’22 reasons why Birmingham should host 2022 Commonwealth Games’

With the decision due soon as to whether an English Bid for the 2022 Commonwealth Games will be submitted and, if so, whether it will be Birmingham which becomes the UK’s Candidate City, the bid team has today compiled a list of 22 reasons as to why Birmingham should be selected.

With a population of 1.1 million in the city alone, there are hundreds of thousands of reasons why Birmingham should host the 2022 Games. Using a little poetic licence, here are the top 22 reasons, in no particular order, why it is time to ‘BRING the GAMES TO BIRMINGHAM’.

1. Bid for the wider region, not just Birmingham
With events planned to take place in Coventry, Sandwell and Solihull, Birmingham’s bid has the full support of the wider Midlands region, including: Birmingham City Council; three regional local enterprise partnerships: Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP; Black Country LEP; Coventry and Warwickshire LEP; the West Midlands Combined Authority and the newly elected Mayor of West Midlands, Andy Street CBE; the West Midlands Growth Company; and the Midlands Engine, and Chair Sir John Peace. In addition, Birmingham’s bid is supported by broader stakeholders, including The Birmingham Commonwealth Association, Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and other bid members across public and private sector.


2. Regeneration and rejuvenation plans will be accelerated
Hosting the Games would accelerate the implementation of key aspects of the Birmingham Development Plan 2031, including: job creation; enhancing prospects through innovative ideas for volunteering; driving long-lasting behaviour change through better sports facilities and activity programmes; and increasing housing.

3. International sporting events experience and venues
Track record of delivering large international sporting events, including: ICC Champions Trophy and The Ashes at Edgbaston; Rugby World Cup fixtures at Villa Park; Diamond League athletics at Alexander Stadium; Aegon Classic tennis at Edgbaston Priory; Yonex All England Open Badminton and the UCI BMX Championships.

4. No better welcome than from Birmingham’s warm and friendly residents
Birmingham is one of the UK’s most popular and rapidly-growing tourist destinations. Visitor numbers have risen by almost 20 per cent over the last five years and nine out of ten visitors rated their enjoyment of their trip as ‘high’ or ‘very high’. Eight-time Olympic Champion, Usain Bolt, agreed when he stayed in Birmingham: “The Birmingham people, when we were at camp, were extremely great to us. There was a lot of love, and thank you guys – you guys helped us come out here and do our best.”

5. Gatherings in Festival Squares will be the heartbeat of Birmingham 2022
Festival Squares will provide the beating heart of Birmingham 2022 in Victoria Square, Centenary Square, Chamberlain Square and Brindleyplace. These buzzing locations, surrounded by major cultural institutions such as the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Town Hall, Symphony Hall, Library of Birmingham and the world-famous REP Theatre, will all be engaged during the Games.

6. Games legacy for everyone
Birmingham 2022’s legacy will be better health and wellbeing; better prospects; better living.
It is an approach that harnesses the power of sport for the good of the whole society. The legacy from the Games will speak to the future of Birmingham and the wider regions, and specifically to those who are young, from diverse communities and currently disadvantaged.

7. Amazing athletes and cutting-edge sports science
University of Birmingham became the first UK university to offer a sports-based degree in 1946. Currently ranked number 5 globally for sports science research, the University attracts amazing athletes, coaches and researchers who will contribute to and be inspired by Birmingham 2022.

8. Midlands cities could dominate cultural landscape
With Coventry bidding to become UK City of Culture in 2021 and Nottingham bidding to become European City of Culture 2023, Birmingham 2022 could help the Midlands to shine and achieve the cultural recognition it deserves.

9. Energetic and youthful
Nearly 40% of Birmingham’s population is under 25 years of age, and Birmingham has the highest proportion of under 20 year olds of any major city in the UK. This youthful energy will contribute to a fantastic volunteering experience.

10. Sports personalities from all Commonwealth Games sports back Birmingham’s bid
Sports stars from across nineteen sports, including all Commonwealth Games sports announced as part of Birmingham’s bid, have thrown their weight behind the city’s 2022 Commonwealth Games bid, including Mo Farah (Athletics), James Rodwell (Rubgy 7s) and Lily Owsley (Hockey).

