CenturyLink Field Among the Latest to Turn to Cashless Transactions
By R.V. Baugus
The cashless beat goes on.
CenturyLink Field, home of the NFL Seattle Seahawks and Major League Soccer Seattle Sounders, has announced plans to transition to a cashless model for sales transactions at the venue.
All concessions, retail and on-site parking will now only accept credit, debit and prepaid cards. CenturyLink 
Field said the move has been taken after several other stadia and arenas successfully transitioned to a cashless model.
In a statement, the venue said that the move would allow for a more efficient sales process by removing cash handling duties and speeding up transaction times. The cashless model will also apply to the CenturyLink Field Event Center and WAMU Theater.
For visitors who do not have debit or credit cards, or prefer to use cash, 10 cash-to-card ReadySTATION kiosks will be set up around the stadium and event centre. The kiosks will be free to use and will allow fans to convert cash onto a prepaid card, which can be used anywhere inside or outside the stadium.
David Young, general manager of CenturyLink Field and senior vice president of business operations for the Seahawks, said: “We are continually looking at new technology and innovative ways we can improve our customer experience, and moving to a cashless operations model will reduce the length of time our guests spend standing in line.
“Depending on the event, credit or debit cards are already being used for approximately 75 per cent of all concessions transactions and 90 per cent for retail purchases, so we are confident this will be a seamless transition for our guests and as a result they will experience a positive improvement in wait times.”
The trend continues to pick up steam at venues across the country and across the world and is even moving into the retail segment. A recent visit to grab some warm cookies at Tiff’s Treats came with a notice on the counter that the sweet-tooth factory no longer accepts cash transactions.
IAVM Holds Coronavirus Webinar With Panelists From CDC, U.S. Travel, and Red Cross
By R.V. Baugus
IAVM held a webinar this past Friday with representatives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Travel Association, and American Red Cross providing updates on the deadly coronavirus. The number of deaths and people infected by the virus change by the hour, with the below the latest information to share.
The Wuhan Novel Coronavirus killed 97 people in China on Sunday, February 9, and has killed 910 people globally since 
the outbreak began, according to authorities. More than 40,000 people have been infected. Since its outbreak in December, the Wuhan coronavirus has killed more people than the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak, which claimed 774 victims globally from November 2002 to July 2003. There are 65 newly confirmed coronavirus cases on the Diamond Princess ship docked in Japan, bringing the total number on board to 135.
“We are taking aggressive, public health actions to contain the introduction of this virus in the United States to prevent spreading and other countries are doing the same,” said Dr. Joseph Bresee, Associate Deputy Incident Manager, CDC. “The first case of this virus was detected in China in late December. The early cases appear to be with a local, live animal market indicating possibilities of its introduction from an animal source. Since that time, the virus has spread and caused illness in most parts of China’s provinces.”
Dr. Bresee added that the spread of the coronavirus to other countries has been predictable with 27 countries in Asia, North America, and Europe having reported a confirmed case of the virus, with no cases reported so far in South America and Africa.
“In the U.S., because of travel and trade with China, we predictably have had 12 cases reported in the U.S., but no community-spread or widespread cases,” he said. “Confirmed cases have been in six states and we are continually updating this, looking at people and testing them.
“So, the global threat of this virus is high. The U.S. risk for people is low. What we do is look hard for cases. Travelers coming in from China within the last two weeks are funneled into 11 airports, where we have effectively and efficiently screened 2,000 people since mid-January. Those with illnesses are being check. Those who are well are being quarantined for 14 days and monitored closely depending on their risk assessment.”
Dr. Bresee stressed that at this time the risk for the average American is low, but should not be ignored.
“We’ve go to be humble about this virus,” he said. “It’s a new virus and we’re learning about it every day that is going to throw us curve balls. We do expect to see additional cases in the country, so don’t be alarmed. If the risk changes, we’ll let you know.”
Greg Staley, Senior Vice President, Communications, U.S. Travel Association, said that while the outbreak has some travelers exercising more caution for destinations other than China that there are no warnings for travel within the U.S. or directed at anyone who has not been to China.
