This football season, Shakespeare’s Pizza, a beloved local establishment, is set to make its debut at Memorial Stadium as part of Mizzou Athletics' revamped concessions and hospitality offerings. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving Sodexo Live!, Mizzou Athletics, and Columbia-based Upper Crust Food Service, aimed at enhancing the game-day experience for fans attending Missouri Tigers football games.
The introduction of Shakespeare’s Pizza is a significant addition, as it is one of Columbia’s most recognized food brands. The partnership is designed to bring local flavors and favorites to the stadium, providing fans with a taste of home while they enjoy the excitement of college football. Brian Gaskill, regional vice president of Sodexo Live!, expressed enthusiasm about the new offerings, stating, "As we looked at the new hospitality offerings we wanted to bring to fans this season, we wanted to focus on food that feels like home while giving fans new reasons to explore and enjoy the game-day experience."
In addition to Shakespeare’s Pizza, fans can expect to see a variety of other local vendors at Memorial Stadium, including Champ’s Chicken, Buck’s Ice Cream, and Mya’s Gourmet Popcorn. This initiative aims to highlight the culinary diversity of Columbia and Missouri, enriching the overall game-day atmosphere.
Mizzou Director of Athletics Laird Veatch also shared his excitement about the new partnership, emphasizing the importance of local flavors in enhancing the game-day experience. He noted, "We’re excited to welcome more of Columbia and Missouri’s great local flavors to Mizzou game days. Our new partnership with Sodexo Live! gives us an opportunity to elevate the food and hospitality experience throughout Memorial Stadium."
Fans can look forward to an updated menu featuring a range of new concession items, including hand-breaded Southern-style Tiger Tenders, a Kansas City Burnt End Hot Dog, and two varieties of Stack Burgers. This expanded menu is designed to offer greater variety and cater to the diverse tastes of the fanbase.
Moreover, fans purchasing refillable souvenir soda cups will contribute to Every True Tiger Brands, Mizzou’s official Name, Image, and Likeness marketing agency, as a portion of the proceeds will support this initiative. This approach not only enhances the game-day experience but also supports student-athletes at the university.
Adam Guy, CEO of Upper Crust Food Service, highlighted the significance of bringing Shakespeare’s Pizza into the stadium, stating, "As a former Tiger, I know how much Mizzou means to this community, and food is a huge part of that connection. Shakespeare’s is part of the fabric of Columbia, so bringing it into the stadium is incredibly exciting." This sentiment underscores the importance of local partnerships in creating a vibrant game-day atmosphere.
The changes at Memorial Stadium coincide with broader facility investments by Mizzou Athletics, including a $250 million renovation of the stadium as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. These improvements, along with enhancements at Mizzou Arena and other athletic facilities, reflect the university's commitment to providing an exceptional experience for fans and athletes alike.
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