11. Time to shine (again)
Birmingham is proud of its history as the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, and is well-known as the City of a Thousand Trades, with the surrounding region being home to iconic UK businesses such as Jaguar Land Rover, JCB and Rolls-Royce.
The assets that led to such success – connectivity, innovation and people – are now heralding a new era for the West Midlands. With the city undergoing considerable regeneration and gaining expertise on the major sporting and cultural events stage, now is Birmingham’s time to shine once again and showcase the city, the region and the UK to the world.

12. Open support from all political parties
The bid has cross-party support from all three Birmingham City Council leaders as well as the seven local authorities within the West Midlands Combined Authority (five Labour, two Conservatives).

13. Birmingham 2022 will deliver business benefits post Brexit
The best of British business, from those founded and headquartered in Birmingham through to global institutions with a significant presence in the city, including HSBC (with its origins in Birmingham) and Mondelez (owner of much-loved Birmingham brand, Cadbury), recognise the benefits and opportunities that a Birmingham 2022 Games will deliver, especially through post-Brexit business opportunities delivered via Business Expo 2022.

14. Inclusion and diversity are drivers of Birmingham’s bid
Inclusivity is key to Birmingham’s bid and Birmingham 2022 would include Para Athletics, Para Swimming, Wheelchair Basketball, Para Lawn Bowls and Powerlifting, amongst other sports. It is no wonder that Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson, Ellie Simmonds, Kare Adenegan and Bob Love are backing Birmingham.

15. Restaurants galore and glorious restaurants
Birmingham is home to over 200 restaurants offering cuisine from 27 different countries, including five Michelin-starred restaurants, more than any city outside the capital.

16. Multidimensional and vibrant cultural programme delivered by internationally renowned resident artists and directors
Institutions including Culture Central, Birmingham Museums, Birmingham Hippodrome, Sampad South Asian Arts Organisation and DanceXchange deliver acclaimed performances and co-ordinate over 50 festivals annually, including the major Birmingham Weekender and International Dance Festivals and would be instrumental in delivering the cultural programme for Birmingham 2022.

17. International, national and local connectivity and accessibility
Situated in the geographic heart of the UK, 28 million people are within two hours’ drive of Birmingham and 90% of the UK is within four hours’ travel. International, national and local transport links provide access to 400 million people across Europe.

18. NEC, the leading live entertainment venue in Europe, will be a high energy hub of sport and culture
Central to Birmingham’s bid is the internationally recognised NEC, situated on a site which also includes the Genting Arena with a combined total of 200,000 sq m, it is the UK’s, and one of Europe’s, largest indoor facilities. During Games time it will host Boxing, Judo, Table Tennis and Wrestling alongside the indoors fan zone.

19. Great accommodation whatever your budget
From elegant 4-star rooms through to comfortable budget options and fully equipped serviced apartments, Birmingham and the region have something to suit every budget.

20. Hollywood and music stars sprinkle a little stardust on the bid
Multi-BAFTA Award winning actress, Dame Julie Walters and actor David Harewood joined with stars of the music world Simon Webbe, Toyah Willcox and Bradley Simpson, from the Vamps, to champion Birmingham’s bid.

21. Athletics legacy at Alexander Stadium
An enhanced and refurbished Alexander Stadium will be pivotal to the Birmingham 2022 Games. Post 2022, the stadium will feature improved competition and training facilities and increased permanent seating capacity to 20,000 with Games time capacity up to 45,000.
The regeneration of the stadium will enhance Birmingham’s reputation as City of Running, already hosting the Great Birmingham 10km, Great Birmingham Run (Half) and Birmingham International Marathon.

22. Microcosm of the Commonwealth in one city
Birmingham is the most ethnically and culturally diverse major regional city in the UK, with a population comprising 187 different nationalities and with 314,000 (6%) of residents in the West Midlands born in a Commonwealth country.

