CHARLOTTE — Changes are coming to Bank of America Stadium.
The Carolina Panthers are replacing their concessions vendor of 10 years, Delaware North, with Chicago-based Levy. Levy is part of Compass Group, a major food service company based in Charlotte.
Industry experts said fans may notice some changes like new menu items.
“Typically, a new concessionaire coming in is going to try some changes that people notice right away. Those are usually positive,” said Chris Bigelow, a food service industry consultant.
Levy already has a significant presence in Charlotte. The company also serves Spectrum Center, Charlotte Motor Speedway and BB&T Ballpark.
The company also is connected to two stadiums trying unique fan experiences.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta notoriously offers cheap food and drink, including $1.50 hot dogs and $5 beers. Levy also services Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. The San Francisco 49ers offer all-inclusive food and non-alcoholic drink options to season ticket holders.
According to Bigelow, the concessionaire pays the team a percentage of sales under a typical contract. For stadiums with low food and drink prices, the team typically pays the vendor a management fee to make up for lost profits.
Whether the Panthers pivot to friendlier pricing will ultimately be up to owner David Tepper and whatever the team's new contract with Levy dictates.
"Neither of these companies are going to work for free. It is whatever their financial structure is with the team," Bigelow said.
Delaware North workers will be able to transition to work for Levy. In an email to workers, Delaware North said the Panthers are also no longer using them for retail services. Levy is not overseeing retail. The Panthers have not announced their new merchandise manager.
The Panthers did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
Other stadiums serviced by Levy include Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Nissan Stadium in Nashville and Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena.
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