Sodexo scores 11-year DW Stadium contract

Sodexo has won a long-term contract to be the exclusive caterer at DW Stadium, home to Wigan Athletic and Wigan Warriors.

The agreement will cover matchday catering for fans, as well as hospitality catering, with Sodexo providing a range of premium culinary experiences for both matchday and non-matchday events to bolster its conference and premium hospitality offering.

The stadium, which has recently fallen under new ownership, has a number of upgrades planned in 2022, including a cashless payments system.

"Following an extensive search for the stadium's first venue partner since Phoenix 2021 obtained the Club, I am delighted to announce Sodexo as the successful bidder," said Malachy Brannigan, chief executive of Wigan Athletic FC. "The experience of Sodexo was a major factor in determining the decision and we look forward to a long and healthy partnership."

Nick Byrom, business development director of Sodexo Sports & Leisure UK, added: "It's an exciting time for Wigan Athletic fans under new ownership and we thank the leadership team at the club for selecting Sodexo to be their long-term venue partner. We are confident we will deliver an outstanding guest experience for both Latics and Warriors fans on a match day. The facilities at the DW Stadium are excellent and, with some additional investment from Sodexo over the next 12 months, we feel that these will create some of the best event facilities in the area."

Sodexo will also focus its menu on the local community in Wigan, with plans to source food and beverages from local suppliers and a commitment by Sodexo to hire local staff and support local charity and social impact projects.