Soaring Temps Make Water Hot Item At 2001 College World Series In Neb.
By John Morell
Monday, July 2 2001
Monday, July 2 2001
Published on AllBusiness.com
Temperatures in the high 90s created a heavy demand for beverages at the 2001 College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium, Omaha, Neb.
For nine days in mid-June, the unseasonably hot temperatures created long lines at the beverage stands. "Our water sales were phenomenal," said Ryan Slane, Volume Services America general manager at the facility. "We sold approximately 34,000 20-ounce bottles at $2.75 each during the week."
Other big sellers included a 32-ounce soft drink with a souvenir cup ($3.25) and a super-size fountain drink ($4). There were no beer sales as per the stadium's contract with the NCAA, which runs the CWS. "It was great to see such strong beverage sales," said Slane. "On the downside though, it hurts our food sales because people are just too uncomfortable to eat."
Preparing for the CWS takes a little time, said Slane, since beer needs to be pulled from each menu board and cups need to be switched. Between the CWS, Rosenblatt Stadium is the home of the triple-A Omaha Golden Spikes.
Attendance pushed past the 330,000 mark for the event, which was boosted by the University of Nebraska's first appearance in the CWS and the attendance of President George W. Bush at the first game.
"Nebraska's games drew a large local crowd," said stadium manager Stan Benis. "We also had a healthy contingent of fans from other parts of the country who came to support their teams."
Slane said variety is crucial to food sales at the CWS. "Because you have fans coming for several days, you want to be able to offer them something different each time."
Hot dogs ($2.50) anchored the food side, with local vendors such as Omaha Steaks, Famous Dave's and Scala's bringing in other favorites. Barbecued beef sandwiches were $5, or $6 with chips and a pickle. The Rueben and Italian sandwiches were $6 and the steak sandwich was $7.
Other big sellers were the 1/2-pound hamburger and 1/3-pound bratwurst. "Our customers want and expect large servings for what they're paying, which is why these do so well," said Slane.
Next year, the CWS moves a week later to June 15-23. "With that change, we've got to be more aware of the heat factor," said Slane.
"We'll have more soda, ice cream and frozen lemonade points of sale throughout the stadium."
For nine days in mid-June, the unseasonably hot temperatures created long lines at the beverage stands. "Our water sales were phenomenal," said Ryan Slane, Volume Services America general manager at the facility. "We sold approximately 34,000 20-ounce bottles at $2.75 each during the week."
Other big sellers included a 32-ounce soft drink with a souvenir cup ($3.25) and a super-size fountain drink ($4). There were no beer sales as per the stadium's contract with the NCAA, which runs the CWS. "It was great to see such strong beverage sales," said Slane. "On the downside though, it hurts our food sales because people are just too uncomfortable to eat."
Preparing for the CWS takes a little time, said Slane, since beer needs to be pulled from each menu board and cups need to be switched. Between the CWS, Rosenblatt Stadium is the home of the triple-A Omaha Golden Spikes.
Attendance pushed past the 330,000 mark for the event, which was boosted by the University of Nebraska's first appearance in the CWS and the attendance of President George W. Bush at the first game.
"Nebraska's games drew a large local crowd," said stadium manager Stan Benis. "We also had a healthy contingent of fans from other parts of the country who came to support their teams."
Slane said variety is crucial to food sales at the CWS. "Because you have fans coming for several days, you want to be able to offer them something different each time."
Hot dogs ($2.50) anchored the food side, with local vendors such as Omaha Steaks, Famous Dave's and Scala's bringing in other favorites. Barbecued beef sandwiches were $5, or $6 with chips and a pickle. The Rueben and Italian sandwiches were $6 and the steak sandwich was $7.
Other big sellers were the 1/2-pound hamburger and 1/3-pound bratwurst. "Our customers want and expect large servings for what they're paying, which is why these do so well," said Slane.
Next year, the CWS moves a week later to June 15-23. "With that change, we've got to be more aware of the heat factor," said Slane.
"We'll have more soda, ice cream and frozen lemonade points of sale throughout the stadium."
