This is the second announcement of the kind we’ve made this offseason: the Durham Bulls (Class AAA; International League) announced the formation of Bull City Hospitality, a new company that will manage the food and beverage operation at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
Bull City Hospitality, which will be fully staffed and operated by the Bulls, takes over for Centerplate, who had served as the team’s concessionaire since the ballpark’s opening.
“We thank Centerplate for their decades of service to Bulls fans, dating back to the old Durham Athletic Park,” said Durham Bulls General Manager Mike Birling via press release. “Through this new venture, we look forward to bringing a local approach to the food and beverages at the ballpark while delivering the outstanding food quality and customer service our fans deserve.”
In creating Bull City Hospitality, the Bulls have hired Dave Levey as Director of Food and Beverage. Levey brings with him over 20 years of foodservice experience at sporting and tourist destinations. He comes to the DBAP from Delaware North Company, where he had stints as their General Manager at two NFL stadiums (Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland) and experience at two MLB ballparks (Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Petco Park in San Diego). Levey returns to Minor League Baseball after having made stops at four different MiLB ballparks earlier in his career.
The new concessions operation paves the way for future announcements regarding additional culinary partners at the DBAP and new food and beverage locations and concepts for fans.
Last month we announced the formation of Smokies Hospitality by the Tennessee Smokies (Class AA; Southern League) to service the fan experience at Smokies Stadium. We’ve also heard rumblings of another team or two contemplating a switch.
It’s been a year of change for the Durham Bulls and Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Last year saw a $20-million ballpark renovation that especially resonated with fans (earning the Bulls a Ballpark Digest Award in the process), and this year the Bulls are celebrating 20 years at DBAP with a series of anniversary events.