Executive Summary
Patina Group deserves recognition for redefining what’s possible in large-scale event hospitality through its groundbreaking work at the 2024 PGA Championship. As the official catering partner, Patina executed a culinary program that was both operationally seamless and experientially exceptional serving tens of thousands of guests across every touchpoint – from frictionless markets throughout the course to VIP clubs, corporate chalets, media dining and player dining.
At the heart of Patina’s innovation was the Championship+ Ticket, an all-inclusive model for all guests that revolutionized the experience and is now seen as a gold standard across the industry.
Patina also demonstrated a deep commitment to regional authenticity and community impact by partnering with the PGA of America and integrating local vendors through the Vendor Match program, bringing national visibility to small businesses while crafting menus inspired by Louisville’s unique flavors.
Guided by a team of elite culinary professionals, including chefs with Michelin-level backgrounds, Patina brought globally sourced, fine-dining quality to a temporary venue without compromising on speed, consistency, or service. The company’s ability to marry innovation, local connection and culinary excellence in a high-pressure, large-scale environment positions it as a leader and changemaker in the premium hospitality space.
Submitting Organization: Patina Group
Detailed Nomination
When the Celtics clinched their spot in the NBA Finals last June, it was clear that Boston Garden Society, the premium membership club at TD Garden, had to pull out all the stops to create best-in-class, memorable experiences for all its members throughout the run. To ensure said experiences, the marketing and sales team at TD Garden and Boston Garden Society worked together to curate activations to highlight the very best in all premium facets: food, beverage, high end service and exclusive client experiences. For example, in the food and beverage space, Sportservice, our in-house culinary team, created a 24 Carat Lobster Roll “Lucky’s 24-Carat Lobster Roll” and the “Road to Banner 18” Cocktail Flight featuring 4 different drinks based off each round’s opponent. To add to the culinary experience, we tapped into various partnerships to ensure complimentary drink tastings at all home games.
Beyond food and beverage, decor and fan activations added layers of excitement. Members enjoyed live music at 1928 Club, interactive selfie stations, photo booths with custom backdrops and even a pop-up Espresso & Cocktail Lounge dubbed Society Sips. This particular the lounge became a member favorite, complete with a cigar rolling station paying tribute to the late Celtics coach Red Auerbach, a relaxing lounge area, and a cash bar featuring Celtics-themed cocktails. This space was so beloved, it has become a permanent part of Boston Garden Society on level 5 at the start of this past season.
No premium event is complete without thoughtful client gifts, and Boston Garden Society delivered. Suite clients received personalized Yeti tumblers, engraved by a local artisan, as well as “Celtics spirit bags” packed with Celtics t-shirts, rally towels, fan chains, and foam fingers—helping them cheer on the team in true Celtics style.
All of these components contributed to an unparalleled, world-class client experience throughout the entirety of the NBA Finals. The Celtics winning certainly was the icing on top but hearing client testimonials of how much they enjoyed their experience made it all the more worthwhile. In addition to positive client feedback, client renewals speak for themselves, providing Boston Garden Society with a sold-out status for the 24/25 season, a first on record for the club.
