Hospitality ticketing: delivering seamless experiences for international sports events

The significance of hospitality ticketing lies in its ability to enhance the overall event experience, catering to customers who seek comfort, exclusivity, and top-tier service. For businesses, these tailor-made packages provide a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships with clients, partners, or employees by offering a unique and immersive experience. Additionally, for event organizers, hospitality packages represent a valuable revenue stream while enhancing brand perception through high-end, curated offerings.

In short, hospitality ticketing plays a crucial role in the sports event industry by enriching guest experiences and providing strategic benefits for both businesses and organizers.

Investing in sports hospitality transcends traditional event attendance, by providing added value to both event organizers and attendees. For venues and organizations, it represents a significant opportunity to increase revenue streams through premium offerings. For guests, especially corporate clients, it offers an avenue for networking and enjoying exclusive services. There's a growing trend favoring immersive experiences over mere event attendance, with a noticeable shift towards premium services and all-inclusive experiences.

How sports hospitality boosts revenues, guest engagement and brand loyalty

For event organizers and rights holders, sports hospitality is a strategic tool that not only drives revenue but also strengthens guest engagement and long-term brand loyalty. By offering exclusive and immersive experiences, hospitality ticketing fosters deeper connections between attendees, the venue or the event, and sponsoring brands, leading to increased guest satisfaction and repeat attendance. Corporate sponsors particularly benefit from these premium experiences, using them as an opportunity to entertain clients, build strong business relationships, and enhance brand affinity.

A key advantage of hospitality ticketing is its ability to maximize the profitability of premium seating sections, ensuring that high-value areas are consistently occupied. Additionally, the presence of VIP guests and corporate leaders within hospitality spaces enhances the prestige of an event, increasing its attractiveness to sponsors and partners. 

The specialized hospitality brand of Sodexo Live!, Sports Travel & Hospitality (STH), ensures that each package is carefully curated to align with the event’s unique profile, providing customized solutions that elevate guest engagement and financial returns.

Creating tailored hospitality packages for every type of guest

Modern sports hospitality emphasizes customization, allowing guests to curate their own packages to suit their unique preferences. This flexibility includes choices in accommodation, dining, seating options, and even additional travel and leisure experiences. Moving away from rigid, pre-defined packages, hospitality services now offer highly personalized experiences that extend well beyond the sports venue.

A diverse range of hospitality packages caters to all types of guests, guests can choose from a variety of hospitality packages, ranging from accessible packages to the most exclusive experiences. Whether a guest prefers a luxury hotel suite, a gourmet dining experience, or access to exclusive lounges, tailored hospitality packages ensure that every individual enjoys an elevated event experience.

Beyond the event itself, hospitality ticketing solutions now encompass premium travel arrangements and exclusive tourism activities. Guests can enjoy guided city tours, visits to iconic museums, or vineyard excursions, transforming their sports trip into a fully immersive luxury experience. In a word, hospitality ticketing is not just about watching a game but about creating lasting memories and enhancing overall guest satisfaction.

Exceptional catering services complement hospitality offerings, enriching the overall guest experience. High-quality food and beverage options have become a key differentiator in hospitality ticketing, with guests expecting gourmet meals, premium beverages, and dietary accommodations that suit their preferences.

Delivering top-tier service through hospitality and catering excellence

Delivering a truly exceptional hospitality experience means tailoring every aspect to the specific event, particularly in catering. Rather than offering generic food options, each menu is carefully designed to reflect the event’s identity, audience, and location, ensuring a unique and immersive experience. 

At Royal Ascot, for instance, Sodexo Live! created an immersive hospitality experience that blended tradition with modern flair. Signature dishes, inspired by classic British flavors, are paired with expertly crafted cocktails and exclusive dining spaces, allowing guests to indulge in an unforgettable culinary journey. This approach not only elevates the guest experience but also strengthens the connection between attendees and the event’s atmosphere.

Catering services are also adapting to modern expectations by integrating sustainability initiatives. This includes : 

• Sourcing local and organic ingredients,
• reducing food waste, 
• expanding plant-based menu options.

