Esports cometh

Visitors to UKVMA website can enjoy a special discount to the Esports Venue Summit.

The only forum dedicated solely to esports venues and spaces, Esports Venue Summit will help shape the future of esports hosting, venue design, technology and operations. The inaugural event will be offered in both live and virtual formats this October.

The live event will be held from 21-22 October at the home of England Rugby (and leading esports team, Excel), Twickenham Stadium. It will feature nine sessions with 35 speakers/panellists and will include six periods for socially-distanced networking, including an evening reception and an optional tour of the venue.

The virtual version will run from 26-29 October. It will include two live Q&As with a selection of speakers from the live event as well as new guests and other live sessions being planned.

Special EVCPS20 promotion code is available for UKVMA visitors – saving 45% on the live delegate passes and 20% on all virtual delegate passes – making them £272.25+VAT and £72 (+UK VAT only) respectively. Tickets are available here.

The deadline for these Early Bird prices is 18 September.

John Fazio, Founder/CEO of Nerd Street Gamers, says: “Venues are an important part of the ecosystem that drive competitive integrity and connect more gamers to esports. I’m excited to talk more about our mission to increase access and opportunity at the Esports Venue Summit in London, England.”

John and a host of other top-level speakers – from tournament organisers, games publishers, team owners, players, esports property owners, esports venue operators, architects, investment bankers, leading industry bodies & associations, and key technology suppliers – are taking part in the event. These include:

  • Nikita Buffee, Head of Business Development & Partnerships, Allied Esports
  • Andrew Haworth, Director of Operations & Production, Blast TV
  • Chester King, CEO, British Esports Association
  • Erik Londre, Head of Events, Fnatic
  • Tom Lynch, Director of business development Europe, ASM Global
  • Michael O’Dell, Chief Gaming Officer, ReKT Global Inc and Managing Director, London Royal Ravens
  • Nick Sautner, CEO, The Eden Park Trust
  • Koen Schobbers, Boardmember and Vice-Chair of the Athletes & Players Commission, Global Esports Federation
  • Dr Marc Williams, Global Scholar Practitioner, Florida Memorial University and Commissioner, HBCU esports league
  • Nicky Wightman, Director Emerging Trends, Savills
  • Martin Wyatt, Head of Partner Relationships, Gfinity

Topics up for discussion include: 

  • The emergence and continued growth of esports on a global level
  • Esports community engagement
  • Merger of esports and traditional sports
  • The power of broadcast technology
  • Esports as an immersive experience
  • The finance behind the phenomenon
  • Venue versatility – multi-use spaces incorporating esports
  • Notable esports projects around the world and lesson learnt for the future

Safety is paramount and measures put in place at Twickenham Stadium fully comply with UK government guidelines such as double the space for social distancing, one-way system, hand sanitiser at all touch points, wipe stations for mobiles/laptops, individually served lunches, etc.

Should the live event be cancelled, those who have purchased the live summit delegate pass will be able to either transfer their pass to the next available live event or use it for the virtual event with the cost difference being refunded.

Logo and dates for ESV event
Sign up for ESV live and virtual

Esports Venue Summit is sponsored by AVIXA, Panasonic Business, ES Broadcast, ISBTV with virtual session sponsors including Here East and Irwin Seating.

The event is brought to you by PanStadia & Arena Management – a quarterly magazine distributed to 26,000+ venue professionals in 120+ countries – and Stadia & Arena Events – celebrating 21 years’ experience in bringing you the very best conference content and networking opportunities. Both are owned by Hemming Group Ltd, a respected family-owned publishing house with a 125+ year heritage and professional B2B events company, owning and managing international stalwarts such as London Wine Fair and Traffex.

To join Esports Venue Summit either live at Twickenham Stadium or online for Esports Venue Summit Virtual Week, please visit www.esportsvenuesummit.com and use promo code EVCPS20.

