Bradley Rial
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Articles by Bradley Rial
Vestadium launches tokenisation platform for sports projects
A new technology platform that allows sports projects to be funded by tokenisation initiatives has officially launched. Vestadium is a Spanish company that tokenises sports projects so clubs can raise financing and investors can share in their value. The company aims to provide fans with a share in the stadium experiences they help create. Vestadium will work with clubs, leagues and operators, splitting a project’s economic rights into tokens and offering them to investors, including supporters.
Bucheon draws up plans for new domed stadium
The South Korean city of Bucheon is seeking to develop a new domed facility next to the existing Bucheon Stadium as part of plans for a wider ‘compact city’ complex. Korean broadcaster SBS reports that Bucheon is pursuing a medium-sized stadium that can seat around 30,000 fans. It is envisioned that the stadium will open by 2034. The current Bucheon Stadium, which opened in 2001, has a capacity of around 34,000 and serves as the home of K League football club Bucheon FC 1995.
Manchester City opens new club store at Medlock Square
Manchester City has officially opened its new club store at Medlock Square, the hospitality-led entertainment district surrounding Etihad Stadium and the Co-op Live arena. City has opened the store in collaboration with long-term kit provider Puma and retail partner Stichd. The store spans over 21,000 square feet and features three floors. It marks the biggest ever store opened by the club and features an interactive ‘Make It Yours’ customisation station.
Dortmund extends long-running Sportfive association
German Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund has signed a long-term extension to its partnership with sports marketing agency Sportfive. The two parties have worked together since 1999 and Sportfive will continue to support Dortmund in acquiring and managing sponsors and partners, developing new commercial opportunities and marketing hospitality offerings at Signal Iduna Park. The new agreement will run until June 30, 2034.
Penn State shares fresh renderings of Beaver Stadium upgrades
A major revamp of Beaver Stadium, the home of Pennsylvania State University’s American football team, is set to be completed in under a year, as more renderings of the new-look venue were released. Beaver Stadium, which has a capacity of 107,000, is in the midst of a wide-ranging, multi-year redevelopment project. Populous has designed the redevelopment, with the joint venture of Barton Malow, AECOM Hunt and Alexander Construction serving as the construction manager.
WNBA Finals set new attendance records
The recently concluded WNBA Finals set a new record for total attendance and average attendance, as fans of the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream packed out arenas during the seven-game series The total attendance for the series was 123,553, delivering an average crowd of 17,650. It marked the first time that the Finals had reached the seventh game, after the WNBA introduced its best-of-seven format in 2025.
South Florida signs Wi-Fi partner for new stadium
The University of South Florida’s athletics department has agreed a multi-year deal with technology solutions provider Imperium Data, which will serve as a founding partner of the college’s new stadium. Imperium Data will play a vital role in the Wi-Fi experience on offer at the stadium, which is due to open in the autumn of 2027. Imperium Data will be fully integrated into fan engagement features during games and events across USF’s athletics programmes.
Glasgow 2026 generated £223m for Scottish economy – report
An independent impact evaluation report has found that the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow generated £223m (€267m/$299m) in economic activity across Scotland. The Glasgow 2026 Games used a range of existing venues for its scaled-back programme of 10 sports, including The Hydro, Scotstoun Stadium and the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome. The Games ran from July 23 to August, with a first-of-its-kind opening ceremony taking place at The Hydro featuring King Charles III and the Loch Ness Monster.
Holstein Kiel breaks ground on stadium revamp
Work has officially commenced on a major redevelopment project for Holstein-Stadion, the home of 2. Bundesliga football club Holstein Kiel. The €75m (£63m/$84m) project will focus on a new grandstand for the stadium and is scheduled to be finished by the end of the 2030. The redevelopment will increase the capacity of the stadium from 15,000 to 22,000. The first phase of construction work is due to be completed in 2028.