Staley talked about the different travel scenarios with the coronavirus and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) pandemic that appeared in China in 2002.
“There is frequent recollection back to SARS and I think one of the points that has been questioned of U.S. Travel is how it relates to that particular situation in terms of visitation to the United States from China,” he said. “There was an approximate 30 percent decline in visitation to the U.S. from China back then, but the fact is China was a very small source market to the U.S. at that time but today is one of our largest inbound markets to the U.S. It’s in the top five and more than three million visitors come to the U.S. from China. It very much has our attention and the attention of everyone in the venue industry since there are many Chinese travelers who attend conferences, events, trade shows, and the like.
Staley said that his organization is in daily contact with colleagues at the CDC as well as the human service agency at the White House including the President’s Coronavirus Task Force.
“We are also in close contact with the U.S. airport community,” Staley said. “As noted, there are 11 airports receiving the flights from China and those flights have diminished because demand has been low. We have provided collective feedback from airport authorities to the CDC on information that they were requesting that goes beyond travelers to and from China. They are asking for information just for general travelers as well.”
Staley said that while several major North American carriers have suspended air service from mainland China to the U.S., the best counsel for travelers is to take the same steps for healthy travel habits.
“They are the personal best practices right now that are standard for the typical flu season, including frequent washing of hands, etc.,” he said. “Maintain those practices.”
Brad Kieserman, Vice President of Disaster Operations & Logistics for the American Red Cross, cited his 30 years in crisis management and lauded the work of the CDC in managing the current public health crisis.
“The mission of the American Red Cross is to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by leveraging the power of the generosity of our donors,” he said. “The first thing you might ask yourself is, ‘Is this an emergency?’ The answers is that the CDC has declared a public health emergency. Right now any of us are in the prevent part of that mission. We have actively engaged in planning and waiting for the Department of State, CDC, and other municipal partners for what may happen if there is an increase in the disease.
Kieserman said that while the Red Cross deals frequently with relief efforts from natural disasters that this outbreak is not any different in that the goal is to respond, and that part of that response is mass care. Yet, he said, there are differences.
“Operating a congregate sheltering environment for a natural disaster concurrently while there is an epidemic or pandemic in progress … that’s a bit of a different animal,” he said. “We’re going to have in place protocols and procedures and guidelines we develop with the CDC and public health officials to make sure that we can provide safe and sanitary congregate sheltering and minimize the risk of infection that will include screening and will include isolation procedures in other facilities.”
Dr. Bresee was asked from a webinar participant about what people should do sanitize.
“Do what your mom told you to do,” he said. “Wash your hands. When you’re sick, stay home. If you want to go to work and you’re sick, don’t go. And if you get to work and you’re sick, go home. The guidance now is really the guidance for any respiratory virus that is spread person to person. It’s to do those things. The other thing I will add is to get your flu shot. Don’t be mistaken for a coronavirus patient, so get your flu shot now.”
Additional resources may be found at the following:
A Warm Welcome To Our Newest Members
Please welcome our newest members who joined IAVM in December 2019. Thank you for being a part of the association! Also, let us get to know you better by participating in the I Am Venue Management series. Please visit http://www.iavm.org/i-am-venue-management-share-your-story to share your story and photo.
