The contract covers operation, upkeep and maintenance of the stadium and coordination of part of the park around the stadium during various events. Delaware North will also be responsible for the marketing, sales and delivery of all tours of the stadium, as part of the venue’s continued celebrated legacy.
Doug Tetley, managing director at Delaware North UK, said: “We’re delighted to have been awarded the contract for the South Park Stadium. The legacy of the Olympics will forever endow the stadium with fame and prestige, and it is an honour that Delaware North will play an integral role in the next stage of the journey.
“We have global experience in providing stadium hospitality and catering with operations across four continents. It is this expertise that Delaware North will bring to the South Park Stadium, ensuring that we deliver a world class service to visitors, fans and spectators in the coming years.”
The 25 year contract was awarded to Vinci and makes West Ham FC’s new home the first venue outside of France to be operated by the French company. It also currently operates the Allianz Riviera in Nice, the New Bordeaux Stadium and the MMArena in Le Mans.
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "Managing the basic day-to-day operations at a Premier League football stadium is a unique challenge, so we will be passing on our extensive experience and expertise to Vinci to ensure they provide the same high levels of service our supporters have become accustomed to at the Boleyn Ground.
The stadium will open temporarily to host the Rugby World Cup this year before West Ham FC become the main tenant from 2016 onwards. The venue will also be used for concerts and sporting events when it opens permanently next year.
Vinci is a global business specialising in concessions and construction, employing close to 191,000 people in some 100 countries and generating 2013 revenue of €40.3 billion. Delaware North was founded in 1915 and employs over 60,000 people serving over half a billion people.