives the company forward
In early 2025, Delaware North’s executive vice presidents (EVPs) announced the company would embark on an ambitious Transformation agenda to position the company for long-term growth and innovation. Throughout the summer and fall, subsidiary presidents shared their forward-looking visions in a series of interactive information sessions, inspiring teams across the enterprise to embrace the future.
Obletz appointed as EVP and COO
The company announced on Oct. 2 the appointment of Delaware North leader Jamie Obletz as executive vice president and chief operating officer. Obletz – who previously oversaw the company’s Sportservice and U.K. business – assumed responsibility for overseeing the company’s global operations and driving strategic growth across its diverse portfolio.
Serving Oasis fans on three different continents
Delaware North provided hospitality and food services for Oasis Live ’25 concerts at three major venues: Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Wembley Stadium in London and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. These sold-out shows drew massive crowds, including over 700,000 fans at Wembley, showcasing Delaware North’s global presence in premier entertainment locations.
Billboard across from corporate headquarters goes viral
Delaware North’s billboard across from corporate headquarters in Buffalo went viral after CBS Sports lead NFL reporter Tracy Wolfson tweeted a photo of it in early January. The billboard, which read “The Queen City has a new queen,” was congratulating Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who was recently engaged (now married) to actress Hailee Steinfeld.
Travel division transitions to Areas
After more than 80 years in the travel business, the sale of Delaware North’s Travel division to Areas officially closed on Nov. 24 – 2025 marked a year of record openings for division, including at Detroit Metro Airport, Boise Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Charleston International Airport.
Australia
Lizard Island Resort earns high accolades from Michelin, Condé Nast Traveler
Lizard Island Resort, owned and operated by Delaware North on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, received two coveted accolades: a Michelin Three-Key distinction and recognition as the No. 1 Resort in Australia and the South Pacific in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. A total of 35 hotels in Australia were awarded inaugural Michelin Keys, with Lizard Island Resort being the only one to earn three Keys. – a distinction reserved for the most extraordinary stays.
Delaware North awarded new contract at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne
The Australian Football League (AFL) announced in February that Delaware North will continue to serve as the hospitality provider at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne following a highly competitive tender process. The AFL is one of Delaware North’s foundation clients in Australia, with a partnership that began more than 20 years ago when Marvel Stadium opened.
Delaware North celebrates milestone of operating 200 games at the MCG
Delaware North Australia in August celebrated its 200th Australian Football League (AFL) game at the world-class Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) since the company was appointed hospitality partner in 2022. To mark the milestone, 134 guests, including full-time MCG team members and Australia Head Office leaders, attended a special event at the venue and had the opportunity to run through a breakaway banner on the pitch.
Delaware North brings new first-to-market concepts to Perth Airport
Delaware North Australia was awarded several new food and beverage outlets at Perth Airport’s international terminal, including Gage Roads Sports Bar, a reimagined Hungry Jack’s, The Social and Matso’s Brewhouse (rendering pictured above), to enhance the passenger experience and reflect the culture of Western Australia. The expansion builds on more than 30 years of partnership with the airport and aligns with ongoing terminal upgrades and rising passenger traffic, with all locations expected to open by early 2026.
Boston
TD Garden hosts events with global reach
TD Garden hosts more than 200 events annually, driving tourism to Boston and business to the surrounding area. Beyond Boston Bruins and Boston Celtics games in addition to world-class events, the Delaware North-owned venue hosted two sold-out 4 Nations Face-Off games in February and attracted 100,000 spectators for the World Figure Skating Championships in April.
Thirty years of community and giving back
TD Garden marked its 30th anniversary on Sept. 30 with an array of activations, including a Golden Birthday Pop-Up Party at The Hub on Causeway, bringing together fans, government officials and community partners. Charlie Jacobs, Delaware North CEO and Boston Bruins CEO, and Glen Thornborough, president of TD Garden and chief operating officer of the Bruins, joined attendees to present a $30,000 donation to Community Work Services for Boston-based job training and employment programs.