World Sailing invites bids for World Cup Series events

World Sailing is inviting Host Cities and Member National Authorities to bid for Sailing’s World Cup Series Final in 2018 and 2019 as well as the European Round in 2019 and 2020.

The World Cup Series is the definitive guide to the best-of-the-best in Olympic sailing with clear objectives to showcase and develop Olympic sailing, create sporting heroes and engage sports fans, and excite sponsors and broadcasters.

The Series is an annual circuit of Olympic sailing for elite and professional sailors, and a key touchpoint for fans and media to connect to the sport of sailing and develop support for athletes on their road to Tokyo 2020 and beyond. Over 2,000 of the world’s leading sailors, representing 75 nations, have competed in the World Cup Series since its inception in 2008.

Kiel, Germany was awarded the 2018 edition of the World Cup Series Final, to be held alongside the world famous Kieler Woche (Kiel Week) sailing festival, at World Sailing’s 2016 Annual Conference. However due to conflicts of Kieler Woche and World Sailing commercial partners, a contract was unable to be concluded.

World Sailing is now seeking a European Host City for the 2018 and 2019 World Cup Series Final with excellent sailing conditions, world class on-shore facilities for the world’s leading sailors and spectator areas.

The 2017/2018 World Cup Series will commence in Japan this October followed by the American Round in Miami and the French round in Hyeres in 2018. The Host City selected by World Sailing will be expected to host the World Cup Final in June / early July.

Japan will host the start of the 2018/2019 series in October 2018 with the American Round following in January 2018. The European venue selected for 2018/2019 will host sailors at the end of April with the Final to follow thereafter.

Click here to view the World Cup Series Final Bid Guide

Click here to view the World Cup Series Round Bid Guide

Betway announced as new title sponsor of 2017 Basketball All-Stars

Betway are the new title sponsors of the 2017 British Basketball All-Stars Championship, which takes place at the iconic O2 Arena on Sunday 24th September. Live on Sky Sports for five hours, the fast-paced tournament will also be broadcast live in over 70 countries around the world.

British Basketball All-Stars Championship is a new, entertaining take on the speedy game with a record-breaking £100,000 prize fund, including £20,000 for the eventual champions.
Five players per team will take to the court in shorter-timed quarters with unlimited roll-on/roll-off subs, time outs and an exciting double-point powerplay.

The tournament will showcase the best of British basketball talent on a grand stage at London’s biggest venue as eight of the UK’s top sides do battle over a total of 13 matches.

With double elimination in play to separate the teams from eight down to four, there are then semi-finals and then the championship match to determine the destination of the trophy.

Anthony Werkman, Director of Marketing and Operations at Betway, said: “It’s great to be involved with this innovative and exciting spin on a well-established sport.

“At Betway, we like to be at the forefront of new ideas and we strongly believe that the All-Stars Championship will deliver a thrilling experience to basketball fans and Betway customers at the O2 Arena.

“We’re also really pleased to be working with Matchroom Sport on another event. We have an excellent relationship with them and have worked on a number of successful sponsorships together.”

Barry Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Sport, said, “We’re very excited to be once again working with our good friends at Betway. Over the years, we’ve enjoyed a close relationship centred on many of our sports including darts, snooker, boxing, pool, and now basketball.

“The All-Stars Championship is going to be a thrilling day out, showcasing one of the UK’s most up-and-coming sports. It’s the best of British, as well as some exciting All-Stars, and I believe this can be the start of something big both for basketball and Betway.”

Youtube to broadcast Parker vs Fury heavyweight bout on PPV basis

Hennessy Sports has agreed a deal with Youtube to show Hughie Fury’s upcoming world heavyweight title bout against Joseph Parker live on the online video platform.

The fight will take place on September 23 at Manchester Arena and fans in the UK and Republic of Ireland will for the first time be able to tune in via a pay-per-view model.

‘The Boxing Channel’ is set to screen the highly anticipated bout, with supporters currently able to purchase the event for an early-bird price of £9.99 (UK) and €11.99 (Republic of Ireland).

