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.
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.