Arsenal ends 20-year catering partnership with Delaware North; Legends Global to take over at Emirates

Arsenal has announced the end of its two-decade partnership with Delaware North, the catering company that has provided food and drink services at the Emirates Stadium since its opening in 2006. The contract, which expires this summer, will not be renewed. Legends Global, a major operator in the venue management sector, is set to become the club's new catering supplier from the 2026/27 season onwards.

Legends Global brings considerable experience to the role, operating across 450 venues and managing approximately 20,000 events annually, serving around 165 million guests per year. The company has already established a strong presence in London, having become Chelsea's official catering provider last year and also working with fellow London club Leyton Orient. Legends Global has existing ties to Arsenal through its relationship with the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, a connection strengthened by the fact that Arsenal's owners, the Kroenke family, also own the NFL franchise.

The catering change is part of broader discussions at Arsenal regarding the Emirates Stadium's future. Chief Executive Richard Garlick provided an update on potential expansion plans during a recent fan event, noting that while the club has ambitions to enhance facilities and increase capacity, physical constraints present challenges. "We are constrained by capacity increase, railway and underground issues are a problem," Garlick stated, adding that the club is exploring options including renovations. Arsenal has maintained one of the largest season ticket waiting lists in English football, making capacity expansion an attractive prospect for supporters.

Garlick emphasized that the club is in the process of reassessing its long-term stadium strategy. "It is 20 years since we moved to the Emirates and it feels a good time to assess what we can do and how we might go about things," he explained, noting that Arsenal has been examining various options to strengthen facilities at both the stadium and training ground.