Connacht Rugby agree stadium catering contract with Master Chefs

Connacht Rugby are delighted to announce that it has agreed a long-term contract with award-winning Irish caterers Master Chefs, who will become the catering and bar services provider when the redeveloped Dexcom Stadium opens.

Formed in 2002, Master Chefs offer a diverse range of services within the catering sector in the areas of sport, sports nutrition, education, healthcare and events. They have held catering partnerships at a number of large scale Irish facilities including stadiums and universities and have catered for major events including the Volvo Ocean Race, the JP McManus Pro Am and numerous large scale concerts.

Master Chefs has a long history with the West of Ireland including a contract for catering at University of Galway since 2007 which has allowed them to build key relationships with local producers and suppliers.

Master Chefs’ remit will include culinary and drinks services not just on match days at Dexcom Stadium, but also food and beverage provision for all meetings, conferences and events which will be held at the ground’s extensive hospitality facilities with sustainability being a key focus. In 2021, Master Chefs purchased 20 acres of land and began their journey to create a self-sufficient centre of excellence in sustainable food production. Ellan Farm now produces a year-round supply of seasonal, organic produce and allows the catering company to purchase, consume, compost, recycle and innovate sustainably.

Today’s announcement marks another positive step in Connacht’s journey towards the completion of the brand-new North Stand and High Performance Centre. First announced in 2018, development of Phase 2 of the wider redevelopment project began a number of weeks ago, with significant construction now visible from College Road.

The new North Stand, where Master Chefs will base their operations, will feature 12 bars and food serveries across the ground and second floors, as well as the extensive hospitality area on the third floor. This will be able to cater for over 850 guests, making it the largest hospitality venue in Galway and one of the largest in the west of Ireland. Master Chefs will also run a large coffee shop on the ground floor of the new North Stand, facing College Road, that will be open to the public during the week.

Master Chefs will also be responsible for operating various mobile food and beverage concessions that will be present around the campus grounds on a match day.

Philip Patterson, Head of Commercial & Marketing at Connacht Rugby says:

”This is another exciting step in our journey to delivering a modern, state-of-the-art stadium to Connacht supporters. Master Chefs will ensure that all visitors to Dexcom Stadium, whether it be on match day, meeting or conference, will enjoy best-in-class food and drink services, and will greatly enhance the experience for all attendees. We can’t wait to work with Master Chefs in bringing this vision to life.”

Pat O’Sullivan, CEO of Master Chefs says:

“We are incredibly proud to have formed this long-term partnership with Connacht Rugby & the opportunity to showcase the amazing facilities at Dexcom Stadium, which will rival any modern stadium in the world. Connacht Rugby’s ethos & dedication to supporting local indigenous businesses mirror Master Chefs track record of sourcing our produce from the West of Ireland landscape, it’s the perfect alignment of a shared vision”. 

• commercial