Bio secure cricket matches

Cricket is complying with government C-19 regulations to achieve a bio secure Test match environment by using Restrata’s software platform       

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)  hired Restrata to help deliver the world’s first bio secure Test Match series, between England and West Indies in Southampton.  The company’s software platform, originally developed to protect physical infrastructure and people from security & safety threats such as terrorism or industrial accidents, has been deployed to ensure both Test venues, the Ageas Bowl (Southampton) and Emirates Old Trafford cricket grounds, comply with the Government’s Covid-19 regulations on social distancing, providing a unique system to manage capacity at the venues and track and trace any coronavirus outbreaks during the series.

The areas Bowl logo

Restrata’s team has installed its Bluetooth technology into the Ageas Bowl and Emirates Old Trafford Cricket stadiums which, because of the Pandemic, are being played behind closed doors.  Despite the absence of spectators, there will be at least 450 people working at each Test venue, including both teams, their support staff, the stadium staff and media who will be covering the matches.  Restrata’s track and trace solution enables the ECB to control the numbers of people working in specific zones, into which each venue has been divided, so that capacity can be controlled to meet the Government’s requirements on social distancing and capacity limits, and zone access rights.  The platform will enable the ECB’s in-stadium team to monitor capacity in all areas of the stadiums (24/7) so capacity limits & access rights are adhered to.  The company’s Bluetooth technology will also provide the ECB with an accurate, and real time capability to track and trace any suspected outbreaks of Covid-19 within the Test match environment.

Safety compliance for staff and players

Botan Osman, CEO of Restrata, said:

“I am delighted that we have been given the opportunity to help the ECB deliver this Test series.  We have worked closely with the ECB’s IT and operations team over the past weeks to integrate our platform into their management systems in record time. The capability we provide is unique and meets the specific requirements of the Covid-19 environment and the Government’s regulations on social distancing and track and trace.  In establishing this system, the ECB is demonstrating that technology can be employed to get sport, and major events back up and running despite the challenges presented by the Pandemic.”

Damian Smith, ECB’s Head of IT, added:

“Our number one priority throughout this series is people safety. Restrata‘s safety, security and mobility management platform has enabled us to deliver this Test series in the knowledge that we are managing the specific and detailed risks presented by Covid-19; and that we comply with the Government’s comprehensive guidelines for managing events of this nature, particularly those relating to Track and Trace.”   

Gloucester City Stadium go-ahead

In a joint statement released to the Gloucester City website, co-chairmen Alex Petheram and Eamonn McGurk said

“It’s been a long and challenging road but we’re delighted to reach this milestone and finally place some significant orders with suppliers and give contractual commitments to others.”

“The next step is to conclude the pre-start safety reviews with the National League and FA. It’s exciting times for the club and the City.”

Mr Petheram’s company Soldi construction – who worked on the build of Stadium MK in Milton Keynes – will lead the construction of the new stadium which has been designed by Roberts Limbrick architects.

Plan view of Gloucester City's new stadium.

Increased capacity and community at Lancs’ Emirates

Trafford Council and Lancashire Cricket announce transformational plans in the first phase of the development of the new Civic Quarter

Trafford Council and its partners have taken a major step forward in delivering ambitious plans to transform the area around the Town Hall and surrounding buildings into a new ‘Civic Quarter.’

The Civic Quarter Masterplan covers a 120-acre site taking in the Town Hall, Lancashire Cricket Club, the former Kellogg’s site including the University Academy 92 (UA 92) campus, stretching up to the A56/Chester Road and White City retail park.

The Council’s proposals for the area include building a new leisure centre; an improved public realm, opportunities for new homes and offices and improved cycle and pedestrian routes. They also include the possible development of a new public piazza and ‘processional route’ linking Lancashire Cricket Club with Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium. The strategic vision is being created with consultancy team Planit-IE, Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios and Avison Young.

And this week, Lancashire Cricket Club also announced it is progressing plans for further significant development at Emirates Old Trafford alongside the Council’s developing proposals.

