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Newsroom
Oct 05, 2009
Ford Center Welcomes Levy Restaurants
OKLAHOMA CITY and CHICAGO – October 5, 2009 – Ford Center, home of the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder, today announced Levy Restaurants as its new premium dining and hospitality partner. The partnership includes management and operation of foodservice in premium areas including the club level bars and restaurants, suite level including the new terrace suites and lounges, courtside club and new bunker suites on the lower level.
After a summer spent completing the latest phase of the major improvement project, the Ford Center, managed by SMG, will reopen to host its second season of Thunder basketball and held its first event in the renovated arena on October 3.
“We’re very happy to be welcoming Levy Restaurants into the Thunder family,” said Thunder Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Danny Barth. “Levy is a very respected name in the sports catering industry, and we’re excited to be able to provide our fans with this premium dining and hospitality experience.”
Chicago-based Levy Restaurants is a James Beard and Ivy Award-winning restaurant company that has transformed dining and hospitality at major sporting and entertainment venues across the country. Levy was recently named one of the 10 most innovative companies in sports in the world by Fast Company magazine. The company currently partners with 17 NBA teams to provide dining and hospitality at venues like STAPLES Center, the United Center, American Airlines Center and more.
“Our Levy family is so excited to partner with the Ford Center and we can’t wait to welcome Thunder fans to experience our signature Levy hospitality,” said Andy Lansing, Levy Restaurants President and CEO. “The newly re-designed premium areas at this top-notch facility are spectacular. Mix together a vibrant atmosphere, great basketball and outstanding food and service, and it’s a recipe for an incredible fan experience.”
Wes Westley, President & CEO, SMG/Savor added his agreement. “This facility will have it all,” said Westley. “We are really pleased to have formed a partnership with the Levy Restaurants organization. With them providing upscale catering, us providing “can’t be beat” concessions, and the team producing first class sport in a great environment, the fans are the winners.”
About FordCenter
Home to the Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA), Ford Center also plays host to major concerts, family shows, sporting events and the latest in world-class entertainment. Ford Center is owned by the City of Oklahoma City and is managed by SMG, the world leader in venue management. Major improvements currently underway are being funded by a 15-month sales tax that was overwhelmingly approved by Oklahoma City voters. The final phase of improvements will be completed following the 2009-10 Thunder basketball season.
About Levy Restaurants
Levy Restaurants, founded in Chicago in 1978, is recognized as one of America’s fastest growing and most critically acclaimed restaurant companies, and is the leader in premium sports and entertainment dining. Levy was recently named one of the 10 most innovative companies in sports in the world by Fast Company magazine. The company’s diverse portfolio includes award-winning restaurants such as James Beard-winning Spiaggia and Bistro 110 in Chicago, Fulton’s Crab House, Portobello and Wolfgang Puck Grand Café at Walt Disney World Resort, renowned sports and entertainment venues like Lambeau Field in Green Bay, STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, and American Airlines Center in Dallas, and events including the Super Bowl, World Series, Kentucky Derby, NHL and NBA All-Star Games and the Grammy Awards. For details, visit www.levyrestaurants.com.
About SMG
Since 1977, SMG has provided management services to over 218 public assembly facilities including arenas, stadiums, theatres and performing arts centers, and convention, congress and exhibition centers. With facilities across the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Canada, Europe and the Middle East, SMG manages more than 11 million square feet (1.1 million square meters) of exhibition space, and over 1.5 million entertainment seats worldwide. As the recognized global industry leader, SMG provides construction and design consulting, pre-opening services, venue management, sales, marketing, event booking, and programming.
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