Mat Ishbia, the new owner of the Phoenix Suns, wasted no time in revamping his team’s roster.
He has now shifted his focus to the fan experience at Footprint Center.
OVG Hospitality has joined forces with the Suns and the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury to supply food and beverages at live events at the arena, according to an announcement made on Tuesday. Ishbia stated that the partnership will improve food safety, reduce wait times at concession areas, and introduce new menu items.
Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia observes players warming up before Game 5 in Denver on May 9, 2023. After spending a few months revamping his team’s roster, he has now directed his attention towards improving the fan experience at Footprint Center.
The Suns have secured 80 games sold at Footprint Center, not including regular-season games and the playoffs.
Ishbia stated that while the Phoenix Suns have a strong fan base, she believes she should also lean towards them.
The Suns made headline news in April when they announced a new media rights deal that would allow the franchises to broadcast games from home television and online streaming. This could open up the possibility of local sports broadcasts following the decline of regional sports networks.
The Suns’ acquisition by Ishbia, who is deeply indebted, is now aimed at improving the food and beverage offerings at his arena. The agreement with OVG involves offering specialized beverages as fans enter the arena, handing out customized meals from local chefs, and providing an extensive wine program for wine enthusiasts of all types.
Ishbia’s tenure was brief, but he has since become one of the most visible owners in the NBA. Within a week of being introduced by the Suns, the team made resounding progress by signing an impressive deadline agreement with Kevin Durant.
The Winnipeg Free Press’s newsletter features behind-the-scenes content written by Jason Bell for sports editors.
During the offseason, the Suns have been in high demand, with the team having to make significant trades for Bradley Beal. Ishbia’s feud with Nikola Jokic during a playoff game was well-known, but they eventually reconciled.
Ishbia’s presence has been evident in every move, including the addition of an All-Star and a trendy new cocktail.
How can we optimize the fan experience for all, according to Ishbia? Although not ideal, it’s an evolution.
_________
To learn more about AP sports, check out https://apnews.com/hub/sports or follow them on Twitter: http://twitter.co/AP_Sports.