AFL renews Marvel Stadium partnership with Delaware North

Leading entertainment and hospitality company Delaware North has re-appointed by long-time partner the AFL, to provide hospitality services at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium.

Extending a partnership that began when Marvel Stadium opened more than 20 years ago, in this next phase of the partnership, Delaware North will continue its collaboration with the AFL to further elevate the fan experience at the recently redeveloped venue.

Longevity and passion are a hallmarks of Delaware North’s partnerships with its clients, from airport and parks and resort operators, through to over 50 stadia operators around the world, including New Jersey’s MetLife stadium, London’s Wembley stadium, and the Delaware North-owned TD Garden in Boston.

In one of the world’s longest commercial food and beverage partnerships, Delaware North’s relationship with Major League Baseball’s Detroit Tigers dates back nearly 100 years to 1930.

Since 2000, Delaware North has delivered hospitality service at Australian and international sporting events at Marvel Stadium, along with concerts, shows, conferences and exhibitions.

It estimates more than 50 million customers have been served at nearly 2000 events, generating revenues of over $1 billion, along with millions more across the supply chains servicing the facility.

Delaware North renewed partnership with the AFL at Marvel Stadium will see the launch of premium restaurants at the venue in 2025 including ALTIS by Stephen Nairn (of Yugen Dining and Omnia Bistro), Bistro Vic by Anthony Puharich of Victor Churchill and a refreshed Lee Ho Fook by renowned chef Victor Liong.

These premium establishments will be complemented by the launch of brand partnerships which bring the best of Melbourne to Marvel Stadium, with the likes of A1 Bakery and Daniel’s Donuts joining Hunky Dory, 400 Gradi Pronto, Earl Canteen and 8Bit Burgers.

Innovation has and will continue to form an integral part of Delaware North’s role helping Marvel Stadium realise their vision to become the most technologically advanced entertainment venue in Australia. This will include the continued deployment of industry leading technology including Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, Mashgin self-service and self-check-out kiosks, and other convenient and user-friendly ‘grab and go’ technology that reduces time spent queuing for food and drink, and more time for watching the action.

With the ongoing expansion and development of the Marvel Stadium precinct as part of its masterplan, top-tier hospitality services will be crucial, and Delaware North is ideally positioned to collaborate with the AFL to meet these needs.

Delaware North Australia/New Zealand Managing Director, Gary Brown commented “it has been a great privilege for Delaware North to have partnered with the AFL and Marvel Stadium for more than two decades, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue to provide high-quality hospitality service to the millions of customers that visit the venue every year.

“As proud as we are of our track record at Marvel Stadium, what matters most is the future, and our capacity to continually innovate and delight our guests with outstanding hospitality options, delivered in a way that enhances their enjoyment of whatever they are watching.

AFL General Manager - Marvel Stadium, Scott Fitzgerald added “we have a long association with Delaware North, they have played a crucial role in Marvel Stadium’s evolution over the last 24 years, and I am pleased we have extended our partnership in delivering fans a whole suite of offerings to cater for any tastebuds.”

Image (top, from left): Scott Fitzgerald, AFL’s General Manager, Marvel Stadium; Markus Werner, Delaware North’s Culinary Director; Tom De Koning, Carlton Football Club; Princess Anne Uy, Delaware North’s Executive Sous Chef at Marvel Stadium; Nick Larkey, North Melbourne Football Club; Kieran Fitzpatrick, Delaware North’s Chief Operating Officer Credit: Delaware North Australia/New Zealand and De Koning and Larkey put the venue's F&B offerings to the test (below).