Blaine Adams, Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Rod Ainsworth, Multiplex Sport & Convention Centre (MSCC), Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
Rowan Allsop, First 5 Minutes, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
Jessica Anderson, WESS, A GardaWorld Company, Coon Rapids, MN, United States
Adrian Anderson, Grosvenor Engineering Group, Fyshwick, ACT, Australia
Oscar Argemi Gonzalez, New York University, New York, NY, United States
Tyler Armer, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
Braxton Armstrong, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
Matthew Asano, Pechanga Arena San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
Michaela Ashworth, Durham Performing Arts Center, Durham, NC, United States
Jacob Aug, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
Alex Aye, Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park, KS, United States
Alison Bacon, Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, Albert Park, VIC, Australia
Giselle Bandley, Event Services – Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
Maria Barton, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
Debra Beasley, Renasant Convention Center, Memphis, TN, United States
Braden Beck, Missouri State University, Kirkwood, MO, United States
Kate Belleman, Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond, VA, United States
Casey Bishop, Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO, United States
Neltie Black, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St Augustine, FL, United States
Amanda Blanchard, Southern Aluminum, Magnolia, AR, United States
Nathan Blum, Arup, San Francisco, CA, United States
Alisa Bradley, Renasant Convention Center, Memphis, TN, United States
Luke Bramblett, Churchill Downs Racetrack, Louisville, KY, United States
Jordan Brehmer, Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park, KS, United States
Michael Brooker, Grosvenor Engineering Group, Moorebank, NSW, Australia
Matthew Burton, Missouri State University, Republic, MO, United States
Kevin Butler, Henderson Engineers, Lenexa, KS, United States
Dennis Callahan, EMSEAL Joint Systems, Ltd., Westborough, MA, United States
Marissa Carter, Missouri State University, Jefferson City, MO, United States
Ray Cheatham, Event Services – Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
Angela Childs, Multiplex Sport & Convention Centre (MSCC), Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
Brenden Coker, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
Sam Collins, Vertikal Designs, Varsity Lakes, QLD, Australia
Anna Cooper, Walton Arts Center/Walmart AMP, Fayetteville, AR, United States
Nathan Cox, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Eugene, OR, United States
Angel Cuevas, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, Santa Rosa, CA, United States
Jason Dallavalle, Rogers Arena | Canucks Sports & Entertainment, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Steven Davis, Scope Arena, Norfolk, VA, United States
Celia de Latour, NT Major Events Company, Darwin, NT, Australia
Chenoa Dean, The University of Texas at San Antonio – Student Union, San Antonio, TX, United States
Mark Deller, ALTS Canada, Calgary, AB, Canada
Casey Depew, Missouri State University, Blue Springs, MO, United States
James Dietz, Henderson Engineers, Lenexa, KS, United States
Shelby Dixon, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St Augustine, FL, United States
Bec Dodunski, Crown Melbourne Ltd, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Noell Dooley, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St Augustine, FL, United States
Maureen Doran, AwareManager – a Building Engines Company, Boston, MA, United States
Maren Dougherty, San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA, United States
Alex Drake, Exhibition Park in Canberra, Dickson, ACT, Australia
Malcolm Dungey, Mediabank Pty Ltd T/As PAM, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Elisha Dunlevie, NIDA Melbourne – National Institute of Dramatic Art, Brighton East, VIC, Australia
Mitch Edwards, Grosvenor Engineering Group, Yatala, QLD, Australia
Tanya Edwards, Grosvenor Engineering Group, North Wollongong, NSW, Australia
Jeffrey Engelken, Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO, United States
Daniela Erni Ruoss, Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, Albert Park, VIC, Australia
Joshua Field, WESS, A GardaWorld Company, Coon Rapids, MN, United States
Kaila Finch, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, Santa Rosa, CA, United States
Lauren Fischer, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX, United States
Mike Fiser, Henderson Engineers, Lenexa, KS, United States
Anthony Franceschini, Capital One Arena, Washington, DC, United States
Alice Francis, Spark Arena, Auckland, , New Zealand
Jennifer Franz, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH, United States
Kylie Frueh, The Link Event & Recreation Center, Richland Hills, TX, United States
Herb Ganey, The University of Texas at San Antonio – Student Union, San Antonio, TX, United States
Luis Garcia-Solorio, The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV, United States
