Inaugural day-night Test hailed as a ‘commercial success’ for Edgbaston

With England continuing a run of three consecutive Test victories at Edgbaston, and five wins in the last six Tests in Birmingham, Warwickshire County Cricket Club Chief Executive Neil Snowball has praised the efforts of everyone involved in delivering a memorable first day-night Test match at Edgbaston.

Edgbaston accommodated 70,000 spectators across the three days of play, recording sell-outs on the second and third day and, despite the shortened match, the venue’s retail catering sales were also the highest ever for a non-Ashes Test match.

Neil Snowball, said: “One of the primary reasons for playing this Investec Test match in day-night conditions was to support Team England in preparation for this winter’s Ashes Test in Adelaide. However, to become the first UK venue to stage such a fixture has been an honour and builds on our reputation for innovation at Edgbaston.

“We also recognised the commercial opportunity and estimate that total ticket sales increased by 25 per cent as a result of the change in format and the increased level of marketing. Hospitality sales were also ahead of forecast and our merchandise sales were up 30 per cent when compared with the five-day Investec Test match against Pakistan last year.

“The debate will go on as to whether we need day-night Test Cricket in this country. There are a number of Test Match Grounds who are very good at selling Test cricket in this country, unlike in other parts of the world so there is an argument to leave well alone. However, it was terrific to be able to make history by hosting the first ever day-night Test.

“From our perspective, the whole team at Edgbaston thoroughly enjoyed the experience of hosting the match and the combined attendance of nearly 70,000 shows that there is certainly an appetite. Projections from Birmingham Regional Observatory also suggest that the fixture has been worth nearly £15 million to the local economy.

“The city of Birmingham again showed its expertise in hosting marquee sporting events and our thanks go to Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Police and the other city stakeholders in supporting us with this fixture.”

England and Great Britain Hockey announce three-year partnership with Harrogate Water

Harrogate Water has announced a major three-year sponsorship agreement with England and Great Britain Hockey including being the official water of the Hockey Women’s World Cup 2018, which is being hosted by England.

Hockey is one of the world’s most popular team sports, broadcast in 125 countries and has been on a domestic high since Great Britain won women’s gold at the Rio Olympics in 2016, following bronze at the London Olympics in 2012.

Countries taking part in the 2018 Women’s World Cup, alongside England, represent every continent and include Argentina, Australia, China, Germany, USA and South Africa.

Nicky Cain of Harrogate Water said: “This is an exciting time to be involved with England and Great Britain Hockey and offers enormous opportunities. More than ten million Brits watched Great Britain win gold in Rio and the Hockey Women’s World Cup will have a global audience of around one billion.

“The great attraction of the sport for us is that hockey appeals to men and women in equal measure, with a family-friendly following and a strong healthy lifestyle bias.

“We share England and Great Britain Hockey’s passion and ambition, not only their determination to excel, but also their desire to inspire and make a difference.

“It is refreshing to see an elite team sport in which women are leading the way and becoming role models with huge popular support and appreciation for their achievements. We’re proud to be sponsoring the Hockey Women’s World Cup and are really looking forward to working with both the women’s and men’s teams and following their fortunes over the next three years.

Jon Cockcroft, commercial director at England and Great Britain Hockey, said: “It is fantastic to have such a recognised and aspirational brand partner with England Hockey. With growing public awareness of hockey as a participation and spectator sport and the huge opportunity that a home World Cup presents, we look forward to developing exciting campaigns which build our respective brands.

“With the Hockey Women’s World Cup and the overall partnership, we look forward to working with Harrogate Water. As with other partners it is a great opportunity to raise their brand-awareness and profile through the international and domestic game for both men and women.”

Harrogate Water has a successful track record of sports sponsorship. The Harrogate Spring brand is the official water of Royal Ascot and Ascot Racecourse. It was the official water of England Cricket for three years until March and remains the official water of Yorkshire Cricket.

Ladbrokes extends sponsorship of Rugby League’s Challenge Cup

British bookmaker Ladbrokes has agreed a deal to extends its title sponsorship of The Rugby Football League’s Challenge Cup.

Ladbrokes has sponsored the tournament for the last two years and has now put pen-to-paper on a one-year extension.

