ORCHARD PARK, NY - The Buffalo Bills announced Monday that Delaware North Companies Sportservice has been selected to manage the team's retail operations. Prior to today's announcement, all retail management had been handled exclusively by the team.
The Buffalo Bills retail division includes two bricks and mortar locations, a specialty Training Camp Operation, Internet/Catalog and over 20 game day locations. The first Bills Store opened in 2001 and is located adjacent to Ralph Wilson Stadium attached to the Buffalo Bills FieldHouse. In 2005 the team opened their first shopping mall location, when The Bills Store debuted at the Eastview Mall near Rochester, NY.
The Buffalo Bills and Delaware North Companies Sportservice began their partnership in 1998. As part of the original agreement Sportservice has provided all food and beverage service for Ralph Wilson Stadium including concessions, club seat service, suites, private events and the team's Training Center.
"Delaware North has been an outstanding partner for many years," said Russ Brandon, Chief Operating Officer for the Buffalo Bills. "We are confident that they will continue to build on the success we have had in our retail division."
Known as an industry leader in operating concessions and premium food service at major professional sports venues nationwide, Sportservice in recent years has also built a considerable portfolio of retail clients, including the National Football League's Chicago Bears and St. Louis Rams and the National Hockey League's Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning and Nashville Predators. Its eight Major League Baseball retail clients include the Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals and Detroit Tigers. In all, Sportservice handles retail operations for 14 major professional sports franchises.
"Everyone at Sportservice is incredibly excited to be working with the Bills, a hometown team, on another key part of the fan experience and their highly regarded brand," said Sportservice President Rick Abramson.
As part of the new agreement, Delaware North Companies will be adding several new game day locations at Ralph Wilson Stadium for fans attending games and events. Fans in Rochester will now be directed to buffalobills.com or the team's toll free 1-877-BB-TICKS number for ticket needs, as the store will no longer be selling season or individual game tickets.