Kim Gartner, The Yamwood Foundry, Scottsdale, AZ, United States
Paris Gathwright, Renasant Convention Center, Memphis, TN, United States
Anna Giorgianni, Grosvenor Engineering Group, Moorebank, NSW, Australia
Courtney Gladney, Renasant Convention Center, Memphis, TN, United States
Kirk Godfrey, Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO, United States
Samantha Goessner, Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Saint Paul, MN, United States
Caitlin Grabowski, Event Services – Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
Kirsten Grimes, First National Bank Arena, Jonesboro, AR, United States
Sandra Guerra, Bradenton Area Convention Center, Palmetto, FL, United States
Rick Halton, Grosvenor Engineering Group, Devonport, TAS, Australia
James Ham, Missouri State University, Poplar Bluff, MO, United States
Shaun Haney, Rose Quarter, Portland, OR, United States
James Harrington, Scope Arena, Norfolk, VA, United States
Adam Harrison, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
Lucas Hartgrover, Mason City Arena, Mason City, IA, United States
Chris Hathaway, Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO, United States
Molly Heinzler, Missouri State University, Kearney, MO, United States
Pedro Herrera Rodriguez, Quayclean Australia Pty Ltd, Tullamarine, VIC, Australia
Antonia Herron, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
Nathan Hill, Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, Calgary, AB, Canada
Charles Holl, Miami Beach Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV, United States
Robert Hopper, The University of Texas at San Antonio – Student Union, San Antonio, TX, United States
Angela Horrobin, Vancouver Civic Theatres, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Kelly Hyde, Henderson Engineers, Phoenix, AZ, United States
Glendon Jenkins, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
Greg Johnson, Henderson Engineers, Lenexa, KS, United States
Lisa Jones, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH, United States
Lloyd Jones, Palais Theatre, Cremorne, VIC, Australia
Benito Joseski, ASM Global Pty Ltd – ICC Sydney, QVB, NSW, Australia
Meghan Kaskoun, Cincinnati Arts Association, Cincinnati, OH, United States
Courtney Kauffman, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Eugene, OR, United States
Chris Kelly, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St Augustine, FL, United States
Tracey Kelly, Hinkler Hall of Aviation, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
Ben Kendrick, Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond, VA, United States
Chris Kerr, XA Staffing, Calgary, AB, Canada
Jana Kim, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
Beau Kimber, Palais Theatre, Cremorne, VIC, Australia
Albert Kirby, RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Christian Koechner, Missouri State University, Caseyville, IL, United States
Alesha Kolbe, Chisholm Dandenong, Doveton, VIC, Australia
Arianna Kopplin, Missouri State University, Altamont, IL, United States
Tanya LaCome, Pepsi Center, Denver, CO, United States
Cassandra Lasser, WESS, A GardaWorld Company, Coon Rapids, MN, United States
Michael Lathrop, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH, United States
David LaVanne, Ford Idaho Center, Nampa, ID, United States
Nikki Lee, The University of Texas at San Antonio – Student Union, San Antonio, TX, United States
Kevin Lewis, Henderson Engineers, Lenexa, KS, United States
Carl Liberatore, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St Augustine, FL, United States
Tim Libra, Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR, United States
Michael Livingston, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St Augustine, FL, United States
Diana Long, Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau, Little Rock, AR, United States
Lauren Lopez, MGM Resorts, Las Vegas, NV, United States
Erica Love, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
Loran Lueders, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St Augustine, FL, United States
Natalie Luzi, Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW, Australia
David Marquis, The University of Texas at San Antonio – Student Union, San Antonio, TX, United States
Haylie Mason, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
Kaylahree Mayfield, Henderson Engineers, Lenexa, KS, United States
Keith Mays, University of South Carolina, Lexington, KY, United States
Derrick McCabe, Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond, VA, United States
Ashtyn McCloud, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
Matt McGarry, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH, United States
Marty McGregor, Christchurch Recreation and Sport Centres, Christchurch, , New Zealand
Simone McKenzie, Australian Institute of Sport, Belconnen, ACT, Australia
Alexandra McLain, Missouri State University, Lees Summit, MO, United States
Erin McMahon, Palais Theatre, Cremorne, VIC, Australia
Cheyenne McMicheal, Weber State University, Ogden, UT, United States
Ava McMurry, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
Jarena McNeil, Venue Management/UNC Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
Tonia Meluso, Missouri State University, Saint Louis, MO, United States
