Deal Expands OVG Hospitality's Venue Portfolio Oak View Group (OVG) has been selected as the exclusive food and beverage hospitality provider for AlumniFi Field, Detroit City Football Club's new 15,000-seat home stadium scheduled to open in spring 2028. Construction is underway on the privately funded venue, being developed on the site of the former Southwest Detroit Hospital. Beyond soccer, the stadium will host concerts, community events, and other sports and entertainment programming.
F&B Strategy Centers on Local Partners OVG Hospitality will develop AlumniFi Field's food and beverage program before the stadium opens, working with local food providers to showcase signature dishes, fan favorites, regional influences, and premium offerings. The approach will blend local favorites with nationally recognized brands. The program will highlight Detroit's food culture by incorporating Detroit-based food providers and fresh ingredients from Michigan farms. State-of-the-art technology will streamline ordering and purchasing, while sustainability initiatives will focus on food waste reduction and energy efficiency.
Venue Reflects Club's Community Focus "AlumniFi Field is being built with our supporters, our neighborhood, and our city in mind," said Todd Kropp, Chief Operating Officer of Detroit City FC. "As we plan for the forever home of Detroit City FC, it was important to choose a hospitality partner that understands live event operations, but more importantly, understands how food and beverage contribute to the overall game-day experience. OVG Hospitality brings that expertise, and we look forward to working together as AlumniFi Field comes to life." "Detroit City FC continues to build something incredibly special in Detroit, not only as a soccer club, but as a reflection of the city and the community it represents," said Ken Gaber, President, OVG Hospitality. "We look forward to working closely with the club to create an innovative hospitality experience that captures the energy of its supporters, celebrates Detroit's character, and gives fans another reason to make AlumniFi Field their home." OVG Hospitality operates food and beverage services at major sports venues including Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas Raiders), Benchmark International Arena (Tampa Bay Lightning), Mortgage Matchup Center (Phoenix Suns), and Inter&Co Stadium (Orlando City SC).
Why It Matters
For foodservice operators and venue managers, the AlumniFi Field deal signals how new sports venues are increasingly emphasizing local sourcing and community-focused F&B programming as competitive differentiators in game-day experience strategy.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