Rugby Football League Chief Commercial Officer, Roger Draper, said: “I am delighted that Ladbrokes have decided to extend their current partnership and that they recognise the value in being involved with such a prestigious and well-regarded competition.

“The Ladbrokes Challenge Cup is rich in heritage and tradition and is known across the world, so to have a brand as successful and recognisable as Ladbrokes commit to extending their support is great news for the sport.

“Ladbrokes has been a fantastic supporter of Rugby League and we are delighted that they are continuing their association with our great sport.”

Ladbrokes chief executive, Jim Mullen, added: “Our decision to sponsor the Challenge Cup was an easy one. We want our name to be associated with prestigious, passionate sporting events and this ticks those boxes, so it was a no brainer when it came to extending our association with the game.

“We play hard to win and that’s what the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup is all about.”

RFU unveils new brand identity for Greene King IPA Championship

The Rugby Football Union (RFU) unveiled and new brand identity for the Greene King IPA Championship during the preview of the 2017/18 season, which kicks off on 2 September.

RFU also announced the renewal of its title partnership with Greene King IPA for three seasons.

The new identity includes a brand new logo and a new website – ChampionshipRugby.co.uk – which will officially launch during the first weekend of fixtures.

The site will feature magazine-style format with previews, reviews, and features, as well as the latest fixtures and results. It will also give an opportunity for fans to purchase tickets and share content.

George Johnston, marketing director of Greene King IPA, added: “Greene King IPA has been a supporter of rugby from grassroots to world class levels for a number of years and community and hospitality are extremely important to us, so the work that the RFU has been doing to put the fans at the heart of the Championship is very much in-line with our own values.

In addition, the new website will host the live stream of ten games this season, along with the England Rugby social media channels. This adds to the 11 games that Sky Sports – the official broadcaster of the Greene King IPA Championship – will air throughout the season.

The renewed partnership also aims to enhance content, marketing and communications strategies for the support for the Greene King IPA Championship.

George Johnston, marketing director of Greene King IPA, added: “Greene King IPA has been a supporter of rugby from grassroots to world class levels for a number of years and community and hospitality are extremely important to us, so the work that the RFU has been doing to put the fans at the heart of the Championship is very much in-line with our own values.

AIBA signs memorandum with ISF to develop sports and education through boxing

On the eve of the 29th Summer Universiade, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) and the International School Sport Federation (ISF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Taipei, committing to the joint exploration of boxing as a means of physical and educational development for young people.

AIBA agrees to use its expertise to assist with the technical aspects of ISF Schools Competitions, and its coaching infrastructure to ensure safe dissemination of best practice and the latest techniques around the world.

“The values that AIBA and the ISF share are instrumental in ensuring the success of this partnership for the benefit of young people around the world,” said AIBA President Ching-Kuo Wu.

“For many years, education has been a priority for AIBA and, now more than ever, the sport has a vital role to play in the social as well as physical education and well-being of young people. AIBA looks forward to cooperating with the ISF to bring new opportunities and inspiring future young boxers around the world.”

The agreement will see AIBA and the ISF combine resources and efforts to meet their respective objectives in promoting boxing among young people.

This effort aims to help foster the core values of mutual respect, dedication, and friendship.

AIBA’s expertise will be used to draft specific technical regulations for new events, as well as providing coaching. ISF events will be made available for the practical assessment of young officials.

“Boxing is one of the most enduring and universal of all sports, and its popularity is as strong as ever among people of all ages the world over,” said ISF President Laurent Petrynka.

“The ISF knows that every sport has the power to bring structure and hope to the lives of young people, but boxing involves a unique code among athletes that, alongside AIBA, we want to promote through new School Sport competitions and events,” said ISF President Laurent Petrynka.

Brian Barwick: Clipper Round the World Race launch sends ‘powerful statement of intent’ for Liverpool’s 2022 Commonwealth Games bid

Liverpool 2022 joined in the celebrations as the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race launched from the city’s stunning waterfront on August 20, once more showcasing Liverpool’s passion for sport and highlighting the key role the waterfront has to play in its transformational vision for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Thousands lined the docks to watch the 12 vessels set out on their 11 month voyage around the globe, which will see them returning to Liverpool in July 2018 to cross the finish line.