The new 4,850-seater stand, which replaces the existing Red Rose Suite, is set to feature a pitch-view suite, enhanced Members facilities, a heritage centre, ticket office and retail shop which will face directly on to Brian Statham Way. It will take the capacity of Emirates Old Trafford to 26,700, making it the largest cricket ground outside of London.

Architect's rendering of new stand and public realm.

Also included in the Club’s plans are an extension of the existing Hilton Garden Inn hotel due to the huge continued success since opening two years ago.

Northampton Saints retain Levy

Premiership Rugby Club Northampton Saints has extended their contract with Levy UK who will continue to be the official food and hospitality partners at the Franklin’s Gardens stadium until 2025.

The contract extension will allow Levy UK to enhance the supporter experience at the 15,000-capacity stadium through the development of new culinary and lifestyle offerings, including new bespoke retail brands offering more plant-based menus across concession outlets and exclusive hospitality areas as well as for non-match day events.

Fans will also benefit from an investment into the stadiums technology infrastructure which will see the roll-out of new and future proofed systems to improve speed of service and create a cashless environment.

Supporter feedback remains central to the relationship and Levy UK will continue to support with ongoing innovations such as the launch of the Tunnel Club, a first-class hospitality experience allowing supporters the chance to enter the inner sanctum of the stadium, getting up close to the players before they enter the field of play.

Increased choice of food and beverage will also be seen in the Supporter Village’s newly revamped food court which underwent significant summer improvements following feedback from the club’s end-of-season survey. Three new converted shipping containers will increase bar and service capacity in the Village, while big screens and a stage for supporters to enjoy live pre-match and half-time entertainment was also added alongside additional catering concessions to help grow the community feel associated with Franklin’s Gardens.

Mark Darbon, Chief Executive, Northampton Saints commented: “Levy UK has an unparalleled level of expertise and experience in delivering outstanding catering and hospitality at some of the country’s biggest and best venues, and we’re confident that they will continue to have a positive impact at Franklin’s Gardens.”

Northampton Saints rugby stadium from corner opposite clubhouse.

Jonathan Davies, Managing Director at Levy UK, said: “Northampton Saints has become one of the most recognisable teams in English Rugby Union and the relationship we have built over the past three years has grown significantly. It is a real pleasure to work alongside a knowledgeable and innovative team, it has allowed us to show our catering innovation. To see the fan’s react so positively to it as well is a bonus, and to be able to develop this offer further over future years is an exciting prospect.”

Tottenham Stadium visual architecture

Daktronics Supplying Complete Street to Seat Experience At Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Tottenham and its architects have used technology to provide the visual architecture of the new stadium, partnering with Daktronics for LED displays in and around the building, for a complete street-to-seat visitor experience. The East and West Atriums, Tottenham Experience, Paxton House, Auditorium and external wayfinding locations have all received LED displays. This installation is in addition to the previous project announced in 2018 for main video and ribbon displays around the stadium.

“These market-leading displays support our commitment to delivering an unrivaled fan experience, helping to engage fans from the moment they arrive at our new home,” said Tottenham Hotspur Director of Operations Matthew Collecott.

A wealth of LED displays will be visible across the campus to support fans in reaching their desired location from the moment they arrive outside the stadium until they reach their seat, including two large, 234-square-meter displays featuring 13HD pixel layouts mounted to the stadium façade to welcome fans as they arrive, as well as 54 flag-style displays and 17 single totem-style displays.

Paxton House, the Club’s ticket office, includes two long, narrow displays featuring 6-millimeter line spacing above ticket windows to inform visitors of availability and open sales windows for ease of purchasing their tickets while the Tottenham Experience boasts a new curved LED video display featuring 8-millimeter line spacing to showcase branded content.

