Rays to replace Centerplate as Trop concessionaire

UPDATE 8/16: It’s come to our attention the decision for the Rays to part ways with their long time concessionaire Centerplate was made before the Sports Illustrated article was written. The agreement will end on December 31, 2017.

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Last week the poor health and safety record at Tropicana Field was exposed by Sports Illustrated. Daniel Russell wrote about live insects and black mold that were found in food prepartion areas.

In a statement responding to the Sports Illustrated article the Tampa Bay Rays said, “Moving forward, we will be working cooperatively with both Centerplate and Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation officials to provide even greater oversight of the nightly concessions operations.”

In this morning Rays Tales Marc Topkin reports, however, “Long-time Trop concessionaire Centerplate, which was responsible for last week's food safety rating concerns, is in the final year of its contract and will be replaced.”

The Rays have decided to move forward after their contract expires at the end of the season. This was a step the Rays needed to take. Food safety is a serious concern for fans. Hopefully the Rays and whoever they decide to partner with in the future treats it as such. This decision was made prior to the Sports Illustrated Article being written.