VOL 26 | ISSUE 10 | MARCH 10, 2025
The Australian Football League (AFL) announced last week that Delaware North has been awarded a renewal to continue as the hospitality services provider at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne. The new contract follows 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 will continue collaborating with the AFL to elevate the fan experience at the recently redeveloped, world-class venue.
“We have a long association with Delaware North,” said Scott Fitzgerald, AFL general manager at Marvel Stadium. “They have played a crucial role in Marvel Stadium’s evolution over the last 24 years, and I am pleased we have extended our partnership in delivering fans a whole suite of offerings to cater to any tastebuds.”
Since 2000, Delaware North has delivered hospitality services at Australian and international sporting events at Marvel Stadium, along with concerts, shows, conferences and exhibitions. During that span, more than 50 million customers have been served at nearly 2,000 events, generating revenue of over $1 billion, along with millions more across the supply chains servicing the facility. “It has been a great privilege for Delaware North to have partnered with the AFL and
Marvel Stadium for more than two decades, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue to provide high-quality hospitality service to the millions of customers that visit the venue every year,” said Gary Brown, managing director of Delaware North Australia and New Zealand.
Delaware North has a proud history of food and beverage excellence and innovation with its stadia partners in Australia and around the world. Delaware North partnered with Marvel Stadium to launch several premium restaurants in 2025, including ALTIS by Stephen Nairn (of Yugen Dining and Omnia Bistro), Bistro Vic by Anthony Puharich (of Victor Churchill) and a refreshed Lee Ho Fook by renowned chef Victor Liong.
These premium establishments will be complemented by new brand partnerships that bring the best of Melbourne to Marvel Stadium, with the likes of A1 Bakery and Daniel’s Donuts joining Hunky Dory, 400 Gradi Pronto, Earl Canteen and 8Bit Burgers.
“As proud as we are of our track record at Marvel Stadium, what matters most is the future, and our capacity to continually innovate and delight our guests with outstanding hospitality options, delivered in a way that enhances their enjoyment of whatever they are watching,” Brown said.
Delaware North will also play an integral role in helping Marvel Stadium provide high-tech, seamless customer experiences, including through the deployment of industry-leading technology such as Amazon Just Walk Out, Mashgin self-service, self-checkout kiosks and other convenient and grab-and-go solutions.
With the ongoing expansion and development of the Marvel Stadium precinct as part of its masterplan, top-tier hospitality services will be crucial. Delaware North is ideally positioned to collaborate with the AFL to meet these needs.
Main caption: Pictured after the announcement of Delaware North’s contract extension at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne (left to right) are Scott Fitzgerald, Australian Football League (AFL) general manager, Marvel Stadium; Markus Werner, culinary director, Delaware North Australia and New Zealand; Tom De Koning, Carlton Blues player (AFL); Princess Anne Uy, executive sous chef at Marvel Stadium; Nick Larkey, North Melbourne Kangaroos player (AFL); and Kieran Fitzpatrick, chief operating officer for Delaware North Australia and New Zealand.