VodafoneThree steps up connectivity at Co-op Live
Manchester’s Co-op Live arena has entered into a partnership with Vodafone Business to introduce next-generation 5G technology at the venue. Vodafone Business is the enterprise arm of VodafoneThree and the partnership will see the installation of dedicated 5G and 4G throughout the arena for visitors and venue operations. The improved connectivity has been installed by VodafoneThree’s infrastructure partner, Cellnex, and can be used to support business operations across the arena.
CSKA Sofia returns to Army Stadium
Bulgarian football club CSKA Sofia returned to its revamped Bulgarian Army Stadium on Saturday (October 31), with a capacity crowd of 18,500 turning out for its derby match against Slavia Sofia. CSKA officially took control of the new-look stadium last month. The stadium has been closed for almost three years, with CSKA having played matches at the Vasil Levski National Stadium in the interim.
Saudi Arabia’s Asian Cup postponed until December 2027
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has announced that the Asian Cup, scheduled for early next year in Saudi Arabia, has been postponed by 12 months amid ongoing uncertainty caused by the war in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia had been due to host the event from January 7 to February 5, 2027, but it will now take place from December 23, 2027 to January 21, 2028.
Africa Cup of Nations reverts to two-year cycle
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reversed its decision to hold the Africa Cup of Nations every four years, with the event returning to a cycle of taking place every two years. CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced last December that the Africa Cup of Nations would become a quadrennial event from 2028. It was also revealed that CAF was planning on introducing a new Nations League tournament in 2029.
Lion deal to bring beer-garden experience to Australian Open
Hahn has been announced as the official beer of the Australian Open and will sponsor a new social space at the Grand Slam Oval in Melbourne Park. Hahn is owned by beverage company Lion, which has struck a multi-year deal with the Australian Open. The agreement will include the opening of Hahn House, a two-storey destination at Grand Slam Oval. The space is set to become one of the premier social hubs within the Melbourne Park precinct.
People on the move: London Stadium, Rugby World Cup and more
London Stadium has announced the appointment of Darren Raczkowski as interim chief executive. Raczkowski (centre of picture) has been a key part of the organisation for more than 11 years. He has been appointed to the role after Graham Gilmore decided to step down as chief executive to take early retirement. World Rugby has appointed Megan Rose as managing director of the 2031 Men’s Rugby World Cup in the US.
Architect shares images of APOEL’s new stadium
J+A Philippou Architects-Engineers has released fresh renderings of a proposed new stadium for Cypriot football team APOEL. J+A Philippou is working on the project, which will be located near the village of Kokkinotrimithia just outside of Nicosia, with Chaix & Morel. The stadium will be constructed in two phases. The first phase will deliver a stadium with a capacity of around 16,000, and this will then rise to approximately 20,000 during the second phase.
Frisco backs incentives for Toyota Stadium district
The City of Frisco has approved an agreement to apply for state grants that will support mixed-use improvements at Toyota Stadium, the home of Major League Soccer team FC Dallas. Frisco City Council has voted unanimously to execute a Chapter 380 Economic Development Agreement with the Hunt family, which operates the stadium. Hunt Sports Development is working with Peak Curated Development and Venu Holding Corporation to create a mixed-use district on the east side of the stadium.
Berlin, Paris and London to host Swimming World Cup
Venues in Berlin, Paris and London will host meets during the 2027 edition of the Swimming World Cup, which will serve as a qualifying event for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. In Berlin, the SSE Swimming Hall will host the opening stage of the competition from October 15-17. The German capital hosted the most recent Swimming World Cup meet on European soil in 2023. In Paris, the 5,000-seat Olympic Aquatics Centre will play host from October 22-24.
European Athletics Championships heading back to Helsinki
Helsinki has been awarded hosting rights to the 2030 edition of the European Athletics Championships, with the event to be held at the Finnish capital’s Olympic Stadium. Helsinki has been selected ahead of a bid from Brussels. It will mark the fourth time the city has staged the event, having done so in 1971, 1994 and 2012. The Olympic Stadium has a seated capacity of 36,300 having reopened in 2020 following a major development project.
