You Won't Believe How Notre Dame's Shocking Deal with Levy Will Change College Sports Forever!

In an effort to enhance the culinary experience at its athletic venues, the University of Notre Dame has announced a renewed partnership with Levy, a prominent food service company, extending their collaboration for another 10 years through 2036. This relationship, which began in 2016, will see Levy continue to manage concessions and premium hospitality across all of Notre Dame’s athletic facilities, including the iconic Notre Dame Stadium, the Compton Family Ice Arena, and the Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center.

The renewal was secured after Levy successfully navigated a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The company initially partnered with Notre Dame under the leadership of former Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick, who stepped down in 2024 and was succeeded by Pete Bevacqua.

As part of this renewed agreement, Levy and Notre Dame plan to emphasize the importance of local sourcing for food and ingredients. This initiative aligns with their ongoing collaboration with the non-profit organization Cultivate Food Rescue, aimed at reducing food waste. Since 2017, this partnership has successfully "rescued" thousands of meals from prepared but unserved food, distributing them to local food pantries and supporting job-training programs for at-risk youth and adults in Northern Indiana. This community-focused approach is a key component of Notre Dame’s broader sustainability strategy.

In a similar vein, Levy’s recent achievements in the college sports sector also include securing contracts with other universities. Earlier this year, the company won the food service contract at the University of Michigan, which follows previous agreements with Michigan State, UCF, USF, Stanford, and Army. The growing trend among these institutions indicates a shift towards improved food and beverage offerings as critical revenue streams amid ongoing stadium renovations.

Financially, Notre Dame's contract-based revenue—encompassing multimedia rights and food and beverage sales—has seen a significant increase, jumping from $150.6 million in fiscal year 2024 to over $186 million in fiscal year 2025, as reported in the university's annual financial report. This sharp rise highlights the vital role that food and beverage services play in the overall financial health of college athletic programs.

Levy’s expanding portfolio now includes seven Big Ten schools, alongside prominent institutions from the SEC such as Alabama, Oklahoma, and Texas A&M. Many of these partnerships were solidified in 2024, indicating a strategic focus on the increasingly competitive college sports landscape.

The renewed collaboration between Levy and Notre Dame not only enhances the game-day experience for fans but also reflects a shared commitment to community engagement and sustainability. As college athletic programs look to bolster their revenues and improve offerings, partnerships like this one illustrate the evolving landscape of food and beverage services in the sports sector.