Anurag Dahiya Appointed ICC Chief Commercial Officer

The International Cricket Council has appointed Anurag Dahiya as their new Chief Commercial Officer.

Dahiya joins after spending nearly six years with Singtel, where he was most recently the Head of Content and Media Sales. Prior to this Dahiya had spent more than 13 years with STAR Sports.

ICC Chief Executive Officer Manu Sawhney, stated:  “I am delighted to welcome a commercial leader of Anurag’s calibre to the ICC. He brings extensive experience across the commercial, content and media rights functions that are so important if we are to achieve our long-term ambition for global growth.”

Dahiya said in the announcement: “It is an honour for me to be joining the ICC at such an exciting time. I am looking forward to working with the team to ensure cricket is optimally placed to make the most of the opportunities presented to us by a fast-changing media and sponsorship landscape.”

The ICC added: Anurag brings more than two decades of commercial experience from Asia’s fast growing media industry, most recently as Head of Content and Media Sales at Singtel, Asia’s leading telecommunications group, where he has driven significant financial results and seen sharp market share growth. At Singtel, Anurag was also responsible for conceptualising and implementing the video content strategy and managing content operations for Singtel’s IPTV and OTT video platforms.

Sodexo To Enhance The Live Experience For Thousands Of Fans During 2020’s Largest Sporting Events

After the success of the Rugby World Cup in Japan in 2019, 2020 will be an outstanding year for Sodexo Sports & Leisure: our teams will be mobilized and part of the success of the biggest international sporting events, from the Super Bowl LIV in Miami to the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, the Tour de France and including several UEFA Euro Games. Sodexo teams will be fielding all their know-how and diversity of services to offer sports lovers multiple and memorable experiences.

Sodexo: unique assets at the service of sports fan

As a recognized partner of the major international sports events, Sodexo offers:

  • A wide range of services from catering for all kind of public spectators to comprehensive hospitality packages covering reception, accommodation, transport, creation of dedicated areas such as fan zones and related activities.
  • Dedicated expert team of 40,000 people across the world, experts for managing international events and facing daily logistical challenges to welcome and serve vast numbers of people so that they all have a memorable experience.
  • The ability to help our clients meeting challenges faced in all major events today such as digital, environmental and social impact as well as the customization of services expected by spectators.

Nathalie Bellon-Szabo, Global CEO Sodexo for Sports & Leisure, explains: “2020 will be an exceptional year for Sodexo Sports & Leisure: we are honoured to offer our expertise and services at Top worldwide sporting events, while caring about our environmental impact as well as about our customers’ expectations. By doing so, we help forge exceptional memories that only live events can offer. I am convinced that living these moments of collective joy and live emotion ensures sustainable happiness and positively impacts the quality of life of the greatest number of people.”

Sodexo meets the three major trends impacting all large-scale events in the world today 

Growing demand for customization and multiple expectations

  • In catering, priority given to local tastes and flavours, and multiple choice

For example, at the 2020 Super Bowl in the Hard Rock Stadium:

    • Centerplate, our North American company will showcase local products and recipes inspired by the Hispanic tradition in Miami and its region and always continue to strengthen bonds with 40 local businesses and producers.
    • Vegetarian dishes enter the stadiums – a genuine new feature at sporting events. The Impossible TM Burger (created by Impossible Foods used vegetable-soya protein) will be offered for the first time at the Super Bowl.
  • Very high-end experiences

During the 2020 Super Bowl, all suites at Miami Hard Rock Stadium have the option to purchase premium in-suite catering. Guests can choose from packages (food and beverage) or order a la carte. Every suite will be serviced by a dedicated attendant throughout the game.

  • Tailored hospitality offerings

As an example, at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Sodexo through its subsidiary STH (Sports Travel and Hospitality Japan kk) will be offering the choice of five bespoke hospitality packages, with first class meal experiences and top category seats. The hospitality options range from an informal environment through to first class fine dining with personal service. Comprehensive hospitality will be provided at 15 VIP areas for corporate guests, individuals, sports federations and sponsors. Experience of the Japanese marketplace was developed at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, working in partnership with JTB, Asia and Japan’s, leading travel company.

Of the 15 hospitality venues, six will be specially constructed temporary facilities, such as the prestigious Platinum Pavilion located near the Olympic stadium.

