VOL 26 | ISSUE 12 | MARCH 24, 2025
The 2025 Australian Football League (AFL) season launched in thrilling fashion, with five games played across four days earlier this month at venues in Melbourne with Delaware North hospitality services. Nearly 300,000 fans packed the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Marvel Stadium, marking a high-energy start to the season.
The MCG debuted two autonomous outlets powered by Amazon Just Walk Out technology, plus a new MCG Fresh outlet offering fresh options. Delaware North also expanded its Big Chicken concept with three new locations.
On the premium hospitality front, 1956, a new Members’ Reserve restaurant honoring the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, opened under Sous Chef Jesse McFadden and features Greek-Turkish cuisine. Other additions include Tom Wills by Alex, led by Chef de Cuisine Alex Drobysz in the AFL Reserve, and Lil’ Miss by Chef de Cuisine Shirley Summakwan in the Members’ Reserve. Executive Sous Chef Rhys Blackley also curated upgraded menus at Terrace Café and Tower 6 to elevate the dining experience for Melbourne Cricket Club members.
Delaware North also expanded its merchandise footprint at the MCG, launching a new store and renovating two existing outlets with upgraded technology and displays.
Following a blockbuster concert season featuring Coldplay, The Weeknd, Pearl Jam, Green Day, Travis Scott and Luke Combs, “footy” has returned to Marvel Stadium with renewed energy.
High-end dining options include ALTIS by celebrity chef Stephen Nairn and Lee Ho Fook by celebrity chef Victor Liong, which continue to receive rave reviews, while new partnerships include A1 Bakery and Daniel’s Donuts alongside existing local eateries Hunky Dory, 400 Gradi Pronto, EARL Canteen and 8Bit Burgers.
Marvel Stadium has also introduced several new culinary concepts:
- Souvlaki by Konstantina – Created by Sous Chef Konstantina Bakali, featuring stadium fare with a Greek-Cypriot twist.
- Hawker by Princess – Created by Executive Sous Chef Princess Uy, featuring a dynamic pan-Asian menu.
- FYSH – A partnership with Infinity Blue Barramundi, offering premium fish and chips and poke-style bowls.
Main caption: With fresh culinary experiences and innovative service enhancements, Delaware North continues to redefine stadium hospitality for AFL fans at Marvel Stadium and the MCG. Pictured is Executive Sous Chef Princess Uy working on a pan-Asian menu for Marvel Stadium fans.