Sunny Side Up: Aramark Sports + Entertainment Shines with a Season of Thrilling Outdoor Events in 2024

INDIANAPOLIS 500

Fueled by a shared passion for excellence and delivering unforgettable moments, Aramark’s partnership with the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) revved up in the spring. On May 26, at the iconic venue, Aramark provided food and beverage services for the Indianapolis 500, the world’s largest single-day sporting event. Planning began back in November 2023 to ensure that every detail was meticulously considered in anticipation of the more than 300,000 attendees.

And, with a team of more than 35 culinarians from across the U.S., Aramark ensured the dining experience was as exhilarating as the race itself.

The diverse menu was masterfully crafted to blend traditional race-day food with upscale profiles. To serve the massive crowd at the Indy 500, Aramark impressively planned for a staggering 400 gallons of short rib chili (that’s about twice the volume of a large refrigerator!), 2,000 pounds of smoked brisket, and 1,900 pounds of pulled pork. And, in line with Aramark’s commitment to delivering unmatched, premium services, suite guests could take things up a notch and order a Logo’d Tomahawk Steak – a 40-ounce Tomahawk steak with a custom etched bone. Talk about flavor!

To enhance convenience for the thousands visiting the raceway, Aramark also introduced a Refreshments Express location in Pagoda Plaza with 10 self-checkout kiosks, allowing guests to quickly grab snacks and drinks without missing any action.

In addition to the Indy 500, Aramark also supports all marquee events at Indianapolis Motor Speedway throughout the year, including the Sonsio Grand Prix and Brickyard 400.

To read more about Aramark’s partnership with IMS and specialty menu offerings at the racetrack, visit Revving Up Race Day: What’s New at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

ORACLE PARK

As the 2024 MLB season approached, Aramark was chosen as the new food and beverage partner at Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. Faced with a tight timeline, Aramark’s skilled culinary team of nearly 100 managers transitioned the hospitality operations using their extensive experience and resources to ensure a seamless launch in just a few weeks.

One of the standout achievements was the introduction of Diamond 58, a bespoke hospitality brand designed to offer a fresh culinary experience. This new brand features an elevated aesthetic, innovative menu items, and a reimagined restaurant concept. The name Diamond 58 reflects both the baseball diamond and the year the New York Giants moved to San Francisco (1958), symbolizing a deep connection to the team and the city’s history. Through these efforts, Aramark has significantly enhanced the game day experience at Oracle Park, blending tradition with innovation.

For an in-depth look at how Aramark mobilized its team to prepare Oracle Park for Opening Day, check out Grand Slam Insights: An Exclusive Q+A with Oracle Park’s Aramark Leadership.

124th US OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

With the official start of summer approaching, Aramark brought its culinary expertise to the sunny fairway for the 124th US Open Golf Championship at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club in North Carolina, serving a crowd of more than 200,000 spectators at the tournament.

With a team of 3,500 dedicated employees, Aramark showcased a menu of fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

Aramark’s collaboration with the United States Golf Association also embraced eco-friendly practices by eliminating plastic drinkware in favor of canned water and compostable vessels. This effort aligned with Aramark’s dedication to environmental stewardship and reducing the carbon footprint of its food services.

MLB LONDON SERIES RETAIL

Aramark, the proud food, beverage, and retail partner of the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets, celebrated the 2024 MLB London Series in style.

This historic event marked the first time the two teams – who have faced off 1,072 times in their 62-year rivalry – played outside of Philadelphia or Queens. Fans stateside could purchase officially licensed MLB gear commemorating the series at the New Era Phillies Team Store at Citizens Bank Park and the Mets Team Store at Citi Field.

The retail offerings included everything from hats and T-shirts to rivalry merchandise and limited-edition novelty items. One standout item was the 2024 MLB London Series Abbey Road Mini Bobblehead Scene by FOCO. The Phillies version featured Brandon Marsh, Garrett Stubbs, Cristian Pache, and Kyle Schwarber, while the Mets lineup included Mr. Met, Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, and Francisco Alvarez. These highly coveted items were top sellers at both team stores, with fans lining up in the early morning hours to get their hands on a piece of history!

STOWAWAYS GRAND OPENING

With the summer season at the Jersey Shore in full swing, Aramark officially opened the doors to Stowaways, a multi-concept dining venue at the Cape May ferry terminal, marking a significant expansion of its restaurant expertise beyond traditional sports and entertainment venues.

Stowaways, a celebration of Cape May’s coastal lifestyle, offers a dining experience that mirrors the town’s relaxed and scenic atmosphere. The Bar & Restaurant boasts a menu with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and dishes that are a testament to coastal flavors, all prepared from scratch and led by the culinary expertise of local Executive Chef Amy Salcedo. The beverage offerings complement the menu, with an impressive selection of draft beers, handcrafted cocktails, and signature crushes—perfect for enjoying alongside the stunning waterfront views.

Additionally, Stowaways Café and the Grab and Stow market offer quick bites, coffee, and a dedicated gelato counter for those on the go. For more intimate gatherings, The Overlook presents a private event space ideal for special celebrations.

View Stowaways’ menus at StowawaysCapeMay.com and follow along on Instagram and Facebook @StowawaysCapeMay.