An imperative to reduce the environmental impact of sport events

  • Reducing single-use plastic
  • Sodexo made commitments to phase out single-use plastics at least by 2025, with a focus on prioritizing the highest volume items from its operations in 15 countries, representing close to 70% of the Group revenues.
  • At the Hard Rock Stadium, the aim is to eliminate the 2.8 million pieces of plastic, including 600,000 bottles, used each year. A first step will be taken in a few days, for the Super Bowl, as for the first time, aluminium cups will replace 500,000 plastic ones traditionally used in particular for serving beer.
  • Sodexo has already eliminated significant portion of plastic during the Tour de France for the 1,000 daily guests catering.

 

  • Fighting food waste
  • Sodexo is committed to reduce food waste from its operation by 50% by 2025. We started the global implementation of WasteWatch, the largest data-driven waste reduction program in the food services industry globally.
    • During sports events, numerous actions have been implemented such as encouraging the composting of foodstuffs and converting waste oils into biofuels, surplus food donations to local Food Rescue missions during the Super Bowl in the USA and to Restos du Coeur in France, during the French Open tennis tournament.
  • Supporting local and small business
    • By 2025, 10 billion euros of Sodexo business value will be benefiting SME’s.
    • And it is in this spirit that, when crafting the catering offer for the Super Bowl, Sodexo chose more than 40 local artisans, purveyors, and restaurants from the south of Florida to have their products featured at Hard Rock Stadium.

Deploying digital to further enhance the experience 

  • Digital makes spectators’ lives easier and helps them focus on the live event: for example, tablets to choose their meals in suites, more flexible options and means of payment via smartphone, on-line ordering applications and including on-site orders by scanning a QR code at one’s seat and the Clear program to check age requirements for alcohol consumption, as well as robots that can make and serve pizzas, ice creams and cocktails.
  • Large-scale Data analysis now allow us to better tailor our offerings along with those of our clients by always improving knowledge of the consumer to improve experience.

Sodexo and major sporting events in 2020

  • The Super Bowl (US)
  • Rolex Masters (Monte Carlo)
  • Roland Garros (French Tennis Open)
  • UEFA EURO (in the UK and in Spain)
  • Tour de France (French bicycle race)
  • Tokyo Olympic Games (Japan)

Minor League Baseball Releases Letter Sent To MLB As Dispute Rolls On

Minor League Baseball has released a letter that was sent to Major League Baseball as the dispute between the two organisations continues.

The Statement begins: “Dear Commissioner Manfred,

There has been much public discussion regarding the ongoing negotiations between Major League Baseball (“MLB”) and Minor League Baseball (“MiLB”) with respect to a new Professional Baseball Agreement (“PBA”) that will set the terms for the continuation of affiliated minor league baseball in communities across the country. The MiLB Negotiating Committee is singularly focused on working with MLB to reach an agreement that will best ensure that baseball remains the National Pastime in communities large and small throughout our country. However, it recently has become apparent that the best way to advance negotiations is for us to set forth with clarity in a letter to you the position of MiLB on the key issues that we must resolve in these negotiations.”

The statement then centred on five main points of concern – Full Season Minor League Baseball, Short Season Minor League Baseball, the Appalachian League, the Dream League and finally Minor League Economics and the Question of Subsidies.

Major League Baseball later responded by releasing a letter of their own that was sent in reply to MiLB.

MLB selected key points from MiLB’s and described a number of them as false, stating of one fact “This may be the most transparently false statement in a letter full of such statements.”

These letters are the latest part of an increasingly sour conflict, with no immediate conclusion in sight.

However, MLB ended their statement by stating: “We have a meeting scheduled next month with your negotiating committee to continue the discussions and hopefully establish a more constructive atmosphere to resolve these very complicated issues in (a) manner that not only preserves baseball for the long-term in the places that currently have teams, but also provides future MLB players with the facilities and working conditions that our Clubs believe they deserve.”

Coronavirus Causes Postponement Of Chinese Super League Postponed And World Athletics Indoor Championships

The Chinese Super League has opted to delay the start of the league season due to the outbreak of coronavirus across the country.

China’s Football Association has said the reasoning behind delaying the start of the season is for “Prevention and control of the pneumonia epidemic of the new coronavirus infection, and to protect the health of the majority of fans, media, players, coaches, game officials, clubs and district staff”.

