Pasadena, CA (June 25, 2025) – The Pasadena Center Operating Company (PCOC), the nonprofit venue management company formed by the City of Pasadena, has selected OVG Hospitality, the food and beverage division of global venue development, management, and hospitality company Oak View Group (OVG), as the exclusive food and beverage partner for the Pasadena Convention Center and Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
New Culinary Experience Begins July 1
Effective July 1, OVG Hospitality will oversee all catering, concessions, and food & beverage operations services across all events held in the venues, with new culinary offerings scheduled to roll out immediately.
“It’s a pleasure to welcome OVG Hospitality as our new food and beverage partner,” said Michael Ross, CEO of the PCOC. “Their proven track record of delivering exceptional service at world-class convention centers, performing arts venues, and stadiums speaks for itself. We’re excited to bring their creativity, innovation, and commitment to enhancing the guest experience to our Pasadena venues. This partnership represents a significant step forward in reimagining how we serve our patrons and elevating every aspect of their visit.”
Why OVG Was Chosen
Following a competitive process, PCOC chose OVG Hospitality for its:
- Proven experience in high-volume event service
- Tailored approach to guest experience
- Commitment to sustainability
Their selection represents a key step forward in enhancing the guest experience for every visitor, aligning with Pasadena’s growing reputation as a prime destination for conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events.
Statement from OVG Hospitality
“Partnering with PCOC allows us to enhance the Pasadena Convention Center and Civic Auditorium’s impact as a vibrant gathering place for the community,” said Ken Gaber, President of OVG Hospitality.
“Our focus is on delivering thoughtful, elevated hospitality that complements the unique character of the venues and visitors. We look forward to deepening our hospitality support in the region and bringing new culinary experiences to even more guests.”
Focus on Innovation and Sustainability
OVG Hospitality will introduce:
- Locally inspired, seasonal menus
- Enhanced concession offerings
- Mobile ordering capabilities
- Zero-waste operations
The transition is underway, with both partners working closely to ensure a seamless handover while prioritizing elevated hospitality training and client service enhancements.
About the Venues
Located in the heart of Pasadena’s historic Civic Center District, the Pasadena Convention Center and Civic Auditorium together host hundreds of events each year, ranging from:
- Large-scale consumer shows
- Corporate meetings
- Live performances
- Local galas and civic celebrations
They draw hundreds of thousands of attendees annually, serving as crucial community gathering spaces and economic engines for the region.
Strategic Expansion for OVG Hospitality
The Pasadena Convention Center and Civic Auditorium join a growing portfolio of OVG-managed venues and hospitality partnerships across North America. As OVG Hospitality’s first convention center in California, this new venture deepens the company’s regional presence and reinforces its commitment to delivering high-impact hospitality solutions to live event venues.
About Pasadena Center Operating Company
The Pasadena Center Operating Company is a non-profit 501(c)(4) dedicated to promoting Pasadena as a meeting and travel destination in an effort to maximize economic impact through the development of meetings, conventions, entertainment events and tourism by providing professionally managed facilities and first-class service.
Facilities operated:
- Pasadena Convention Center
- Civic Auditorium
- Convention & Visitors Bureau (Visit Pasadena)
- Ice Skating Center
Learn more: www.pasadenacenter.com
About Oak View Group
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster of arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions.
Founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues either open or under development across four continents.
Visit: OakViewGroup.com
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