Tampa Bay Rays sue concessions company for breach of contract
The Tampa Bay Rays have filed a lawsuit for breach of contract against Centerplate, their long time concessions company.
The Tampa Bay Rays may not have had a lot of consistency throughout their history on the field, but that has not been the case in every aspect. Since their inception in 1998, the Rays have used the same concessions company, Centerplate, throughout Tropicana Field. However, now that the 2017 campaign has come to a close, that contract has run its course.
Based on recent events, no one should expect that association to continue. The Rays have sued Centerplate for breaching their contract, suing the concessionaire for at least $75,000, saying that there was a “sad history of failing to fulfill its obligations…” The team also claims that it was exposed to lawsuits and negative publicity, harmed the Rays reputation, and damaged the facilities.
Some of the actions and problems mentioned in the lawsuit are fairly disturbing. Allegedly, there were problems with black mold, live insects, and employees not washing there hands. It is claimed that Centerplate had a registered sex offender working in the stadium, a sign maintained by the company hit a fan on the head, and that the chief executive had been videotaped kicking a dog. Add in the accounting issues, and it is easy to understand why the Rays would have brought forth such a lawsuit.
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For their part, Centerplate is denying these allegations, as well as other claims brought forth by the Rays. The company said that they are “stunned and disappointed” by the lawsuit, and that they feel the lawsuit is without merit. Naturally, they plan on fighting the lawsuit in court.
Generally, fans do not think much about the concessions. All they ask for is that the beer be cold, the food not cause them to be sick, and an enjoyable ballpark experience. They want to be able to pass under signage and not worry about having to wear a hard hat. And they would like to have their pets and children safe from any possible harm.
If these allegations are true, then one can understand the Rays concerns. Having problems with mold and insects, with employees not washing their hands and then making food, and staff that gave the patrons reasons to feel unsafe would certainly be a problem. And, grounds to claim that their contract had been breached.
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The Tampa Bay Rays are suing their longtime concessions company, Centerplate, for a myriad of reasons. It certainly paints a disturbing image of what things were like behind the scenes at Tropicana Field.