The Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards 2027: Open For Entry
The Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards 2027 are now officially open for entries, celebrating the dedication, innovation, and expertise of the teams delivering exceptional experiences at football, rugby, cricket and athletics stadiums across the UK.
Now in their 20th year, the nationally recognised awards shine a spotlight on the people and teams working across catering, hospitality, operations, sales, events and retail to deliver outstanding experiences for guests visiting their venues.
There are 15 award categories available for 2027, with most entries closing on Wednesday 24th March 2027. Every category is independently judged by industry specialists, ensuring that the awards recognise genuine achievement and excellence across the stadium sector.
The winners will be revealed at The Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards on Thursday 1st July 2027 at Ashton Gate Stadium – the home of both Bristol City FC and Bristol Bears Rugby Club.
A landmark year for Stadium Experience…
The 2027 event promises to be particularly special as it marks the 20th annual Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards, and the 25th Anniversary of Stadium Experience.
More than 500 guests representing over 70 stadium venues from across the UK are expected to attend the prestigious gala evening at Ashton Gate. Guests will enjoy a welcome drinks reception, an exceptional three-course dinner, the awards presentation, live entertainment and an exclusive after-party on-site until 3.00am. Tickets are also now available from just £150+VAT per person (discounted member rate).
The 2027 Award Categories:
*NEW* Sustainable Initiative Award
Available For Sponsorship
Recognising venues that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to sustainability by embedding environmentally and socially responsible initiatives into their day-to-day operations, culture and long-term strategy – Judged by Greengage Solutions
*NEW* Unsung Hero Award
Sponsored by Taste Beverages
Recognising those individuals who make a significant difference to the success of their team and stadium. They may not always seek the spotlight, but they are a valued, trusted and highly respected member of the team who can be relied upon to make things happen – Judged by independent panel of judges
Stadium Event of the Year Award
Sponsored by Rational UK
Recognising the very best stadium event held in the last year. Judges are specifically looking for a stadium venue which has displayed exceptional venue facilities and outstanding guest experiences – Judged by independent panel of judges
Non-Matchday Mystery Shopper Award
Sponsored by iVvy Venues
Based on a mystery shopper corporate/business event sales enquiry call and follow up correspondence, which will be made during Spring 2027 – Judged by mystery shopping experts
Matchday Sales & Marketing Team of the Year Award
Sponsored by Lamb Weston
Recognising the very best matchday sales and marketing team in UK stadium venues. Entries will demonstrate strategies for growth, brave new ideas, and overcoming challenges – Judged by independent panel of judges
Non-Matchday Sales & Marketing Team of the Year Award
Sponsored by Special Occasion Linen
Recognising the very best non-matchday sales and marketing team in UK stadium venues. Entries will demonstrate strategies for growth, new ideas for unique and different events, creative use of their spaces, and overcoming challenges – Judged by independent panel of judges
Best Retail Catering Award
Sponsored by Rollover
Recognising the best retail catering teams at stadia across the UK. This team will demonstrate commercial growth, high quality food offerings or proactive sustainability improvements – Judged by independent panel of judges
Operations Team of the Year Award
Sponsored by Braehead Foods
Recognising the often unseen behind-the-scenes teams that make stadium events run so smoothly, going above and beyond the call of duty to provide the very best service to customers – Judged by independent panel of judges
Chef Team of the Year Award
Sponsored by Chef Works & Bragard
A live theatre chef competition at Xcelerate With Edgbaston in Birmingham on 23rd February 2027. Up to 12 chef teams have 90 minutes to prepare, cook and present a four-course menu suitable for their Club Chairman to entertain Head of the FA, RFU or the Cricket ECB to a business luncheon – Judged by The British Culinary Federation
Visiting Rugby Directors Award
Available For Sponsorship
Voted for by Directors at each rugby club. They are asked to consider the welcome, service and catering when casting their votes – Judged by Rugby Club Directors
Visiting Football Directors Award
Sponsored by Dr Oetker
Voted for by Directors at each football club. They are asked to consider the welcome, service and catering when casting their votes – Judged by Football Club Directors
Matchday Hospitality Awards
Small Stadium – Sponsored by Pukka Pies
Medium Stadium – Sponsored by Mint People
Large Stadium – Sponsored by ACME
Experienced chef and hospitality experts attend your venue to try out your matchday offering. Each element is carefully considered and scored against strict criteria. This category is split into 3 (small, medium and large) based on the number of hospitality seats on a matchday (not stadium bowl capacity) – Judged by industry experts with over 20 years experience in the chef and hospitality industries.
Overall Matchday Hospitality Award
By entering the Matchday Hospitality Award, your venue will also be submitted into the Overall Matchday Hospitality Award, which competes all venues against all, regardless of size.
Independent Awards Judging
Stadium Experience does not judge any of the awards. Each category is independently judged by industry experts, specialist organisations or stadium directors, depending on the nature of the award.
The majority of categories are judged by an independent panel of senior industry professionals, who select their top three entries in each category. The 2027 panel is currently being finalised, with senior representatives already confirmed from Beam, Change Hospitality, The Delegate Wranglers, EDGE Venues, MIA, SWJ Events, Two Circles, venuedirectory.com and more.
The specialist judging process also includes:
- Sustainable Initiative Award; judged by Greengage Solutions.
- Non-Matchday Mystery Shopper Award: judged by mystery shopping experts.
- Chef Team of the Year Award: organised and judged by The British Culinary Federation.
- Matchday Hospitality Awards: judged by experienced professionals with more than 20 years’ experience in the chef and hospitality industries, including representatives from industry associations such as The British Culinary Federation and Craft Guild of Chefs.
- Visiting Directors Awards (Rugby& Football): voted for by stadium directors.
Debbie Rigney, Director of Stadium Experience and awards organiser, commented: “The Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards are a fantastic opportunity to shine a light on the people and teams who work incredibly hard behind the scenes and on the front line to deliver outstanding stadium experiences. We’re particularly excited about 2027 as we celebrate both the 20th anniversary of the awards and Stadium Experience’s 25th anniversary. Taking the awards to Ashton Gate in Bristol for such a landmark year makes it even more special, and we’re looking forward to celebrating the very best of our industry together.”
Find out more about The Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards 2027. Follow the latest news with #SEHA2027
Sponsorship opportunities
Stadium Experience is also inviting companies interested in reaching the stadium events, hospitality and catering sector to explore awards sponsorship opportunities for 2027.
Related News:
- Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards 2027 to be held in Bristol
- Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards 2026 Winners – Full Results
View the Official 2026 Awards Video:
Thank you to our 2027 Awards Sponsors
