Amex Stadium to host major industry awards

The catering and events team at one of the UK’s leading football stadiums has beaten off stiff competition from across the country to host one of the hospitality industry’s most prestigious events.

The American Express Community Stadium – home to Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club – and the Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events team have been chosen to host the 2018 Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards.

Held annually to recognise the UK’s best football and rugby stadiums, the awards attract entries from scores of sports venues across the country.

This year, the Amex was among the big winners on the night, as the team took gold in the Media Choice category as Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events swept the board, taking eight accolades in total.

Paul Barber, Brighton and Hove Albion chief executive, said, “We are absolutely delighted to host such a prestigious awards ceremony here at our stadium,” he said. “A lot of work has been carried out at our stadium over the summer to improve our already fantastic facilities in time for our first Premier League season.

“This event represents another great opportunity to showcase the tremendous work that our project team has undertaken. A lot of credit also goes to our catering partner, Sodexo, who managed to beat stiff competition to host the event, and our working relationship remains as strong as ever.

“Historically, our club has performed very well at the awards too, and hopefully we will be able to continue this success at the 2018 ceremony.”

Tony Crosbie, general manager for Sodexo Prestige Venue & Events at the stadium, said, “The Stadium Events and Hospitality awards are very much regarded as the Oscars of our industry, so it is a real honour for everyone at the American Express Community Stadium to be chosen to host such a major event.

“It will give us the opportunity to showcase everything we have to offer, and give the industry’s most important and influential figures the chance to see what we do, how we host big events and give them a taste of why we are leaders in our field.”

“Sodexo has won a large number of Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards in the past, and we will certainly be hoping we can win some more in 2018 – and what better way than to do it in one of our own venues?”

Around 400 guests – all big hitters in the world of hospitality and events – will enjoy a four course dinner, awards ceremony, a live band and DJ at the event, which will be held on 31 May 2018.

Collette Salmon, voluntary chair of Stadium Experience, which organises the awards, commented, “Every year I am surprised with the commitment shown from all our members to bring stadiums to their fullest potential so they can match the high expectations of the ever-changing customers and their requirements.’

“I am looking forward to celebrating the amazing hard work that goes on behind the scenes in Brighton in 2018.