Nottingham Arena has brought food and drink in-house for the first time in its 17-year history.
The change was announced in January and officially completed this week with the launch of new themed bars and kiosks.
It follows the end of a 10-year deal with Levy Restaurants UK, an arena contractor which serves venues including London’s O2.
New outlets on the arena’s concourse which are part of the change include a fish and chip kitchen and coffee bar. The venue is also now selling £3 pints during Nottingham Panthers games.
Announcing the change back in January, the arena’s chief executive Martin Ingham said “the realities of the financial climate” meant it had to “explore every possibility” to improve its finances.
Sam Oldham, operations director at the arena and National Ice Centre said on Tuesday (Sept 5): “Bringing our catering operation in-house is giving us the opportunity to maximise revenue in this area and deliver what our customers want.
“We’re delighted with the new catering units along the concourse and are excited to be able to offer a broader range of competitively priced food and drink options for our customers, whether they’re visiting the Arena to watch a show or ice skating with friends in the National Ice Centre.”
Other changes to the venue’s centres include a ‘quick serve’ bar for people who want simple drinks fast during events.
There are a total of 10 arena concourse bars plus a directors’ bar and VIP Bar (used for hospitaliy guests), and Encore Bar & Grill which was refurbished in August 2016.
Sub Zero, a large café refurbished in August 2015, is in the National Ice Centre.