Mick Hennessy, chief executive of Hennessy Sports, said: “For Fury versus Parker, we decided to make this event innovative, forward thinking and really push out the boundaries.

“We’ve been talking to YouTube for months about bringing boxing to a wider audience through their platform, and are delighted to have found a way to achieve this.

“The way TV viewing is consumed has altered rapidly in the last few years and we wanted to be at the forefront of that change in presenting this fight. As a company, Hennessy Sports is proud to be playing such a pivotal role in transforming the way in which live boxing content is televised. This is the future of boxing.”

Tomos Grace, head of sport for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at YouTube, said: “YouTube allows sports partners of every size to reach a large, global audience.

“YouTube is the home of sport highlights worldwide and we have a proud record of showing some of the biggest events in global sport live on the platform. We’re delighted that Hennessy Sports have chosen YouTube to show this massive world heavyweight title fight.”

Rangers extend sponsorship partnership with Ladbrokes

Scottish football club Rangers have extended their sponsorship partnership with Ladbrokes for a further two years.

The bookmaker will continue to serve as the club’s retail betting partner for both the 2017/18 and 2018/19 campaigns.

The gambling company will provide all betting services at Ibrox Stadium on matchdays throughout the duration of the deal.

Stewart Robertson, managing director of Rangers, said: “We are delighted to confirm Ladbrokes will continue as the Rangers’ retail betting partner. The club has enjoyed a great relationship with Ladbrokes over the years and are delighted that they will be with us for the next two years.”

Christopher Hector, Ladbrokes’ regional director for Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: “It’s fantastic news that we’ll be providing the betting services again for Rangers at such an iconic location in Ibrox Stadium.”

READ MORE: The pros and cons of betting sponsorship in football

ITV agrees broadcast deal for World Boxing Super Series

ITV has agreed a deal with MP & Silva to to broadcast the inaugural 2017/18 season of the World Boxing Super Series.

The broadcaster will exclusively cover 16 elite boxers competing across 14 separate events to see who will come out on top and lift the Muhammad Ali Trophy.

The Super Middleweight and Cruiserweight competition will be available via a combination of ITV’s free-to-air and pay-per-view platforms.

MP & Silva CEO Jochen Lösch said: “The boxing world has been crying out for a tournament like this, and ITV is the perfect UK partner to deliver it. I’m extremely pleased to announce this deal so that these high calibre fights can be delivered to the British fans.”

Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport, added: “Live coverage of this brand new tournament featuring some of British boxing’s most exciting talents is something we hope will appeal to keen fight fans and sports enthusiasts across the country.

“Chris Eubank Jr won his first world title and defended it on ITV Box Office and this marks the next step in his development. The potential of a mouth-watering match-up with George Groves adds to the prestige of this new series.”

Said Kalle Sauerland, Chief Boxing Officer, said: “It is simply unbelievable that the most loyal boxing fans on the planet – the UK fans – are able to watch every single second of action in the tournament as well as the second to none side programming.”

Olympic Channel and BeIN media group announce partnership

Bringing fans and viewers close to the Olympic Movement all year round, the Olympic Channel and BeIN Media Group announced a partnership which begins on 4 September with programming blocks leading to the launch of a 247 linear channel on 1 November across 24 Middle East and North Africa (MENA) territories.

Under the “Olympic Channel” brand, the partnership begins with a daily eight-hour programming block on beIN Sports’ free-to-air channel featuring an exclusive preview show providing viewers with a glimpse of some of the exciting stories they can expect.

For two months, the branded programming hours will feature robust Olympic related content whilst promoting the 24/7 linear channel, which will launch on 1 November 2017 and will offer year-round coverage of Olympic sports and athletes and their quest for success, on a subscription basis.

Highlighting the programming on the new co-branded “beIN Sports Home of the Olympic Channel” television network will be live, comprehensive coverage of the upcoming Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 which amplifies beIN’s rights-holding broadcast agreement with the IOC for the Olympic Games.