Since opening in 1995, TD Garden has stood at the heart of Boston’s West End – an engine of energy, culture and community – and was shortlisted as a finalist by Sports Business Journal for 2025 Facility of the Year.
50 years of Boston Bruins ownership
The National Hockey League’s Boston Bruins recognized 50 years of being under the ownership of Delaware North Chairman Jeremy Jacobs and his family. Jeremy Jacobs (pictured above during a celebration when the Bruins won the Stanley Cup in 2011) purchased the team and Boston Garden in August 1975, making him North America’s longest-tenured owner in major sports, overseeing growth, significant investments in TD Garden and leadership within the NHL as chairman of the board of governors.
Boston Bruins unveil new brand identity
In June, the Boston Bruins officially launched a new brand identity featuring refreshed versions of the team’s classic “Spoked-B” emblem that was introduced on jerseys ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season. Developed in-house, the refreshed logo and identity is anchored by the slogan, “Built by Boston, Powered by Tradition,” paying homage to the city’s influence on the team’s identity and the legacy that continues to drive the franchise forward.
Gaming
Catawba Nation, Delaware North celebrate construction milestones for $1 billion casino ahead of first phase opening in spring 2026
The Catawba Nation, Delaware North and other partners in the development of the $1 billion Catawba Two Kings Casino in Kings Mountain, N.C., near Charlotte celebrated significant construction milestones in 2025, including a June 17 media tour after one year of construction, and an Oct. 27 topping-off ceremony. The introductory casino will open in spring 2026 followed by the full casino complex and hotel a year later.
Southland Casino Hotel awarded prestigious AAA Four Diamond rating
Southland Casino Hotel, Delaware North’s superregional gaming property in West Memphis, Ark., in March was awarded the prestigious AAA Four Diamond rating for the first time. Southland was recognized for its refined, stylish and upscale physical attributes, an extensive array of amenities and a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail. It is now one of four properties in Arkansas and one of nine in the greater Memphis, Tenn., area with the AAA Four Diamond rating.
Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack debuts new restaurant and nine-concept food hub
Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack, Delaware North’s Gaming property in Wheeling, W.Va., on Dec. 5 announced the opening of several food and beverage (F&B) concepts, including Cask & Clover Kitchen and Bar and the Gravitate Food Hub, featuring nine unique proprietary concepts. The new F&B offerings are part of a $4.5 million project that has transformed the overall guest experience at Wheeling Island, including upcoming enhancements to the hotel.
Delaware North’s Gaming division launches expanded and enhanced player rewards program
Delaware North’s Gaming division in early 2025 launched the expanded and enhanced Lucky North® Rewards program for members across its gaming properties. The new program (formerly Lucky North Club®) features twice-as-long tier-earning and benefit-use periods, expanded on-property and destination benefits and new national and local partnerships for discounted and complimentary experiences, including with Carnival Cruise Line.
Gate City Casino opens first Aristocrat Lounge™ in New Hampshire, completes addition of video lottery terminals
Delaware North’s Gate City Casino in Nashua, N.H., on Nov. 17 celebrated the opening of the first Aristocrat Lounge in a New Hampshire casino and the completion of a major reconfiguration of its gaming floor with the addition of hundreds of traditional video lottery terminals (VLTs).The casino also became the first in the state to offer automated electronic table games (ETGs).
Parks and Resorts
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex celebrates new attraction and national recognition
Delaware North marked 30 years of operating Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for NASA on Florida’s Space Coast in 2025, a year featuring a new attraction, exclusive events and national recognition. The visitor complex was named the No. 1 attraction in the United States by Tripadvisor as part of its 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards, based on more than 15,000 five-star reviews. Delaware North also received a perfect score of 100 on its NASA evaluation, which measures performance across key operational areas. The Gantry at LC-39 debuted as the visitor complex’s newest attraction, and the Rocket Garden served as the iconic backdrop for an exclusive Visa Live concert featuring global artist Benson Boone.
