Clayton County Schools Seeks New Food-Service Partners for Arena at Southlake Following Management Changes
Clayton County Public Schools is moving forward with plans for a new operating structure at the Arena at Southlake in Morrow.
The school district has issued a Request for Proposals seeking qualified companies to provide concessions, catering, and premium beverage management services.
The solicitation, identified as RFP 005-27, was published October 9, 2026, through the Georgia Procurement Registry.
The announcement follows the Clayton County Board of Education’s recent decision to discontinue its existing arena-management agreement with The Right Productions Now, commonly known as TRP Now.
The latest development provides a clearer picture of how the school district is preparing to manage one of Clayton County’s largest public facilities.
School District Seeks Concessions and Catering Operators
According to the official procurement announcement, Clayton County Public Schools is requesting proposals from companies qualified to provide food and beverage management services.
The solicitation includes concessions, catering, and premium beverage operations.
Supporting procurement documents reference the arena’s floor plan, proposed concession stand designs, and restaurant partnership opportunities.
The proposed operating model includes multiple concession stands and hospitality services intended to support events at the facility.
The procurement also references the district’s career, technical, and agricultural education programs, including a proposed District Eats component.
These details suggest that the district is considering how food-service operations could support both arena activities and educational programming.
However, the final operating structure will depend on the procurement process and any agreements ultimately approved.
What Changed With Arena Management?
The new solicitation follows a significant decision made by the Clayton County Board of Education.
During its September 28 meeting, board members voted 6–2, with one abstention, to end the district’s existing outside management arrangement.
The district’s previous operator, TRP Now, had been responsible for major aspects of arena operations.
School officials recommended transitioning to direct district management to improve financial oversight, reduce operating costs, and maintain greater control over the facility.
According to reporting by the Clayton News-Daily, district officials estimated that the management change could save more than $1.4 million.
The district also identified concerns involving management fees, staffing expenses, marketing costs, and access to financial and operating information.
Although the district intends to assume overall management responsibilities, the new solicitation demonstrates that certain specialized services may continue to be provided through outside vendors.
The district’s decision to manage the arena internally does not necessarily mean every service will be performed by school-system employees.
New Opportunities for Food-Service Businesses
The competitive solicitation may be of particular interest to established food-service businesses, catering companies, and hospitality operators.
The district is seeking companies capable of managing the services described in its procurement documents.
The solicitation includes financial requirements involving proposed commissions, operating expenses, and other costs associated with providing the services.
Interested businesses should carefully review the complete Request for Proposals before deciding whether to participate.
The official procurement documents establish the qualifications, required submissions, and evaluation procedures.
No vendor has been selected under the newly issued solicitation.
Important Dates for Interested Businesses
Solicitation: RFP 005-27 — Concessions, Catering, & Premium Beverage Management Services
Issuing Agency: Clayton County Board of Education
Optional Pre-Proposal Conference: October 19, 2026, at 10 a.m.
Conference Location:
CCPS Southlake Administrative Complex
6635 Lake Drive
Morrow, GA 30260
Proposal Deadline: November 10, 2026, at 3 p.m. Eastern
Procurement Contact:
Krystal Ashley
Clayton County Public Schools
Phone: 470-446-8871
Businesses should verify all deadlines and submission instructions through the official procurement portal, including any subsequent amendments.
Why the Arena at Southlake Is an Important Community Investment
The Arena at Southlake represents one of Clayton County’s largest recent investments in education and community facilities.
The approximately $117 million, 268,000-square-foot facility was developed to serve Clayton County students while also attracting entertainment, sporting events, conferences, and other gatherings.
The arena can accommodate approximately 8,000 people.
Its facilities include spaces designed for graduations, sporting events, concerts, meetings, and community programming.
The property also houses educational opportunities associated with Junior Achievement and career-readiness initiatives.
The district’s original vision included creating a facility that could serve students while generating economic activity throughout the surrounding community.
The current management transition will be an important test of how the district balances educational priorities, operating expenses, and revenue opportunities.
What Happens Next?
The district will accept proposals through November 10.
Following the submission deadline, the district can evaluate responses according to its procurement requirements.
The solicitation does not establish that a particular company will receive a contract or that any proposed concession arrangement has already been approved.
Residents and business owners can follow the procurement process for future announcements concerning vendor selection, operating arrangements, and additional arena developments.
The Best of Clayton County will continue following decisions involving the Arena at Southlake, Clayton County Public Schools, economic development, and opportunities for local businesses.
Official Sources and Additional Reporting
Georgia Procurement Registry — Official RFP 005-27
Clayton County Public Schools — Official Purchasing and Bid Information
Clayton County Public Schools — Procurement Submission Portal
Clayton News-Daily — School Board Votes to End Management Contract for Arena
WSB-TV — Clayton County School District to Take Over Arena Management
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