In order to ensure that hospitality solutions align with both environmental responsibility and guest preferences.

How seamless hospitality ticketing enhances event logistics

The rise of digital ticketing and contactless services has added another layer of complexity, requiring event organizers to adopt innovative solutions that enhance both security and convenience.

This includes clear information dissemination, efficient ticket distribution, and the integration of technology to streamline operations, ensuring a seamless experience for attendees. Digital ticketing, QR code scanning, and AI-driven customer support systems are revolutionizing the way guests access and navigate sports events, reducing wait times and improving overall efficiency.

Crafting outstanding hospitality experiences involves meticulous planning and attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of the guest journey is exceptional. From the initial purchase of a hospitality ticket to the final moments of an event, every touchpoint matters in delivering a world-class experience. 

Managing the guest journey: from ticket purchase to VIP treatment

Our all-inclusive guest management takes care of everything from the moment a ticket is purchased. Travel arrangements, accommodation, and exclusive experiences beyond the main event—such as local tours or private activities—are seamlessly handled. With pre-planned hospitality packages that include private transportation, airport transfers, and concierge services, guests can simply enjoy the experience without a second thought, while organizers benefit from a fully managed, stress-free solution.

Utilizing hospitality ticketing to ensure smooth guest flow

Technology plays a vital role in enhancing the guest experience, from online reservations to dedicated apps providing real-time information. Pre-registration processes and dedicated support teams, bolstered by technological solutions, ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all attendees. Advanced hospitality platforms also allow guests to personalize their itineraries, receive live event updates, and access exclusive perks through mobile applications.

Sodexo Live! offers event organizers and venue owners a comprehensive range of services. While food services remain at the heart of our expertise, we also provide value-added solutions, starting with hospitality ticketing.

Through its specialized brand, Sports Travel & Hospitality (STH), Sodexo Live! stands out in the hospitality ticketing industry, offering comprehensive services tailored to international sports events. STH, a Sodexo Live! company, focuses exclusively on delivering world-class hospitality ticketing solutions, leveraging deep industry knowledge and innovative approaches. Their expertise ensures that both organizers and attendees receive unparalleled experiences. By combining global expertise with local market knowledge, STH ensures that every event is uniquely catered to its audience, offering the highest standards of service.

Comprehensive hospitality management for international sports events 

STH provides end-to-end hospitality management services, covering aspects from event planning to execution. Their global presence and experience with major events ensure seamless delivery and exceptional guest experiences. From corporate suites to VIP lounges, their solutions cater to a wide range of clientele, ensuring a premium experience at every touchpoint. 

STH manages hospitality for prestigious events such as Royal Ascot, Henley Royal Regatta, The Open Championship, Rugby World Cups, Roland Garros and Australian Open, offering tailored experiences that blend luxury, tradition, and exclusivity. From world-class dining to unparalleled access, their bespoke solutions enhance these iconic sporting moments.

Innovative hospitality and catering solutions tailored to your needs

Understanding the unique needs of each event, Sodexo Live! offers innovative hospitality and catering solutions. Our ability to customize services ensures that every event is distinct and memorable. Whether it's a major international tournament or an exclusive sporting gala, Sodexo Live! delivers cutting-edge hospitality experiences. In the UK especially, this expertise is showcased at events such as Royal Ascot, Henley Royal Regatta, major cricket matches (ICC matches, events at the Emirates Old Trafford…) where bespoke hospitality packages provide guests with unparalleled access and luxury, enhancing their overall experience.

Proven expertise in delivering sports hospitality services

With a track record of successfully managing hospitality services at prominent sport events, Sodexo Live! has established itself as a leader in the industry. 

We have served some of the largest events in the world such has, Roland-Garros, Rugby World Cups in 2011, 2015, 2019, 2023 and, have been selected as the official partners of the next 3 Rugby World Cups (Women’s England 2025, Men’s Australia 2027, and Women’s Australia 2029). Our commitment to excellence ensures that clients and guests receive top-tier services. Through strategic partnerships and continuous innovation, We remain at the forefront of the hospitality industry.