Kelly Metter, Missouri State University, Columbia, IL, United States
Trenton Michael, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
Matthew Millar, Sydney Cricket Ground – Allianz Stadium, Paddington, NSW, Australia
Ken Miller, Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond, VA, United States
Taylor Mitchell, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, Santa Rosa, CA, United States
Amy Moats, Evraz Place, Regina, SK, Canada
Sharyl Morrison, Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO, United States
Katherine Morton, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
Ian Murphy, Grosvenor Engineering Group, Wangara, WA, Australia
Sarah Murphy, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
Grace Murray, Missouri State University, St. Peters, MO, United States
Ryan Nall, Venue Management/UNC Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
Ashley Nardiello, Scope Arena, Norfolk, VA, United States
Timm Naso, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH, United States
Elspeth Nelson, Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Dallas, TX, United States
Hayley Newby, Missouri State University, Billings, MO, United States
Carolyn Ng, Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, Albert Park, VIC, Australia
Emeka Ogu, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Eugene, OR, United States
Rachel Olsavicky, Essity Professional Hygiene North America, Neenah, WI, United States
Ann Orlando, Missouri State University, Lees Summit, MO, United States
Jessica Otten, Gateway Center, Collinsville, IL, United States
Sarah Overman, Infinite Energy Center, Duluth, GA, United States
Jacqueline Paris, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH, United States
Dattatray Patel, Quayclean Australia Pty Ltd, Tullamarine, VIC, Australia
Matt Pellicer, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St Augustine, FL, United States
Jennifer Pfeister, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH, United States
Joseph Pham, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
Alex Polidoros, IHS Global Alliance – South Pacific, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
LaToya Porter, Robert F. Kennedy Stadium, Washington, DC, United States
Bill Pottorff, STAPLES Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Shiron Pratt, Robert F. Kennedy Stadium, Washington, DC, United States
Cameron Pritchard, Grosvenor Engineering Group, Regency Park, SA, Australia
Patrick Quinn, SaskTel Centre, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
Victoria Quintero, Missouri State University, Kansas City, MO, United States
Gabriel Ramirez, Centerplate, San Diego, CA, United States
Amy Rasmussen, Event Services – Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
Kristi Reedy, Pechanga Arena San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
Allison Reynolds, Missouri State University, Tulsa, OK, United States
Jarrett Rice, Venue Management/UNC Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
Joe Richards, Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Elizabeth Rockstroh, The University of Texas at San Antonio – Student Union, San Antonio, TX, United States
Tanner Rust, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
Azim Saleem, RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Sydney Sallee, Missouri State University, Lake Lotawana, MO, United States
Jacob Sanders, Tennessee Performing Arts Center, Nashville, TN, United States
Mandip Sangha, Rogers Arena | Canucks Sports & Entertainment, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Camden Sapp, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
Peter Savoff, Darwin Convention Centre, Darwin, NT, Australia
Patrick Scanlon, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH, United States
Logan Schechter, Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO, United States
Dustin Schwab, Max-R, Sussex, WI, United States
Amy Schwegler, EventAid Pty Ltd, South Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Sadie Scolaro, Overland Park Convention Center, Overland Park, KS, United States
Darian Scott, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
Aaron Shapiro, Pepsi Center, Denver, CO, United States
Elliott Shipley, Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville, TN, United States
Paul Shlisky, The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, NV, United States
Grace Sivcovich, Missouri State University, Ballwin, MO, United States
Sam Slater, Concept3D, Denver, CO, United States
Brett Sorensen, Grosvenor Engineering Group, Yatala, QLD, Australia
Ryan Starkovich, Henderson Engineers, Lenexa, KS, United States
Bryon Starling, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St Augustine, FL, United States
Samantha Steury, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
Sam Storms, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
Cheyenne Struttmann, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
Russell Stuart, Force Protection Agency, Beverly Hills, CA, United States
Jeff Sturak, SDCCU Stadium, San Diego, CA, United States
Logan Swadner, Missouri State University, Joplin, MO, United States
Helen Taylor, Exhibition Park in Canberra, Dickson, ACT, Australia