Qatar ready to welcome F1, MotoGP amid war uncertainty
Qatar’s Lusail International Circuit has claimed that preparation work for next month’s Formula 1 and MotoGP grands prix remains on track, despite continued uncertainty around the events caused by the war in the Middle East. MotoGP’s Grand Prix of Qatar is due to take place from November 6-8, with F1’s Qatar Grand Prix scheduled for November 27-29. Lusail International Circuit has issued a statement saying that preparations for the two events are entering their final stages.
DFB publishes guideline for sound reinforcement tech in stadiums
The German Football Association (DFB) has published its first guideline for sound reinforcement technology in stadiums, in a move designed to set nationwide standards for safe and professional match operations. The new publication aims to support clubs, stadium operators, planning offices and authorities in the planning, modernisation and operation of sound systems.
Florence approves Fiorentina’s stadium financing proposal
The City of Florence has declared that the proposal submitted by Serie A club Fiorentina for the completion of redevelopment work at the Stadio Artemio Franchi is in the public interest. The decision defines the conditions for providing the stadium with long-term security, completing its redevelopment and ensuring its preservation.
Miami Heat taps HPE to modernise arena experience
Miami Heat has partnered with Hewlett Packard Enterprise to enhance connectivity at Kaseya Center, while the NBA and WNBA have expanded their relationship with AT&T. The Heat and HPE have announced a network modernisation project at Kaseya Center, with the aim of enhancing connectivity and creating a more “intelligent and resilient” digital foundation for fans, staff and venue operations.
Arena Fonte Nova lands Acelen as new naming-rights sponsor
Energy company Acelen has acquired naming rights to Arena Fonte Nova, the home stadium of Brazilian football team Esporte Club Bahia. Acelen will replace betting company Casa de Apostas as the stadium’s sponsor. The deal has been agreed in the wake of a national ban on online betting operations and advertising in Brazil. The stadium, which has a capacity of around 48,000, will now be known as Arena Accelen Fonte Nova.
Arsenal launches premium hospitality offering
Premier League club Arsenal has launched The Touchline, a new hospitality experience offering seats behind the home dugout at Emirates Stadium. Arsenal said the experience represents a “bold reimagining” of premium sports hospitality. The Touchline will enable fans to welcome the team into the stadium before following them from the tunnel onto the pitch for their warm-up.
London Stadium appoints OVG’s Owen to drive event growth
London Stadium has appointed Matt Owen as an associate director as part of plans to drive its live event growth. Owen joins London Stadium from Oak View Group, where he served as senior projects manager, global content and touring. While at OVG, he worked across programming, development and consultancy projects throughout OVG’s international venue portfolio.
Cisco to roll out Wi-Fi 7 tech at State Farm Arena
Technology company Cisco has announced new multi-year deals with the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers, while it has signed an expanded agreement with Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. Cisco’s deal with the Hawks designates it as a ‘proud technology partner’ of the team and its State Farm Arena. Cisco’s solutions will be used to continue powering the venue, with Wi-Fi 7 infrastructure to be rolled out.
CSKA Sofia takes control of revamped stadium
Bulgarian football club CSKA Sofia has officially taken control of the Bulgarian Army Stadium, which is set to reopen following a major redevelopment project. In a statement announcing the news, CSKA thanked Encho Keryazov, Bulgaria’s Minister of Youth and Sports, for playing an “important role” in the finalisation of the contract.
Blue Rhine lands Exosphere contract for Sphere Abu Dhabi
Blue Rhine, a United Arab Emirates-based audiovisual and digital signage specialist, has been awarded a contract to install LED screens that will feature on the Exosphere at Abu Dhabi’s new Sphere arena. Sphere Abu Dhabi, which will have a capacity of 20,000, is scheduled for completion in 2029. It will be located on Yas Island and will be Sphere Entertainment’s first venue outside of the US, after its landmark Las Vegas arena opened in 2023.