“We are excited to collaborate with beIN MEDIA GROUP to deliver the Olympic Channel experience to their audiences throughout this important and growing region, bringing them closer to the Olympic Movement all year round,” said Mark Parkman, General Manager of the IOC’s global Olympic Channel. “Our partnership with beIN to create a co-branded linear platform gives us a powerful position in MENA to further engage fans and new audiences with the Olympic Channel brand and the Olympic Games than ever before.”

“beIN is passionate about sports. We are constantly collaborating with our global partners to present sports to our subscribers in high quality. The Olympic Channel debut in MENA beIN network demonstrates that beIN is the only premium destination for sports lovers in the region.” said Yousef Al-Obaidly, Deputy CEO of beIN MEDIA GROUP.

Further programming will include live broadcasts from beIN’s extensive sports media rights agreements, original series produced by the global Olympic Channel, access to archival footage from the IOC’s vast library, and additional news and highlights.

The new partnership complements the Olympic Channel, which launched as a worldwide digital platform following the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games Rio 2016. In efforts to expand its offerings, and in partnership with its rights-holding broadcast partners and National Olympic Committees, the Olympic Channel is developing localised versions that offer region- and language-specific user experiences on linear and digital platforms in certain territories.

Ferrari Formula 1 team extends Philip Morris deal

The Ferrari Formula 1 team has announced a new long-term deal with tobacco sponsor Philip Morris.

The two organisations’ association dates back more than 40 years and Philip Morris’s brand Marlboro has been Ferrari’s title sponsor since 1997.

The logo last appeared on the car in 2007 due to a ban on tobacco advertising but Ferrari has maintained a red and white colour scheme in recent years.

“Ferrari N.V. announces that Scuderia Ferrari has renewed its multi-year partnership with Philip Morris International,” a team statement read.

“The agreement continues the collaboration of over 40 years between Philip Morris International and Scuderia Ferrari.”

Philip Morris’s previous contract was due to expire at the end of 2017.

 

LaLiga and Perform Group create LaLiga Official Data Centre

Innovators join in five-year agreement to expand global availability of data on Spanish football competitions.

Jointly led by Perform and LaLiga, the newly created LaLiga Official Data Centre will be responsible for ensuring LaLiga maximizes the use of official match data across multiple sectors and channels.

LaLiga will utilise Perform’s sports data collection, distribution and commercialisation expertise in the media, professional analysis and betting sectors, via Perform’s Opta and RunningBall data brands. The five-year agreement starts with the 2017/18 season.

Perform CCO Jacopo Tonoli said: “We are delighted to be broadening our relationship with one of the world’s most exciting football leagues. The innovative partnership will see us working with La Liga to deliver the best quality sports data globally, across multiple sectors and channels.

“It gives LaLiga control over their data rights, with full access to the market leading industry expertise and sales network of Perform. We are thrilled to be able to add LaLiga to our official data rights portfolio.

“This agreement deepens the relationship between LaLiga and Perform, two innovative brands,” said Melcior Soler, director of audiovisual at LaLiga.

“The LaLiga Official Data Centre will allow us to enhance the delivery of competition data across the world through internal and external channels, taking advantage of Perform’s distribution and commercial reach and experience.”

The partnership will allow LaLiga to facilitate innovation across broadcast graphics and production workflows, develop digital data visualisations, fantasy and gaming concepts, as well as supporting a commitment to data editorial and performance data analytics.

Opta, the world’s leading provider of live, detailed sports data, will provide accurate and granular match data to power various LaLiga channels, including broadcasts.

The Opta team of data scientists and editorial experts will continue to experiment with in-game data, developing new metrics to offer even greater fan engagement opportunities, benefitting league and club digital and social properties, creating assets for LaLiga commercial partners to connect with fans around the world.

This agreement expands on the partnership between Opta and LaLiga to provide the best eventing data for coaching purposes to LaLiga Santander an LaLiga 123 teams through LaLiga Mediacoach tools.

From the perspective of bookmakers, this partnership will provide exclusive official accreditation for the RunningBall network of highly experienced and qualified scouts, in every stadium. This will allow RunningBall to collect and distribute the fastest, most reliable Spanish data to power superior live betting experiences for the world’s leading bookmakers.

