Sodexo extends contract with Hamilton Park Racecourse

Sodexo has secured a new ten-year contract in the region of £20m with Hamilton Park Racecourse in Scotland.

The partnership extension will see Sodexo continue to provide catering services on race days at the Lanarkshire venue, in addition to selling and operating all conference and banqueting events.

Hamilton Park is currently undergoing an extensive £800k refurbishment of its grandstand area which will see the whole of the first floor transformed. The Racecourse’s Café is being re-modelled as an upmarket bar and eatery, and the private boxes will be upgraded.

Situated in over 20 acres of outdoor space, Hamilton Park Racecourse provides complete flexibility for a wide range of events, from weddings and meetings to conferences and private receptions, and attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year.

In 2016, in a UK first, the racing venue introduced a new Super Saturday, which saw opening times extended and a series of special events teamed with evening horse racing, to entertain visitors from midday to late. To enhance the experience, Sodexo partnered with local mobile catering companies with a shared passion for providing high quality and responsibly sourced produce.

David Trotter, Account Director, Sodexo Sports and Leisure, said: “We’re really excited to be rolling out an extensive renovation project and this investment reflects our commitment to delivering first-class catering and hospitality at Hamilton Park Racecourse.

“The new facilities will strengthen the site’s reputation as a leading sports and entertainment venue; offering premium dining, bar and hospitality areas as well as fresh conference and events spaces.

“We’re proud of the strong relationship we have developed with Hamilton Park and are delighted to have extended our partnership with the Racecourse for a further ten years.”

Vivien Currie, Chief Executive at Hamilton Park Racecourse, said: “This is a very exciting time at Hamilton Park Racecourse. We are already a truly unique asset for Scotland and a valuable part of the Lanarkshire community however this investment ensures our facilities not only lead the way, but are unrivalled in Scottish sport and are in line with the high-end experience we wish to deliver to the general and race-going public.

“We will never stand still at Hamilton Park, as a venue and a business we continually strive to improve the race-day experience for our customers and the wider community and this landmark programme of improvements reflect that ethos.”