Schools
Sodexo Team Delivers Large-Scale Concert Experience at the University of Tulsa
From rapid preparation to flawless execution, Sodexo delivers for 60,000 concertgoers at a major campus event
TULSA, OK — When Zach Bryan’s With Heaven on Tour arrived at the University of Tulsa for a two-day run on April 3 and 4, it brought more than 60,000 attendees and a major opportunity for Sodexo’s on-campus dining team to execute at scale.
With just 60 days to prepare, the team moved quickly. Under the direction of District Manager Josh Gilkey, planning efforts focused on staffing, securing nonprofit partners, and sourcing the volume of product required to support the event. Every detail was coordinated with precision across multiple areas.
The scope of the operation came into focus as preparations took shape. More than 5,000 cases of beverages were brought in to meet demand. Over 10 local food trucks and vendors joined the effort, alongside two grab-and-go markets and 23 open concession windows. Two Smokeshow grills served fresh hamburgers and hot dogs, adding to the range of options available throughout the venue. In total, approximately 300 staff members supported the event.
The University of Tulsa dining team managed both daily operations and event preparation with focus and consistency. Staff maintained regular service across campus while also resetting locations after hours, preparing service areas, and stepping into expanded roles to support the concert. During spring break, the team dedicated three full days to stocking and staging product, ensuring everything was in place ahead of the crowds.
Additional support came from across the region. Twenty Sodexo leaders and team members traveled in from Kansas State, Texas Southern, Northeastern State, Baylor, East Texas Baptist, and Oral Roberts, strengthening operations and reinforcing a shared commitment to execution.
When the event kicked off, the preparation showed. Service ran efficiently across locations, keeping pace with demand and delivering a strong experience for concertgoers and the client.
For Ed Daugherty, Executive Campus/Regional Director of Dining, one moment captured the meaning behind the work. As Zach Bryan performed “Revival,” he paused to recognize his band and crew—the people behind the scenes who make each show possible. In that moment, Daugherty reflected on the parallels. “This is what Sodexo is all about. It’s who we are,” he said. “No one person makes this happen. It takes all of us.”
That perspective carried through the entire event. “We’re in the experience business,” Daugherty added. “Days like this remind us exactly why we do what we do.”
The result was a well-executed, high-volume event that reflected clear coordination, steady leadership, and a team that delivered together.
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