The waterfront is a key part of Liverpool’s 2022 bid. Athletics would take place at a new Everton stadium in Bramley Moore Dock, swimming at a new innovative drop-in arena in the South Docks, cycling and triathlon at Pier Head and a host of indoor sports at the ACC Precinct.

The launch of the Clipper Race was streamed live to a global audience and is testament to Liverpool’s ability to host major international sporting events. The city hosted the Gymnastic National Championships earlier this year, and is looking forward to welcoming the world as its two football clubs, Liverpool and Everton, embark on their new seasons.

Brian Barwick, Liverpool 2022 Bid Chairman said: “This has been a fantastic weekend of sport in Liverpool showcasing our best natural assets – the River Mersey and our people – which has sent out a powerful statement of intent about our capability to host major events.

“It is a further boost to our efforts to persuade Government we can deliver on our plan to stage a responsible, inspirational, and transformational Commonwealth Games.”

 

 

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said: “Once again, our amazing city has proved why it has an unrivalled track record in staging major events in what was the climax of an incredibly successful week showcasing sailing.

“The stunning backdrop of our incredible waterfront, married with the amazing sight of 12 yachts on the River Mersey, combined with the infectious enthusiasm of the spectators all came together to make a memorable day and shine the media spotlight on the city.

“We are now at a crucial stage in our bid to win the right to be the UK’s candidate city for the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and the timing of the launch of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race could not be more perfect.”

Senior Modern Pentathlon World Championships set to be staged in Africa for first time

Modern Pentathlon will again be beamed out to a global audience of millions during the 2017 UIPM Senior World Championships, held for the first time on African soil.

The championships in Cairo will run from August 22-28, with 21 medals on offer to 169 athletes from 29 nations. The 2017 event marks the 20th anniversary of the first combined male and female World Championships, held in Sofia (BUL).

Eurosport, which has a reach of 154 million TV homes, will televise the championships across Europe and beyond, as a result of a new deal struck with UIPM in 2017.

The competition will be held at the Pegasus Sports Club, contained within the Dreamland development and near to the Pyramids of Giza. Daily temperatures in Cairo are forecast to peak at 35-37C, providing an intense test of athletes’ endurance and stamina.

UIPM President Dr Klaus Schormann said: “This is the first time UIPM’s flagship senior competition has been staged in Africa and the local organisers in Egypt have worked hard for many years and proved their ability to host high-class Modern Pentathlon competitions.

“The Modern Pentathlon is the ultimate test of moral as well as physical qualities, and this year the physical examination will be even more demanding due to the high temperatures in Cairo, although most of our experienced pentathletes have competed here and in other hot locations before.

“It is great news that pentathlon fans around the world will be able to watch the action on so many television and online channels, including Eurosport, and UIPM is proud to see the World Championships develop as a great competition for all kinds of spectators.

“It is 20 years since the UIPM World Championships became a joint male and female competition and we now have an annual highlight of the international sporting calendar which goes from strength to strength.”

Danske Spil’s Jens Nielsen heads the sportsbook session at Betting on Sports 2017

The Head of Sportsbook session featuring Danske Spil’s Jens Nielsen, Mr Green’s Enda Gaffney and Vladimir Dratsjov from Olympic Entertainment Group (OlyBet) will provide an explosive start to the ‘Leaders in Betting’ track at Betting on Sports 2017 (12-15 September).

Kicking off the first full day of #boscon2017 in the main auditorium at Olympia Conference Centre (13 September), the trio will be discussing a range of key issues including the choice of sportsbook suppliers, new product partnerships, managing P&L and adapting to target markets.

Having launched its Kambi-powered sportsbook product in time for Euro 2016, Mr Green is in the process of developing a new sportsbook version, as part of a scaled up ‘2.0 business strategy’ which led to its best ever quarter in business (Q2 2017).

Meanwhile, OlyBet has streamlined its operation to six European territories, using successful operations in Estonia and Latvia to offset lost revenues from Poland and Belarus, where the company was forced to discontinue services due to restrictive national gambling regulations.

Guided by moderator Chris Duncan, a co-founder of Betsson and board advisor for Oddslife, Nielsen will be discussing business development for state-owned gambling operator Danske Spil, as the Danish government moves to lessen its influence in the regulated Danish market.