In addition, World Athletics have been forced to postpone the planned World Athletics Indoor Championships which had been planned for March in Nanjing, China.

In a statement released, World Athletics state:

“It is with regret that we have agreed with the organisers of the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing (13-15 March 2020) to postpone the event to March 2021.

We know that China is doing all it can to contain the new Coronavirus and we support them in all their efforts but it is necessary to provide our athletes, Member Federations and partners with a clear way forward in what is a complex and fast-moving set of circumstances.

The advice from our medical team, who are in contact with the World Health Organisation, is that the spread of the Coronavirus both within China and outside the country is still at a concerning level and no one should be going ahead with any major gathering that can be postponed.

We have considered the possibility of relocating the event to another country and would like to thank the cities that have volunteered to host the championships. However, given concerns still exist regarding the spread of the virus outside China, we have decided not to go with this option, as it may lead to further postponement at a later date.

The indoor season for athletics falls within a narrow calendar window (up to the end of March) and we believe we will be able to find a suitable date in 2021 to host this event. We would like Nanjing to be the host given the extensive planning and preparation they have put into this event.

We have chosen not to cancel the championships as many of our athletes would like this event to take place so we will now work with our athletes, our partners and the Nanjing organising committee to secure a date in 2021 to stage this event.”

Indianapolis Colts Make Allegiant Their Official Airline Partner

Allegiant and the Indianapolis Colts have entered a partnership that will make Allegiant the “Official Airline of the Indianapolis Colts,” the airline and the team announced today.

Allegiant has been a proud airline sponsor of the Colts since 2015, but this new, multi-year agreement unites one of Indianapolis’ newest corporate leaders with the Colts, giving both organizations the chance to enhance the fan experience, whether at a game in the stands, watching from home or flying Allegiant to an away game.

“Sports travel is the ultimate leisure travel. At Allegiant, we’re always looking for ways to connect fans to the cities where they can see their favorite teams play,” said Scott DeAngelo, Allegiant’s chief marketing officer. “Being the official airline of the Colts allows us to give fans a next-level experience through special promotions, player appearances, fan activations and more.”

As part of the agreement, the upper terrace level of Lucas Oil Stadium will be named “Allegiant Terrace Level,” enhancing the value of upper concourse tickets with entertaining gameday activities, contests and more. Allegiant also will give Indiana residents the chance to compete to be permanently featured on one of 133 banners on the terrace level, immortalizing their Colts fandom for the world to see.

“The Colts look forward to our continued partnership with Allegiant, all with an eye toward enhancing the experience for fans, partners and other stakeholders,” said Roger VanDerSnick, Colts chief sales & marketing officer.  “Whether at the stadium on gameday or when traveling with Allegiant, Colts fans can expect more access to exciting activities, amenities and offers from both our companies, which will allow us to better engage with our fans and customers year-round.”

Allegiant already connects Indianapolis to Las Vegas through a twice-weekly nonstop route. But now, that route will play a role in bringing Colts fans to Las Vegas when their team takes on the renamed Las Vegas Raiders at their new home, Allegiant Stadium.  Also, as part of the agreement, football fans can expect Allegiant-branded activations at Touchdown Town, Colts promotions and activation at the Indianapolis International Airport and other in-stadium promotions like the Allegiant “Non-Stop Football Toss” with Colts team mascot “Blue.”

Allegiant identified Indianapolis as a key market for its growing cross-country service and began operating five routes out of Indianapolis in February 2015. It is one of the airline’s 20 permanent bases, which currently offers nonstop service to 15 cities. Allegiant has invested $40 million into the Indianapolis base of operations, permanently stationing 80 employees and three aircraft there. Allegiant serves four airports in Indiana—Indianapolis, South Bend, Fort Wayne and Evansville—flying thousands of Hoosiers on nonstop routes to 36 cities around the country.

“Our employees live, work and raise their families in Indianapolis, so we truly strive to be Indy’s hometown airline,” added Allegiant’s DeAngelo. “Entering into this partnership with the Colts demonstrates that we are invested in the city in every possible way, and we’re constantly looking for new ways to further embed ourselves into the fabric of the community.”