Delaware North acquires Cactus Moon Lodge near Austin, with plans to add alternative lodging
Delaware North’s Parks and Resorts in September announced the acquisition of resort-style, special event venue Cactus Moon Lodge, set on a hilltop and surrounded by a scenic 22-acre property in the Texas Hill Country near Austin. The property features cabin-style lodging units, a main lodge with outdoor seating, a Spanish-style courtyard for up to 300 people and a collection of springs, waterfalls and hiking trails. Delaware North plans to develop additional lodging and hospitality amenities as part of the Parks and Resorts division’s alternative lodging strategy.
Partnership at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake extended through 2036
Delaware North and Ashtabula County announced the extension of their partnership at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake, located along the coast of Lake Erie in Geneva, Ohio, through 2036. Delaware North has operated the destination since its opening in 2004 and has been a driving force behind its success as well as made significant improvements to the property over the last 20 years.
The historic Gideon Putnam in Saratoga Springs celebrates 90th anniversary with modern refresh
The Gideon Putnam and Roosevelt Bath & Spas, both operated by Delaware North since 2007, celebrated 90 years of welcoming guests through storied hospitality in Saratoga Springs State Park. As part of its efforts to preserve and enhance the historic property, Delaware North unveiled a thoughtful refresh of the hotel’s guest rooms and upgraded public spaces, blending modern amenities with the timeless architecture that defines the property.
Parks and Resorts locations featured in prominent media coverage
Tenaya at Yosemite, Delaware North’s full-service resort near Yosemite National Park, earned high praise in the national spotlight, including from lifestyle hub Collector of Experiences and Good Housekeeping. The Squire at the Grand Canyon, a Holiday Inn Resort, also was featured by Hombre Magazine, She Buys Travel and Frommer’s. The coverage highlights each property’s on-site amenities, along with their convenient locations for visitors to the national parks.
Patina Group
Patina Group delivers full-spectrum hospitality at 2025 Ryder Cup
Delaware North’s Patina Group, the official catering partner of PGA of America, executed an all-inclusive hospitality program for the hundreds of thousands of spectators attending the 2025 Ryder Cup (Sept. 23–28) at the iconic Bethpage Black Golf Course on Long Island. Known for redefining dining at major events such as the PGA Championship, Patina Group provided a restaurant-quality experience in a fully constructed, temporary setting that rivals permanent venues in scale and sophistication.
Patina Group creates most ambitious all-inclusive dining experience in professional sports at 2025 PGA Championship
Patina Group concluded its fifth year as the official catering partner of the PGA Championship in 2025, once again delivering what many consider the most ambitious all-inclusive dining experience in professional sports. At the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C., every guest – from general spectators to VIP ticketholders – enjoyed unlimited access to food and non-alcoholic beverages through the groundbreaking Championship+ model.
Patina Group’s Hundredfold brasserie brings whimsy and flavor to Belmont Park Village
Hundredfold, a new American brasserie from Patina Group and James Beard Award-winning chef Timothy Hollingsworth, opened in July at Belmont Park Village on Long Island. News of the highly anticipated restaurant being open was featured in food critic Florence Fabricant’s iconic “Off the Menu” column in the New York Times and Eater NY.
Patina Group launches Hencraft: A bold new era in chicken sandwiches
Patina Group in summer 2025 unveiled Hencraft, a new fast-casual chicken brand designed to deliver bold flavors, inventive sides and a fresh take on the classic chicken sandwich. The launch marks the company’s latest move to expand its culinary portfolio with a concept that blends crave-worthy food with a spirited brand identity.
Morimoto Asia celebrates 10th anniversary
Morimoto Asia, operated by Patina Group in partnership with Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto at Disney Springs in Orlando, celebrated its 10th anniversary in October with a special event and launched the year-long “Passport to Morimoto Asia” program. The program invites guests to collect stamps by trying monthly featured Asian dishes and cocktails for a chance to win prizes, including an exclusive reception with Chef Morimoto.