Nielsen commented: “Betting on Sports 2017 will provide the perfect platform to address the key opportunities, challenges and decisions involved with managing a successful sportsbook. It will be interesting to discuss the balance of outsourcing parts of the sportsbook operation versus in-house management in relation to desired product strengths.”

The Head of Sportsbook session is just the first act in a seven-part show for ‘Leaders on Betting’, a track that covers key aspects around the sports betting business such as trading, marketing, affiliates, product development, social responsibility and liability management.

Key speakers throughout the day include BetStars Managing Director Zeno Ossko, Pinnacle CEO Paris Smith, Sky Betting & Gaming CEO Richard Flint, BetBright CEO Marcus Brennan, Ladbrokes Coral Director of Player Protection Graham Weir, Mybet CPO Sean Keogh, Melchers Law Partner Dr Joerg Hofmann and Morten Ronde, Director of IMGL and the CEO of Danish Online Gambling Association.

Graham Weir, a key part of the Social Responsibility session,said: “It’s important for betting operators to engage with a wide range of stakeholders to allow us to explain the investment being made by the industry to improve player protection. It’s equally important for us to listen to others views on ways in which we can be better.”

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Formula 1 launches first official esports series

Formula 1 is set to launch its first ever official esports series in partnership with Codemasters and Gfinity, according to Reuters.

The landmark series will see gamers from around the world compete for the right to be crowned F1’s number one virtual driver.

A qualification round is set to kick off in September and will be followed by the semi-finals in October, which will be broadcast live from the Gfinity Arena in London.

20 competitors will then travel to Abu Dhabi for the final which will be held on the 24 and 25 November – the same weekend as the final Formula 1 Championship race of the 2017 season.

The series will take place on run on PlayStation4, Xbox One and Windows PC platforms.

READ MORE: Power up – number-crunching the incredible growth of esports

Sean Bratches, Formula 1 managing director, said: “This launch presents an amazing opportunity for our business: strategically and in the way we engage fans.

“First, it’s a growing category with tremendous fan engagement that we’re entering in a big way; and we are proud to have Codemasters and Gfinity joining us on this ride.

“Of course as we do in Formula 1, we’ll continue to evolve and innovate in the way we run this virtual counterpart to the F1 championship to ensure we provide the most exciting and enjoyable experience we can for our fans.”

Neville Upton, Gfinity chief executive, added: “Formula 1 entering esports is a powerful endorsement to how vital it is for cutting edge organisations to consider esports in their digital offering in order to reach the elusive and lucrative millennial fan base.

“Gfinity has developed a unique & proprietary technical platform, which coupled with our in depth experience enable us to deliver a world-class turnkey solution for our global partners.”

Liberty Media, who completed a takeover of Formula One earlier this year, have targeted gaming as a key area to connect with a younger audience and drive revenues.

Manchester City and Mundipharma agree new global healthcare partnership

Mundipharma and Manchester City have agreed to a new global partnership following an inaugural first season that saw Mundipharma and BETADINE perform successfully as a regional partner of Manchester City.

Under the terms of the global partnership, the Manchester City Medical Team’s uniform and kits will feature BETADINE logos and they’ll be equipped with BETADINE® treatments for the playersThe brand will also benefit from enhanced exposure on digital display formats at home games.

The brand will also benefit from enhanced exposure on digital display formats at home games.

Mundipharma will continue to collaborate with Manchester City to provide aspiring footballers with opportunities to develop their skills as part of co-branded Youth Development Programmes, as well as offering fans the chance to see their heroes in action through consumer-based promotions.

Commenting on the new global partnership, Mundipharma CEO Raman Singh said: “This partnership has proven to be a great fit for our brands. Manchester City is one of the world’s best-performing football teams, while we have positioned BETADINE as a healthcare portfolio that builds personal resilience and supports well-being.”

Tom Glick, chief commercial officer of City Football Group, added: “We are extremely pleased to have extended our partnership with Mundipharma and BETADINE. They have been a great partner from the outset.

“We have been continually impressed by the creative approach they have brought to everything we have done so far. We are delighted that we now have an opportunity to work together on a global scale.”

Earlier this year, Mundipharma announced a partnership with J1 League club, Yokohama F. Marinos, which is also part of City Football Group.