One Week To Go: 2020 iSportconnect Hospitality Masterclass

We now have just seven days until our iSportconnect Hospitality Masterclass at Emerald Headingley Stadium in Leeds on the 5th of February!

The iSportconnect Hospitality Masterclass is in association with leading hospitality providers Sodexo and will provide key insights and learnings from experts within the hospitality sector and offer fantastic networking opportunities to all in attendance.

Headline speakers for the event will be Eric Clouse, Sr Vice President of Sales and Service at the Cleveland Cavaliers, Jeanene Valentine, Director of Ticket Operations for Inter Miami CF, Dan Buckingham, Head of Clubhouses, Lounges and Spas at Virgin Atlantic and Oliver Wright, Head of Sales and Corporate Hospitality with Everton FC.

We have a fantastic lineup of speakers representatives from Royal Ascot, Rokit Williams Racing, ACC Liverpool, Scottish FA, Harrogate Water and Forward Associates.

Some of the topics discussed on the day will include tiering the hospitality experience for fans and the latest developments within stadiums and arenas for facilities and hospitality.

For more details on the event please see here – https://www.isportconnect.com/event/2019-hospitality-masterclass/

With a maximum of 150 invite-only delegates, iSportconnect provides a media/agency free opportunity to network with influential senior-level sports business executives. We are famous for our intimate and relaxed environment, encouraging ideas exchange and helping to introduce you to the right new connections.

To register your interest in attending the 2020 iSportconnect Hospitality Masterclass, please contact Theresa Muller at theresa@isportconnect.com

Invitation Policy: The Hospitality Masterclass is a complimentary event for iSportconnect members who are from governing bodies, sports teams, brands and broadcasters. There is no fee to become an iSportconnect member. No sports agencies, professional service providers & suppliers are allowed at our Masterclasses.

For limited partnership opportunities, please contact brandon@isportconnect.com

PUMA Joins Beach Soccer World Wide As Official Global Partner

PUMA and Beach Soccer World Wide, the major sports entity behind the creation and growth of beach soccer, have signed an agreement through which the leading sports apparel brand joins the world of beach soccer and becomes an Official Global Partner of BSWW.

The agreement between PUMA and Beach Soccer World Wide confirms the shared vision of beach soccer as a unique sport within the football family, capable of reaching audiences and communities no other sport can, in the context of a top-level, action-packed spectacle in whose DNA stunning skills, spectacular moves and flashy goals are ingrained.

Both PUMA and Beach Soccer World Wide share a global vision that transcends the sports sphere itself, also embracing fashion and lifestyle with a fresh, global and modern scope.

As of 2020, PUMA will not only supply the official balls for all BSWW competitions but will also provide uniforms BSWW officials and entertainment crew.

PUMA will also be granted brand visibility and activation rights at all BSWW events, with co-exclusivity on some assets together with the joint partner La Liga, as well as complete access to BSWW ambassadors for campaigns and promotions.

Teamsport’s Head of Sports Marketing, Manolo Schürmann, explained the innovative relationship between both brands. “In PUMA we believe that there should not be any football without PUMA, and no PUMA without football. And this is where beach soccer comes into scene. Beach Soccer is not only a part of football, but a unique sport in itself. And I think it is a great match between PUMA and Beach Soccer. Beach soccer requires a lot of skill and it is a very fast sport, just as we are Forever Faster as a Brand, always looking how to answer our consumer needs, always looking for innovation. This is why I think that this teaming up with Beach Soccer World Wide makes complete sense.”

In a similar vein, Beach Soccer World Wide president, Joan Cusco, highlighted the importance of this agreement. “PUMA and BSWW are a perfect fit for each other as we both share common goals and values. Teaming up with such a prestigious brand makes us really happy, and we are delighted that they have seen the true value of beach soccer and everything the sport can offer. I am sure that both parties will be truly satisfied with the outcome of this agreement, and we really look forward to keeping our bond into the future”.

Furthermore, PUMA is also an official partner of La Liga, and the signing of this agreement reinforces the relationship between the three entities, and the trust in beach soccer as a unique asset within the sports and footballing world.

McLaren Racing Announce Deal With FAI Aviation Group

McLaren Racing and FAI Aviation Group, Germany’s leading global provider of mission-critical aviation services, today announced a multi-year partnership beginning in the 2020 Formula 1 season.

