The music industry’s biggest names filled the seats on Sept. 11 at UBS Arena for the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) – and, behind the scenes, Delaware North Sportservice delivered an award-worthy performance of its own.
Delaware North’s team at UBS Arena in Elmont, N.Y., proved to be up to the challenge of the show’s complicated logistics, including catering food and beverage (F&B) to more than 40 celebrity presenters and performers as well as thousands of crew members and fans.
“Despite the event’s challenges, our team delivered exceptional service, ensuring every party felt like a VIP experience,” said Datza Pogson, assistant general manager for Delaware North at UBS Arena.
Delaware North’s involvement in the VMAs began in March when the team was asked to provide lunch for MTV executives on their initial visit to UBS Arena. When MTV returned soon after, Delaware North’s onsite team provided a full food tour, featuring concessions favorites, premium action stations and VMA-themed desserts.
“This initiative not only impressed the site scouting team but also secured significant crew catering revenue,” Pogson said.
Planning ramped up in July with Delaware North’s premium and culinary teams, led by Executive Chef Ted Donnelly, Premium F&B Director Kelly McLinden and Director of Operations Jose Guzman. They shared logistics and details weekly with stakeholders from UBS Arena and MTV.
“Our catering and culinary teams executed flawlessly, adapting to daily changes without hesitation,” Pogson said. “We also collaborated closely with the production talent team, implementing a QR code ordering system to streamline talent catering.”
A specialty cocktail program in partnership with Bacardi also proved to be a hit, doubling the number of cocktails sold over last year’s VMAs. Highlights included the Moonwalk Mojito and Mango Fuego.