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CHAMPAIGN, ILL – The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics is proud to announce a multi-year partnership starting July 1, 2018, with award-winning Spectra to provide food service at Fighting Illini Premium Seating areas and for Athletics Concessions.
 
"Spectra is honored to have been selected as the exclusive food services provider for all University of Illinois athletic venues," John Wentzell, president of Spectra, said. "We offer our university clients and their fans a uniquely specialized game day service, and we look forward to capturing the local flavors and the spirit of the Fighting Illini with new innovative menus and concepts that contribute to an exceptional fan experience.  Our entire team is proud and excited to have Illinois as our first Big Ten Conference partner."
 
"From the moment they step foot in our venues, Illinois fans and supporters deserve a first-rate experience," UI Director of Athletics Josh Whitman said. "This includes, notably, the quality of our food and beverage and accompanying service. In Spectra, we have identified a new concessionaire and food provider who shares our commitment to quality and is prepared to provide a memorable dining experience for our customers. We selected Spectra following an extensive vetting and interview process, and all with whom they met were impressed by their vision and plan to augment the Illinois Athletics experience by offering first-in-class food service. Illinois will be one of Spectra's top priorities and will be a valuable partner as we move forward into this new and exciting era of Fighting Illini Athletics."
 
Illinois is the 13th university food client for Spectra, which has more than 18 years of experience in the food service and hospitality business, including Autonomous Five schools such as Texas Tech, Vanderbilt and Wake Forest, in addition to Colorado State and Central Florida. Spectra also services more than 35 arenas and stadiums throughout the Midwest.
 
Spectra will be partnering with local vendors for several sales points throughout Memorial Stadium and State Farm Center, while focusing on bringing back non-profit organizations to help run concession stands during Illini games and events.
 
Spectra was selected to provide catering and concession services at Texas Tech University Athletic Facilities in 2010, which includes Jones AT&T Stadium (a 60,000-seat football stadium) and the United Spirit Arena (a 15,000-seat multi-purpose arena). 
 
"Texas Tech University made the decision to hire Spectra, in part, for their approach to a fresh food service program that drives revenues and improves fan experience," Jonathan Botros, Senior Associate Athletics Director and Chief Financial Officer, Texas Tech Athletics, said.  

"Since taking over, Spectra has implemented their 'Everything's Fresh' program to prepare food fresh in the concession stands; new portable carts to ensure food and beverage points of sale where the fans are; a new lounge/bar area for premium ticket holders, which can also be sold for private catered functions; a new point of sales system that significantly increased gross sales; partnerships with multiple local franchises; and scholarships and internships for hospitality students." 
 
Colorado State worked with Spectra during the planning and construction of its new on-campus football stadium.
 
"We spent three years preparing to open our brand new $220 million on-campus football stadium, and Spectra was with us every step of the way in the planning and execution of the food service component," Steve Cottingham, Deputy Director of Athletics, Colorado State University, said. "In terms of their local and national team, we feel they are part of our team standing side-by-side with us. Their focus has been strongly centered on the customer experience and not short-term budget issues." 
 
The DIA and Spectra will schedule a special tasting opportunity for premium seating patrons at some point in the summer prior to the football season.
 
The DIA will bring the Illini Fuel Program back in-house starting with the 2018-19 school year.
 
About Spectra
 
Spectra is an industry leader in hosting and entertainment, partnering with clients to create memorable experiences for millions of visitors every year. Spectra's unmatched blend of integrated services delivers incremental value for clients through several primary areas of expertise: Venue Management, Food Services & Hospitality, and Partnerships. Learn more at SpectraExperiences.com. Follow Spectra on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.