FAI Aviation Group is a European pioneer in global high-end aircraft solutions headquartered at Nuremberg’s Albrecht Duerer International Airport. FAI’s experience spans across more than 30 years, offering a range of aviation services such as VIP charter, aircraft management, air ambulance and maintenance for government agencies, NGOs and HNWI’s.

As part of the partnership, FAI Aviation Group will be represented on the inside of the rear wing endplate of the McLaren MCL35 race car for the 2020 Formula 1 season.

Zak Brown, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Racing said: “The FAI Aviation Group is a perfect partner for McLaren Racing. Being trusted to provide services to NGO’s and several government agencies underlines the quality and professionalism of the company and its people. We are proud to welcome them as partners from the 2020 season.”

Siegfried Axtmann, Group Chairman and Founder, FAI Aviation Group said: “The partnership aligns two internationally recognised brands, leaders in their fields, both committed to excellence. We are very excited to become a partner of McLaren Racing enabling FAI to promote its services within the Formula 1 community.”

Teijin And Envision Virgin Racing Sign Multi-Year Partnership

Teijin Group and Envision Virgin Racing jointly announced today that they have agreed a multi-year sponsorship contract which will support the team’s participation in the ABB FIA Formula E Championship. 

Headquartered in Japan with over 170 group companies worldwide, Teijin is a leading technology-driven global group, operating in the fields of high-performance materials including advanced fibres, plastics and composites, healthcare and IT businesses. 

Envision Virgin Racing has been competing in the all-electric Formula E race series since its inception, becoming one of the sport’s most successful teams with 11 wins and 26 podiums, and energising its ‘Race Against Climate Change’ initiative, while pursuing further sustainable mobility solutions. 

The Teijin Group and Envision Virgin Racing are now committed to exchanging know-how and complementing each other’s state-of-the-art technologies. In particular, the Teijin Group will develop high-performance materials and products that will help improve the comfort of Envision Virgin Racing drivers. In the future, Teijin will also explore new business opportunities through the development and provision of lightweight, high-performance automotive components, leveraging the freedom of design that will be required for next-generation automobiles. Teijin will also take the opportunity of this sponsorship agreement to raise awareness of the Teijin brand in related industries. 

“Through ceaseless evolution and ambition, we are aiming to be a company that supports the society of the future by creating new value,” said Jun Suzuki, president and CEO of Teijin Limited. He added: “By supporting Envision Virgin Racing, which competes in races with electric vehicles (EVs) as a means of raising awareness of global warming, we will develop technologies and accumulate the know-how and solution capabilities required for future EVs that satisfy ever-stricter environmental regulations.” 

The team’s Managing Director Sylvain Filippi commented: “Formula E is one of the most competitive motorsport series there is meaning any advantage that can be gained is crucial. To ensure we have this, Envision Virgin Racing aligns with like-minded, innovative, climate-focused brands and hence why we’re very excited to have The Teijin Group join our family. Being able to tap into their wealth of expertise and high-performance material and composite technologies will help us on track, whilst away from the track we’re looking forward to working together on our Race Against Climate Change programme.” 

Franz Jung, Chairman of the Board of Envision Virgin Racing, added: “Everyone is delighted to be welcoming The Teijin Group to the team, and for them to be joining our ever-growing list of world class partners, all of whom help us achieve the success we generate both on and off track.”

Japanese Olympic Committee Approves Bid For 2030 Winter Olympics

Japan’s Olympic Committee has approved a proposal from city Sapporo to bid for the 2030 Winter Olympics.

In a statement released after a meeting to decide on whether to allow the bid to host the games, the Japanese Olympic Committee said: “The Japanese Olympic Committee Executive Board today selected Sapporo City to represent Japan as a potential city to host the Olympic Winter Games 2030.”

“From November 8, 2019 to December 20, 2019, the JOC has invited cities interested in the 2030 bid whereby Sapporo City was the only city interested in participating in the process.

“The JOC will officially notify this decision to the International Olympic Committee within days.

“The JOC will continue to communicate closely with Sapporo City to promote the spirit of sport and the Olympic Movement in Japan.”

Sapporo becomes the latest city to register interest in hosting the competition, alongside Barcelona, Lillehammer and Salt Lake City.