Celta open Spanish market to OVG Hospitality

Celta have agreed a strategic partnership with Oak View Group to transform food, beverage and hospitality at ABANCA Balaídos, marking OVG Hospitality’s entry into the Spanish market.OVG will develop a new food and beverage concept aimed at supporters, corporate clients and other visitors as Celta continue the modernisation of their home stadium. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.Toni Ortega, OVG vice-president for Southern Europe, said: “We are especially proud to launch OVG Hospitality’s operations alongside Celta. This project reflects our commitment to Spain and to a hospitality model that combines excellence, sustainability and close collaboration with the local community.”OVG president of operations Amy Latimer said: “A world-class venue like ABANCA Balaídos can be transformative for Vigo and the region as a whole.“A high-quality food and beverage offering will help drive tourism, create new opportunities for local businesses and generate a positive and sustainable economic impact in the long term.”The partnership gives OVG a first foothold in Spain after building a hospitality portfolio that includes Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Manchester City’s Etihad Campus, Southampton and Co-op Live in Manchester.Celta see improved hospitality and catering as part of a wider strategy to make Balaídos a more commercially productive venue beyond matchdays, while strengthening its role within Vigo.The deal follows a long-term agreement between Celta and Vigo City Council covering the municipal stadium. Announced earlier this year, the concession has an initial 50-year term with the possibility of an extension to 75 years, providing the club with greater certainty to invest in the venue.Celta president Marián Mouriño said: “Partnering with a company like OVG means a great deal to us and helps us meet the infrastructure demands of modern football. We are working to ensure that our facilities are seen as an asset that enables us to continue growing as a club and provides us with long-term stability.”OVG’s involvement could ultimately extend beyond Balaídos. The agreement provides scope to expand the partnership across Celta360, the club’s project to develop their wider sports infrastructure into a centre covering innovation, health, education and high-performance sport.That potential expansion would give OVG a broader role in Celta’s infrastructure strategy while its initial Balaídos mandate establishes the hospitality operator in the Spanish sports market.