Sportservice
Delaware North selected as hospitality partner for Inter Miami CF’s new home at Miami Freedom Park
Delaware North was selected as the food and beverage provider at Miami Freedom Park, home of Major League Soccer (MLS) team Inter Miami CF, marking a major milestone in the development of the highly anticipated new stadium. The world-class hospitality experience will be led by Delaware North Sportservice and Patina Group – featuring frictionless markets, signature bars and premium, personalized service in exclusive clubs and suites.
Sportservice earns contract extensions with several clients in 2025
Delaware North’s Sportservice division earned contract extensions with the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park, Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field and Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. These extensions build on partnerships that date back to 2016 with the Braves, 1994 with the Guardians and 1970 with the Sabres – reflecting Delaware North’s long-standing commitment to its clients.
Delaware North’s MLB food takes center stage on ‘CBS Mornings’
Delaware North’s ballpark fare hit the national spotlight during a feature segment on “CBS Mornings,” highlighting the company’s culinary innovation across Major League Baseball stadiums. Airing during the 8 a.m. ET hour on May 8, the segment was the result of months of cross-functional coordination among Delaware North Sportservice, Patina Group and Corporate Communications.
Delaware North serves hundreds of thousands during 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field
With more than 600,000 fans flooding Green Bay’s Titletown for the 2025 NFL Draft, Delaware North played a central role in delivering the food, beverage and hospitality experience across Lambeau Field and the surrounding area. Over the three-day event, Delaware North Sportservice operated 25 concessions outlets – 15 located in the outdoor draft footprint and 10 inside Lambeau Field – serving classic stadium fare to massive crowds.
Delaware North delivers Southern-inspired culinary showcase at 2025 MLB All-Star Game
Truist Park and the adjacent Battery Atlanta took center stage as the Atlanta Braves hosted the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Week festivities July 11-15. With all eyes on Atlanta, the Braves and hospitality partner Delaware North introduced a bold, Southern-inspired culinary lineup to give guests a true taste of the region’s rich food culture.
Savannah Bananas tour includes several Delaware North locations
The Savannah Bananas brought their whimsical style of baseball to locations around the United States in 2025, including several ballparks where Delaware North’s Sportservice division serves as the hospitality partner. Sportservice created unique “Banana Ball” food and beverage experiences at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Ariz., Truist Park in Atlanta, Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Rate Field in Chicago and Petco Park in San Diego.
United Kingdom
Sunderland Association Football Club names Delaware North U.K. as new hospitality provider
Sunderland Association Football Club (SAFC) announced in July that Delaware North U.K. will serve as the long-term hospitality provider at the Stadium of Light, home of the Black Cats, in Sunderland, England. Delaware North U.K. and SAFC debuted new fan amenities this summer, including a reimagined concourse, self-serve beer taps and several new concepts with acclaimed chef and SAFC fan Tommy Banks.
Setting the stage for another massive FA Cup Final
Delaware North U.K. served an integral role in nearly 130 professional football matches last year, with the Football Association (FA) Cup Final in May being the biggest game of the year. More than 2,700 team members helped transform Wembley Stadium into a theater of passion and spectacle – not just on the pitch, but behind the scenes – hosting 8,000 hospitality covers across 18 restaurant spaces and 151 private suites.
Delaware North U.K. venues host major concerts
Delaware North U.K. hosted 40 concerts in 2025, including 10 sustainability-driven Coldplay concerts, seven performances of Oasis’ Live ’25 reunion tour, two Dua Lipa shows, and the Capital Summertime Ball at London’s Wembley Stadium. London Stadium also hosted several sold-out shows, with Iron Maiden’s June Homecoming concert as a major highlight.
Feast of talent: Signature Chef Series debuts
Delaware North U.K. launched its Signature Chef Series bringing renowned chefs such as Andrew Wong, Calum Franklin and Tommy Banks with in-house culinary teams to deliver elevated dining experiences at major events – from Premier League matches to concerts. The collaboration offered top-tier experiences for guests at several venues where Delaware North U.K. operates and provided internal culinarians with valuable learning opportunities from celebrity chef partners.