The Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards 2022 Results
After a two-year break the Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards have resumed marking the 15th annual awards event, and the 20th anniversary of organisers, Stadium Experience.
The prestigious event, sponsored by Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company, was hosted at Anfield Stadium, home to Liverpool Football Club. Around 400 guests attended to represent their teams in conference and events, matchday hospitality, chef teams, public catering, operational departments and senior management.
The event organised by Stadium Experience annually, recognises the efforts and dedication shown by the catering, conference and events teams at every football and rugby stadium across the UK. Since the awards programme began, around 450 awards have been presented to the very best in the business. For 2002, over 75 football and rugby clubs were nominated for awards, with 22 different clubs scooping at least one of 39 gongs (across 13 categories).
Independent Awards Judging
Each award category is independently judged. Some are voted for by stadium directors, and others are decided by teams of experts with many years experience in their fields. Read more about the independent judging panel.
Stadium Experience Chair Person Collette Salmon, commented: “Every year we go all out to showcase that stadia across the UK are at the top of their game when it comes to both hospitality and events. After an extremely challenging two years, this has never been more important.
“Our member venues are always looking for new and innovative ways to deliver above and beyond customer expectations – whether on a matchday or on a non-matchday. Our consortium works hard behind the scenes so the customers have a fantastic experience.
“This year’s awards evening was a fantastic celebration of all of this hard work, and a key milestone in bringing everyone back together to mark the 15th annual awards event, as well as the 20th Anniversary of Stadium Experience. Huge congratulations to all of this year’s worthy winners.”
Newcastle United FC won the Operations Team of the Year Award. Gemma Nugent from Sodexo at the venue, commented: “This year has been a rollercoaster for all at NUFC. We have conquered some monumental challenges so words cannot describe how delighted we are to accept this award on behalf of our incredibly hard working team at NUFC!”
Rachel Divers, Sales Manager at the club, added: “At St James Park, we pride ourselves on delivering unforgettable experiences, not just on matchday for every client event, so we are thrilled to win the Best Stadium Events Venue Award!”
Southampton FC took the top prize for Matchday Hospitality Award – Medium Stadium. The club’s Sales & Marketing Manager, Aimee Richardson, commented: “Thrilled to win the award. It represents all the hard work Saints have put into the fans, clients and stadium visitors over the last few years.”
The Results…
The full list of 2022 award winners includes:
*NEW* Outstanding Contribution Award – Sponsored by Taste Beverages
This award recognises those individuals who are simply outstanding at what they do, and continuously shine. This may be someone at the start of their career, making great strides in their roles, or someone in a more senior role leading the way in excellence.
WINNER – Morecambe Football Club – Jodie Assitt
SILVER – Newcastle United Football Club – Graham Proctor
BRONZE – Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club – Rachel Laming
*NEW* Best Retail Catering Award – Sponsored by Kepak Convenience Foods
This award recognises the best retail catering teams at stadia across the UK. This team will demonstrate commercial growth, high quality food offerings or proactive sustainability improvements.
WINNER – Manchester City Football Club
SILVER – Ashton Gate Stadium (Bristol)
BRONZE – Hull City Football Club
Match Day Sales Team of the Year Award – Sponsored by Green Gourmet
This award recognises the best matchday sales team in stadium venues across the UK. Judges are specifically looking for teams demonstrating consistent growth and using new ideas to drive sales and cross-selling.
WINNER – Worcester Warriors Rugby Club
SILVER – Aston Villa Football Club
Non-Match Day Sales Team of the Year Award – Sponsored by Special Occasion Linen
This award recognises the best non-matchday sales team in stadium venues across the UK. Judges are specifically looking for teams demonstrating consistent growth, using new ideas to create unique and different events, whilst also providing value for money and overcoming any challenges.
WINNER – Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
SILVER – Worcester Warriors Rugby Club
BRONZE – Wasps Rugby Club
Best Stadium Events Venue Award – Sponsored by Hi-Impact Media
This award recognises the very best stadium events venue within the UK. Judges are specifically looking for a stadium venue which consistently displays exceptional venue facilities and outstanding guest experiences.
WINNER – Newcastle United Football Club
SILVER – Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
BRONZE – Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club
Operations Team of the Year Award – Sponsored by Braehead Foods
This award recognises the often unseen behind-the-scenes teams that make stadium events run so smoothly. Judges are looking for teams which go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the very best service to customers.
WINNER – Newcastle United Football Club
SILVER – Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
BRONZE – Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club
Chef Team of the Year Award – Sponsored by Chef Works
This award was judged by Salon Culinaire chefs as part of the live kitchen event at the HRC Event at ExCel in London in 2020. Chefs teams had one hour to prepare, cook and present a three-course menu suitable for their Club Chairman to entertain the Head of the FA or RFU to dinner.
WINNER – West Ham United Football Club
SILVER – Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
BRONZE – Everton Football Club
Visiting Rugby Directors Award – Sponsored by Conference News
This award is voted for by Directors at rugby clubs. They are asked to nominate the club where they had the best away experience when travelling with their team. They are specifically asked to consider the welcome, service and catering when casting their votes.
WINNER – Northampton Saints Rugby Club
SILVER – Wigan Warriors Rugby Club
BRONZE – Hull Football Club
Visiting Football Directors Award – Sponsored by FC Business
This award is voted for by Directors at football clubs. They are asked to nominate the club where they had the best away experience when travelling with their team. They are specifically asked to consider the welcome, service and catering when casting their votes.
WINNER – Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
SILVER – Fulham Football Club
BRONZE – Norwich City Football Club
Matchday Hospitality Awards – Sponsored by MSL Verteda
Reported by professional Salon Culinaire chef judges who experience hospitality at UK clubs this season using strict criteria. This is divided by size of hospitality offering with an award for:
Matchday Hospitality Award – Small Stadium (up to 1000 hospitality seats)
WINNER – Leeds Rhinos Rugby Club
SILVER – Worcester Warriors Rugby Club
BRONZE – Morecambe Football Club
Matchday Hospitality Award – Medium Stadium (1001 – 2000 hospitality seats)
WINNER – Southampton Football Club
SILVER – Blackburn Rovers Football Club
BRONZE – Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club
BRONZE – Hull City Football Club
Matchday Hospitality Award – Large Stadium (2001+ hospitality seats)
WINNER – Newcastle United Football Club
SILVER – Leeds United Football Club
BRONZE – Hampden Park Stadium
Overall Matchday Hospitality Award – Presented by Carlsberg UK
This award pitches all sized clubs against all, to announce the overall winning UK stadium.
WINNER – Leeds Rhinos Rugby Club
SILVER – Worcester Warriors Rugby Club
BRONZE – Southampton Football Club