TAMPA — The Tampa Bay Rays sued a longtime concessionaire for breach of contract in federal court Friday, alleging the company known as Centerplate harmed the team's reputation, damaged its facilities and failed to pay a fair share of revenue.

The lawsuit tells of inspectors and consultants finding black mold, live insects, poor hand-washing, billing issues, reporting errors, high costs, profit-sharing failures, unusual commission statements and a "sad history of failing to fulfill its obligations to provide 'first class' concession services."

Centerplate's actions and decisions exposed the Rays to lawsuits and negative publicity, according to the complaint, which alleges the following:

• A vendor was a registered sex offender.

• A senior staff member inappropriately consumed alcohol and was "incoherent" during post-game business updates.

• A sign maintained by Centerplate fell and hit someone in the head.

• The company sold beer outside the times permitted by zoning laws.

• Its chief executive was captured on video kicking a dog.

"As a result of Centerplate's frequent contractual violations, its pattern of misconduct, and overall mishandling of the Stadium's concessions, the Rays have suffered significant harm," the court record states. "Centerplate's inappropriate actions and glaring failures sullied the Rays' brand and reputation, shorted the Rays on considerable revenue and other sums due and owing, caused significant lost profits, and inflicted extensive out-of-pocket costs."

The lawsuit, filed at the end of a 20-year contract, does not specify the amount of damages sought, except to note that the amount is over $75,000, the threshold for federal jurisdiction.

In a statement, Centerplate said the suit was without merit and will be fought in court:

"Having been the Rays' hospitality partner for 20 years, we are both stunned and disappointed by these allegations. After failing to come to financial terms on a new deal this season, we expected an orderly and amicable transition based on a tenure characterized by good relations and mutual respect. There is no basis for this last-minute action and we intend to vigorously defend our reputation in court."

In 2010, Centerplate acknowledged that it owed hundreds of thousands of dollars for long-standing accounting problems, the lawsuit states.

The team entered into a concession agreement with Centerplate in 1998, before the first home game. The court file includes a copy of the original 1997 contract signed by Vince Naimoli, and of amendments since filed.