Naming-rights partner signed for Shizuoka stadium, arena
Japanese electrical products manufacturer MinebeaMitsumi has acquired naming rights to the 50,000-capacity Shizuoka Stadium, as well as the nearby 10,000-capacity Shizuoka Arena. The two venues are commonly known as Ecopa Stadium and Ecopa Arena, respectively, and form part of the wider Ogasayama Sports Park, which is operated by Shizuoka Prefecture. The park is located in the city of Fukuroi. MinebeaMitsumi has also taken on naming rights to three related facilities within the sports park.
People on the move: Wolves, Sunderland and more
Championship club Wolverhampton Wanderers has appointed Jonathan Gregory as its new chief commercial officer. Gregory (pictured) has previously worked at the English Football Association, Wembley Stadium, Fulham, Leicester City, Puma and Adidas. He also has a long-standing connection to Wolves having worked at PepsiCo when its Doritos brand sponsored the club during the early 2000s.
Sydney FC secures long-term stay at Allianz Stadium
A-League football club Sydney FC has struck a 25-year agreement to continue playing home fixtures at Allianz Stadium, with the deal designed to give the team greater control of its matchday experience. Sydney FC said the deal gives the club a “firm foundation” to plan ambitiously, deepen its connection with supporters and build on its history at the stadium.
Atlanta Dream secures State Farm Arena move for WNBA Finals
An agreement has been reached for the Atlanta Dream to play games three and four of the WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena in a move that will allow the team to attract a larger attendance. The Dream played six regular-season games, as well as all three play-off games, at the 17,600-capacity State Farm Arena, which primarily serves as the home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks.
Plans unveiled for mixed-use district around Delta Center
Smith Entertainment Group has detailed plans for a new mixed-use district around Delta Center, the home arena of the NBA’s Utah Jazz and the NHL’s Utah Mammoth. The arena itself has been undergoing extensive renovation work since the summer of 2025 as part of plans to transform it into a premier dual-sport venue. This came after the arena started hosting games played by the Mammoth in 2024, having primarily served as the home of the Jazz since 1991.
BESIX Watpac set to land Macquarie Point Stadium contract
Australian construction specialist BESIX Watpac has been selected as the preferred tenderer for a new 23,000-seat stadium in Hobart, Tasmania that will serve as the home of an AFL expansion franchise. BESIX Watpac will now progress to the second stage of the request for tender process, which will enable further refinement of project delivery arrangements and continued engagement before a final decision on contract award is made.
Benfica, Emirates launch premium hospitality lounge
SL Benfica has opened the Emirates Lounge at Estádio da Luz, with the space to provide a premium hospitality offering combining football, gastronomy and a bespoke service for guests. The lounge has capacity for 160 guests and strengthens the relationship between Emirates and Benfica. The airline has sponsored Benfica since 2014 and the two parties’ agreement runs until 2029.
Saudi Arabia to cut back World Cup stadium plans – report
Saudi Arabia is reportedly considering dropping plans for five new stadiums that would have been used during its staging of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Global news platform Semafor, citing people familiar with the matter, has reported that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) is “preparing to inform” organisers of the World Cup of its plans to scale back its stadium construction.
Aldar backs new hospitality offering at The O2
The O2 in London has announced the launch of The Level by Aldar, a new premium hospitality offering designed to meet the demand for elevated event experiences at the arena. The Level by Aldar will form part of a wider programme of investment at The O2, which owner and operator AEG International hopes will allow the venue to continue evolving alongside changing fan expectations. The launch comes as demand for premium experiences at the arena continues to grow.
DC considers municipal bond sale for Commanders stadium
The District of Columbia is weighing up the possibility of borrowing around $526m (£397m/€470m) in municipal bonds to support the financing of a new stadium for the NFL’s Washington Commanders. The District submitted a securities filing on October 9 outlining its borrowing plans, the Bloomberg news agency has reported. The filing states that taxes on certain businesses in DC will support stadium-related costs and other infrastructure improvements.