Daunte Tillman, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
Brian Timm, Omaha Performing Arts, Omaha, NE, United States
Daniel Toscano, Sydney Cricket Ground – Allianz Stadium, Paddington, NSW, Australia
Alexis Trower, Missouri State University, O’Fallon, MO, United States
Jacqui Tudor, Exhibition Park in Canberra, Dickson, ACT, Australia
Renee VanLaningham, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH, United States
Katherine Villacorta, UCSB Events Center, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
Gregory Waters, Missouri State University, Saint Louis, MO, United States
Clayton Weber, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO, United States
Jeff Weinkauf, Hult Center for the Performing Arts, Eugene, OR, United States
Jacque White, Miami Beach Convention Center, Hollywood, FL, United States
Kanise Wiggins, Columbus Civic Center, Columbus, GA, United States
Esther Williams, Midas Event Supply, Ontario, CA, United States
S.J. Williams, Austin Theatre Alliance, Austin, TX, United States
Devyn Williams, Missouri State University, Windsor, MO, United States
Kelly Williams, Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO, United States
Haley Wright, Volante Systems, Toronto, ON, Canada
Abigail Yerkovich, WESS, A GardaWorld Company, Coon Rapids, MN, United States
Natasha Zarzosa, Pechanga Arena San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
Centerplate Involved in Several Notable “Firsts” at Super Bowl
By R.V. Baugus
IAVM Allied Member Centerplate scored several touchdowns as the F&B provider for Super Bowl LIV at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
For starters, how about the fact that this was the first major food recovery at the Super Bowl. Food left over from this year’s big game saw Centerplate Hospitality, along with NFL Green Initiative and Food Rescue US, collect and distribute over 30,000 pounds of food to local Miami shelters with the help of an army of volunteers.
Once the scoreboard ticked down to zero in the Kansas City Chiefs’ 31-20 win over the San Francisco 49ers, the 
effort began the very next morning when volunteers arrived at the stadium to collect, pack, and ship food remaining from the concession areas, suites, and VIP catered sections.
We’re not talking popcorn here, either. According to ESPN, some of the delicacies included beef tenderloins, barbecue chicken, wings, ribs, and charcuterie plates.
“It’s a full volunteer job. We just want to help people in need,” Ellen Bowen, the director of Food Rescue US-Miami, told ESPN. “It’s amazing to see how much food there is that otherwise would have been thrown in the trash that can now feed so many people.”
The rescued food is being donated to the Broward Outreach Center, Broward Partnership for the Homeless, Camillus House, Lotus House Shelter and the Miami Rescue Mission. Bowen said that enough food was collected to feed around 20,000 people in need.
The NFL has been working to make a better impact on the environment through its green initiatives at the Super Bowl and regular season games, from adding recycling to using renewable energy at venues.
First Star Solutions got on Twitter to give its shout out for the effort, writing, Wow Miami, what a show from
@centerplate, @HardRockStadium, @SuperBowl, and @NFL some of the best food seen in venues in years. Great Job!!
Centerplate can be applauded for a couple of other noteworthy performances at the Super Bowl:
1. Chef D
For the first time in history, a woman led the food preparation. Executive Chef Dayanny de la Cruz, or “Chef D,” can tack the game onto an impressive list of overseeing events including the NFL, college football, tennis, professional basketball, U.S. Open tennis tournament, and the Kentucky Derby.
2. Food for All Tastes
Reflecting its international audience both at home and in the stadium, Hard Rock Stadium and Centerplate served up seafood paella from Spain, French macarons), Argentinian asado, Mexican empanadas, Cubano sausage, tuna tartare, and ceviche.
Kudos from the IAVM family to Centerplate on a job exceptionally well done!
Curtis Culwell Center Hosts Dallas/Fort Worth IAVM Chapter Meeting
By Myra Palacios
On January 28th, the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas, hosted the DFW IAVM Chapter Meeting, which focused on safety and security. The meeting was open to both members and nonmembers and was free of charge. There were a total of 39 people in attendance.
Harvey Perriott, Chief, Protective Security Region VI, Jeff Murray, Protective Security Advisor, and Bryan Gray, 
Protective Security Advisor, served as the guest speakers and presenters. They spoke on a variety of potential security threats venues face as public gathering places. They followed up by outlining the free resources that the Department of Homeland Security has to offer for the protection and security of our venues. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable knowledge by receiving first-hand advice from these professionals.
The event concluded with a social gathering and an opportunity to tour the Curtis Culwell Center. For more information about the event and protective measures discussed, click here.
Myra Palacios is Event Services Manager at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland, Texas.