MERIVALE TO TRANSFORM NEW STADIUM FOOD & DRINK

MERIVALE TO TRANSFORM NEW STADIUM FOOD & DRINK

Sydney FC Members will experience food and drink from some of Australia’s finest and most celebrated restaurants and bars when the Sky Blues return to the Sydney Football Stadium next season.

Leading hospitality company Merivale are bringing their dining expertise from many of their iconic establishments after signing up to become the new stadium’s first in-house hospitality partner for the next six years.

Executive chefs from renown restaurants such as Mr Wong’s, Ms. G’s, Vinnies Pizza, Totti’s, Queen Chow and Fred’s will provide catering for every part of the new ground, including options at all price points for fans.

Merivale’s high street brands El Loco Hot Dogs, The Chicken Shop, Jimmy’s Falafel and Vinnies Gelato will also be represented in plans intended to shake up food and drink and make it more affordable in stadia.

Sky Blues Chief Executive Officer Danny Townsend believes the appointment will revolutionise a Sydney FC game day.

“It’s a huge win for our Members and hospitality guests,” he said.

“Merivale are renown for their exceptional food and drink offerings and providing great dining at affordable prices.

“Their service levels are also of the very highest standard, so it really is going to transform the experience of attending our games.

“I’m excited to see what they will be serving up at our new home ground.”

Merivale’s Executive Team, including CEO Justin Hemmes & SCG CEO Kerrie Mather, who will lead the new food and beverage offering at the the new Sydney Football Stadium. Photo by Phil Hillyard.

Merivale will also employ over 1,000 staff across both the new SFS and Sydney Cricket Ground to bring their service excellence to precinct.

‘Home Stadium’ brands will include The Kiosk, The Bar, The Sports Bar, The Craft Bar, The Cocktail Bar and The Coffee Shop.

Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes said: “We will strive to provide the most enjoyable and exciting experience to the people of NSW and to all guests of the SCG and the new SFS.

“Food and beverage forms an integral part of the overall experience, and we look forward to delivering on all occasions.”

Venues NSW Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said: “When Merivale brings the best from its amazing collection of venues, we will set a new benchmark in live experiences.”

Menus are currently being refined by the Merivale executive chef team in anticipation of delivering an offering focused on quality, variety, value for money and ease and speed of service.

Merivale Group Operations Manager Debbie Higgins will lead the hospitality giant’s preparations.

“We’re excited to build our 1000-strong Merivale team over the coming months to bring our vision to life.

“Our passion and our commitment to delivering excellence will mean a great game day experience for the fans and, importantly, more time watching the on-field action and less time waiting in line.”

Further concepts include…

• The Pavilion – Coogee Pavilion-inspired outlets
• Bistro 1886 – Felix-inspired restaurant in the Members Pavilion
• Smokehouse – Sports Bar for the casual fan serving craft beer and Papi Chulo smoked dishes
• Dan Hong’s (chef of Mr Wong, Ms G’s and Queen Chow) famous spring rolls
• Paninis and salad bowls

Sydney FC’s new home stadium will open in October 2022 in time for the Sky Blues first game of the A-Leagues 2022-23 season.