 As fans reach the East and West Atriums, they will be greeted with approximately 200 square meters of wall-covering display space with 4-millimeter line spacing. These displays will help brand the venue, engage fans and immerse them in the live event experience.

“Immediately upon entering Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, you are welcomed with a wall of video targeted specifically for the fans and programmed to kick off the excitement that awaits them inside the bowl,” said Pete Egart, vice president of Europe, Middle East and Africa markets for Daktronics.

The stadium’s auditorium display will afford the club the flexibility to use the space as a multi-purpose facility for events such as press conferences, presentations and private screenings. 

Rounding out the project, 15 locker room clocks and four delay-of-game timers will be installed at the stadium to accommodate American professional football standards for hosting these events at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium team has reinforced its commitment to a fan first approach,” Egart continued. “The integration of technology combined with the commitment to preserving the history and culture of their storied club will ensure a unique and breathtaking experience for all visitors to the new stadium.”

FOOD AND BEV: Cheltenham festival catering at more than a canter

The Festival™, presented by Magners, involves Jockey Club Catering tackling the momentous task of feeding the 265,000 spectators who flock to Jump racing’s spiritual home. Cheltenham Racecourse will become a pilgrimage for thousands of global fans and guests for the four-day Festival, 12-15 March. Exhilarating racing is matched only by the roar of the crowd and entertainment on offer in this Cotswolds hotspot.

New this year

Jockey Club Catering has upped the stakes this year and created its very own pub, the Horse and Groom. A relaxing and charming space with horseracing at its heart, the new punters’ local will overlook the final two fences and is hotly tipped to be a fans favourite, with a range of real ales, fine wines and best of British food created by Regional Executive Chef Tom Parry.

If you’re looking for some of the best views of the racecourse then head to the impressive Princess Royal Stand. You won’t be able to miss it, with state-of-the-art entertaining areas abuzz with hospitality boxes, bars and restaurants.

Returning favourites

A British icon of global proportions, The Festival™ reflects international catering tastes. Returning for the second year is the critically acclaimed pan Asian restaurant, Theatre@ The Festival™. An incredible hospitality dining experience with an exclusive three-course pan Asian menu delivering a fusion of flavours from across Asia, embraced and delivered via the farms of The Cotswolds.

Each Theatre@ guest receives an exquisite bento box starter with delectable dishes such as; black pepper fillet of locally sourced beef served with a cucumber kamahi salad and fresh plum sauce; or ‘lobster and lobster’, a dish of poached noodles served with a luxurious lobster oil drizzle, shallots and coriander cress, Cantonese ginger, spring onion and Brixham lobster tail.

For guests keen to experience the height of luxury, Chez Roux at Cheltenham is a stone’s throw from the final fence and is hosted by culinary icons Albert Roux OBE, supported by Michel Roux Jr. and granddaughter, Emily Roux. For the fifth year the family will bring bespoke menus to reflect the seasonality and provenance of Cheltenham’s local larder.

A focus on local ingredients is given to create the show-stopping menus across hospitality and public areas. 100% of the cheese used is from South West England; while 100% of responsibly sourced Scottish salmon is cured or smoked within 50 miles of Cheltenham (Severn and Wye) too.

Nick Campbell, MD at Jockey Club Catering, commented: “The food and drink, hospitality, and dining experiences at The Festival™ is second-to-none. Imagination and the very best of British produce are key ingredients for serving outstanding food & drink occasions to all our racegoers.

“We work year-round preparing for these four days in March when we produce over 45,000 fine-dining meals to be enjoyed by our guests including well-known faces, racing elite and Royalty.”

Economics at a gallop

The Festival™ generates an estimated £100million for the local economy, and sees the development of the largest tented village in Europe which will become home to 24 marquees, including the longest triple deck structure in Europe, with over 2.5 miles of internal walls. The scale of the event is reflected in the construction of 15 individual restaurants, 30 temporary kitchens, 74 mobile catering units and over 240 private suites.

