Member Article

Centerplate announces first-ever “transatlantic food exchange”

CENTERPLATE ANNOUNCES FIRST-EVER “TRANSATLANTIC FOOD EXCHANGE” FOR HOME MATCHES OF D.C. UNITED AND SUNDERLAND AFC ON APRIL 11TH

Participating fans will be eligible to win ultimate fan prize packages and VIP tickets for a future home game.

Sunderland, U.K. and Washington, D.C. (April 8, 2015) - Centerplate, hospitality partner of Major League Soccer’s D.C. United and the English Premier League’s Sunderland AFC, today announced the creation of the “transatlantic food exchange” between the two sister clubs. As part of the groundbreaking program, Centerplate will offer a traditional Steak & Ale Pie with chips and gravy—a favourite from the menu of Sunderland AFC—at D.C. United’s April 11th MLS home tilt at RFK Stadium with the New York Red Bulls. On the same day, fans at Sunderland’s EPL home game at the Stadium of Light against Crystal Palace FC will be offered a Torn Beef Baguette and fries, a twist on the American-style cheesesteak.

“This cross-pond exchange program with D.C. United and Sunderland AFC is a great example of promoting and sharing hospitality through the strength of our global network,” said Chris Verros, CEO, Centerplate. “Our executive leadership and venue partners continually work together to provide unique, one-of-a-kind experiences, such as this, making it better to be there at events and connecting communities for guests and fans worldwide.”

The Steak & Ale Pie, a signature staple of British cuisine, entails 7 ounces of ground brisket, seasoned with tomato paste, garlic, lightly browned onions, scallions, garnished with a few peas and accompanied by “chips” with beef gravy. D.C. United fans will be able to find the one-time-only offering in the Champion’s Club, the LEIDOS field level tent, the Legends Lounge and sections 206 and 230.

The Torn Beef Baguette topped with hot cheese, grilled peppers and onions comes with a side of D.C.-inspired Old Bay shoestring fries and a cheese dipping sauce, and will be served to Sunderland fans at four different kiosks throughout the stadium.

“This is a cool opportunity and an example of the growth and integration of our partnership with Sunderland AFC,” said D.C. United Chief Operating Officer Tom Hunt.

Ultimate fan prize packages are also available to fans at the games at each stadium on the April 11th matches. Prize packages include an assortment of D.C. United and Sunderland merchandise, local food items and 2 VIP tickets for a future home game at each stadium.

In the UK, Sunderland AFC’s charity “Foundation of Light” will kick things off on Friday, April 10th, with a kids’ competition to make the best cheesesteak and fries toppings, using different vegetables and ingredients from Centerplate, with members of SAFC Ladies’ WLS 1 team picking the winner. The Foundation of Light, which works with over 42,000 young people and families each year across the North East, is the biggest football community group in the UK.

Gary Hutchinson, Commercial Director at Sunderland AFC added, “This is an innovative and creative approach in sharing some of the most popular dishes served on both sides of the pond. We share a strong relationship with both D.C. United and Centerplate and look forward to continuing this successful partnership.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Centerplate .