NFL's Cardinals on Verge of Concession Self-Operation

The NFL’s Arizona Cardinals are on the verge of taking over self-operation of concessions at University of Phoenix Stadium, their home field, which they share with college football’s annual Fiesta Bowl, reports the Arizona Republic. Board members of the Arizona Sports & Tourism Authority, which oversees the venue, has voted to enter into a 30-day exclusive negotiation period with Rojo Hospitality, the entity the Cardinals formed to bid for the concessions contract.

Rojo beat out established concessionaires Aramark and Centerplate, which holds the contract until it expires this summer. The Authority originally tried to assign the contract to Rojo last summer, but met resistance from Fiesta Bowl officials, who were concerned about conflicts of interest. The Cardinals reportedly generate close to three quarters of all concessions revenue at the stadium, with the rest coming from the Fiesta Bowl and other events.