Perform’s Integrity Operations team will support LaLiga in its innovative approach to preventing match manipulation and betting fraud through monitoring and intelligence.

The partnership covers the following competitions organized by LaLiga and the Spanish Federation: Liga Santander, Liga 1|2|3, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España, Second Division B, and the Spanish Women’s League.

iSportconnect adds TAG Heuer, Kodak and 12BET to Brand Marketing Masterclass line up

iSportconnect is delighted to confirm three additional guest speakers for our Brand Marketing Masterclass on September 11.

Dominic Wolz, Sponsoring Director at TAG Heuer, Danielle Atkins, VP Brand & Creative at Kodak and Rory Anderson, CEO at 12BET, have been added to a distinguished list of industry thought leaders.

Already confirmed to speak at the event are Enrique Arribas, Brand and Corporate Marketing Director at Santander, Nuala Walsh, Chief Marketing Officer at Standard Life Aberdeen, James Young, Head of Partnerships at Lucozade Ribena Suntory, Adolfo Bara, General Manager Marketing & Sales at LaLiga, Fiona Taag, Head of Global Sponsorship & Europe Marketing Communications at DHL, Tim Hunt, Head of Marketing at PGA European Tour and Ali Russell, CMO at Formula E.

Brands are at the heart of the business of sport and the all-day event will offer an exclusive opportunity to discuss a challenging and fast-changing global business with industry experts.

Debates will be stimulating and the networking opportunities second to none, with current topics and challenges of tomorrow set to be on the agenda throughout a series of panels and keynote speeches.

The event will be held at the offices of Pinsent Mason in central London. Chatham House rules will be strictly adhered to, encouraging a free exchange of ideas.

Content programme

Panel One: Inside LaLiga’s Brand Partnerships

Panel Two: What Do Brands Want From Sports Partnerships?

Brand marketing spend has changed drastically over the last five years with most Western markets witnessing over 50% of marketing budget being invested in digital.

Sports rights holders are responding to the changing needs of business with increased digital content output and a more analytical approach to understanding their customers.

However are they doing enough? Are sports bodies offering a relevant and effective mix of engagement opportunities that reflect how brands are buying audiences? Is there still too much reliance on classic sponsorship models?

Equally how do right holders create compelling propositions that make brands stand up and listen?

Panel Three: Working Together To Generate More Captivating Content

Sponsoring a sports property gives a brand a credible reason for entering and hosting the conversation, enabling it to create interesting content due to its access to players, managers and behind-the-scenes action.

Planning and delivering content has become a military operation so how can brands and right holders work best together to ensure this is done successfully? How much flexibility and trust is required between sports and brands to create real-time, honest and authentic content?

Panel Four: Building Value Through Data

Building value through data is not a new concept. Major retailers have been operating sophisticated CRM systems for decades superseded by today’s data blueprint leaders Amazon.

We all want to ‘Amazonify’ our respective businesses but how can brands and sports collaborate most effectively in using data? What are the partnership challenges? What technical solutions work best? Should brand and sports collaboration lead to monetization? Who’s doing it well?

Confirmed guest speaker list:

Enrique Arribas Alcolado, Brand and Corporate Marketing Director at Santander

Nuala Walsh, Chief Marketing Officer at Standard Life Aberdeen

James Young, Head of Partnerships at Lucozade Ribena Suntory

Adolfo Bara, General Manager Marketing & Sales at LaLiga

Fiona Taag, Head of Global Sponsorship & Europe Marketing Communications at DHL

Tim Hunt, Head of Marketing at PGA European Tour

Ali Russell, CMO at Formula E

Dominic Wolz, Sponsoring Director at TAG Heuer

Danielle Atkins, VP Brand & Creative at Kodak

Rory Anderson, CEO at 12BET

This event is open exclusively to senior executives at brands, governing bodies and sport teams. Please contact Chris Edbrook (chris@isportconnect.com) to register your interest.

EVENT PARTNER

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