Jockey Club Catering is a joint venture between The Jockey Club, the largest commercial group in British racing, and Compass Group UK & Ireland. The partnership was launched in 2009 with the aim of providing premium quality catering at all 15 of The Jockey Club Racecourses.

Horses running down the finishing straight at Cheltenham Racecourse




VENUE NEWS: M&S Bank Arena branding; Crystal Palace homeless initiative

The M&S Bank Arena Liverpool rebrand has been unveiled after M&S Bank became the official naming partner of the city’s arena.

Sue Fox, CEO of M&S Bank, said: “It’s absolutely fantastic to start 2019 with the launch of the M&S Bank Arena – we’re incredibly proud to be the official naming partner of Liverpool’s top venue for music, sport, comedy and family entertainment and it’s a really proud moment for us to see the rebrand complete across the entire venue.”

The M&S Bank Arena is set for a busy year in 2019, which will see it host high profile artists such as George Ezra, Little Mix, Rod Stewart and Mumford and Sons.  The Netball World Cup is set to attract tens of thousands of global visitors when it comes to the city in July.

Arena with uplighting and purple LEDs around roof, large M&S Bank Arena sign on side with pink lighting around it.

Bob Prattey, CEO of The ACC Liverpool Group, which includes the M&S Bank Arena, said: “Last year we celebrated the arena’s 10th birthday and the next decade is going to be equally significant as we develop the programme, working closely with M&S Bank, a major brand that shares our ambitions for establishing the venue on a truly national and international scale.

“This year’s event calendar is our most varied and exciting to-date, ranging from Strictly Come Dancing – which took place on Tuesday in the rebranded M&S Bank Arena – along with a host of sporting events, concerts and family entertainment.”

The venue has hosted over 1,350 performances since it first opened its doors in 2008.  Entertainment highlights have included the MTV Europe Music Awards, the Davis Cup, Sir Paul McCartney, the MOBO Awards and BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

It has welcomed 5.9 million visitors since opening and the campus, also home to ACC Liverpool and Exhibition Centre Liverpool, has generated £1.6billion in economic benefit for the Liverpool city region.

Crystal Palace opens lounge to homeless

Crystal Palace FC are using a lounge at their stadium as an emergency shelter in extreme weather as part of a program to combat homelessness.

The Premier League club have teamed up with Croydon Council in what is believed to be the first project of its kind.

According to the Evening Standard, the lounge at Selhurst Park will be turned into a temporary overnight shelter for up to 10 rough sleepers whenever night time temperatures are forecast to drop below freezing.

Under the deal, people formally identified as rough sleeping are referred by outreach staff to the stadium, where they are welcomed with a camp bed for the night, a hot evening meal, breakfast and washing facilities.

STADIUM DEVELOPMENT NEWS: Meadowbank Stadium [VIDEO], Leamington FC land for 5,000 capacity stadium

Graham Construction is carrying out internal and ground works for the new £45 million Meadowbank Stadium in Edinburgh before demolishing the old building this spring and starting work on the new centre in summer 2019.

A fly-through video, produced by Holmes Miller and Visual Lane, has been created to give future users an impression of how the new complex will look when it opens in 2020.

Computer generated image of the indoor athletics facility at Meadowbank Stadium, with blue track and hurdles laid out.

Leamington stadium land

Leamington FC is developing a new stadium project with Warwick District Council. Leamington FC, Warwick District Council and Warwickshire County Council have signed an agreement to purchase land to make way for the development of a new sports hub. The specification currently includes a 5,000 capacity stadium installed with an artificial pitch, conference facilities, gym, cafe and community facilities on land adjacent to Europa Way and Gallows Hill.

Brakes chairman Jim Scott said: “Leamington FC very much welcomes this key milestone in our ambitions to create a new home for our club. A new stadium with improved access and facilities will help us fulfil our aspirations to move into higher leagues. It will also allow us to develop and expand our presence in the community through our programme of football related activities.”