Calderdale Council cabinet has chosen Event Management Catering as the preferred contractor for banqueting and hospitality at the ground.

Calderdale Council's leader, Stephen Baines, said: "The council is transforming the Shay into a seven-day venue, providing accessible sporting, conference, banqueting and learning facilities of which Calderdale can be proud.

"When the Shay's East Stand is completed, the stadium will be able to offer high-quality banqueting facilities for up to 300 covers and a range of meeting and function rooms.

"We will be providing a top-class venue for meetings and functions, so it is important that we also offer catering of the highest quality."

Contract negotiations will now start for the operation of the business.
EMC already provides catering at nine other sports grounds – eight of which are along the M62 corridor – including the KC Stadium, home of Premiership team Hull City, Championship sides Burn-ley and Doncaster Rovers, and League Two Bradford City's Coral Windows Stadium at Valley Parade.

EMC was selected as preferred bidder after a two-stage selection process. The East Stand should be finished in November and open by Christmas.

Nearly £5 million is being spent on the stadium to complete the stand, install seats for 3,500 fans, and create bars, changing rooms, the banqueting suite, and a terrace opening out over the pitch.