Aviva Arena launches Supersonic membership programme
Aviva Arena, the 20,000-capacity facility under construction in Bristol, has announced a wide-ranging VIP membership programme covering private suites, restaurants and lounges. Memberships for the arena’s Supersonic programme have gone on sale today (Tuesday), with renderings of the proposed spaces also revealed. The VIP programme will offer companies, brands and fans an array of exclusive, “next-level” hospitality. The arena is currently being built at Filton Airfield and is due to open in 2028.
Scotland women’s match to allow alcohol consumption in stands
Fans attending tonight’s FIFA Women’s World Cup play-off match between Scotland and Czechia will be able to consume alcohol in the stands in a move the Scottish FA described as a “significant step forward”. It will mark the first time since 1981 that fans of a Scottish national team have been able to drink alcohol in the stands at a home match.
New circuit to be built as Rwanda lands F1 grand prix
Formula 1 has struck a 10-year deal to stage a grand prix in Rwanda, with a purpose-built circuit to be developed for a race that will join the calendar in the early 2030s. It will mark F1’s first event in Africa since 1993, when the South African Grand Prix was last held. The event will be officially branded as the Formula 1 African Grand Prix, presented by Visit Rwanda. In recent years, South Africa has held talks about staging a grand prix but no deal was able to be reached.
WWE heading back to Brisbane, Auckland
WWE has announced plans for three new events across Australia and New Zealand this December. Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena will host a WWE Superstars event on December 9, before the Brisbane Entertainment Centre and Auckland’s Spark Arena (pictured) do so on December 15 and December 17. The events will mark WWE’s return to Brisbane after seven years, while Auckland last staged a WWE event 10 years ago. Tickets for the three events will go on sale this Thursday at 2pm local time.
Hook to step down as Brisbane 2032 CEO
Cindy Hook has announced that she will depart as chief executive of the organising committee for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Hook, a US businesswoman who formerly served as chief executive of Deloitte Asia Pacific, was appointed to the role in December 2022 but will step down following the conclusion of her four-year contract.
Rays to open experience centre for new ballpark
The Tampa Bay Rays Major League Baseball team will open an experience centre next year to provide fans with a closer look at its new stadium, which is due to open in 2029. The Rays recently received approval from Tampa City Council and the Hillsborough County Commission to move forward with an agreement for a new ballpark. The stadium will be located at the corner of Dale Mabry Highway and West Tampa Bay Boulevard, near Raymond James Stadium and Tampa International Airport.
BayArena sets German first with Wi-Fi 7 upgrade
Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen has set a first for German football after partnering with Extreme Networks to deploy a Wi-Fi 7 network at the BayArena. The new network will deliver increased performance, enhanced security, higher throughput and lower latency. More than 400 Extreme Wi-Fi 7 access points have been fitted to provide coverage across the stadium bowl, training facilities, concourses, pitchside areas, lounges, VIP spaces and hospitality areas.
JetBlue Loft space unveiled at Gillette Stadium
Kraft Sports + Entertainment has introduced a new premium hospitality space at Gillette Stadium in partnership with airline JetBlue. The JetBlue Loft is designed to bring fans closer to the action and create an elevated setting for private events throughout the year.
Leinster makes winning return to Laya Arena
Leinster Rugby played its first match at the redeveloped Laya Arena on Saturday, with more than 20,000 fans watching the team’s 29-5 United Rugby Championship win over Cardiff. The Dublin stadium, formerly known as RDS Arena, has undergone a €52m (£43.9m/$58.1m) redevelopment programme focusing on the Anglesea Stand and Grandstand.
LOSC set to buy back stadium operations
LOSC Lille has reached an agreement with the Métropole Européenne de Lille (MEL) to repay €24m (£20m/$27m) in unpaid rent for the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, with the Ligue 1 club set to buy back operation of the stadium from construction company Eiffage. Eric Skyronka, president of the MEL, confirmed on Friday that a deal had been agreed with the club to secure rents and settle disputes to strengthen the management of the facility, which is officially known as the Decathlon Arena.
People on the move: Timberwolves, Munster Rugby and more
Jamie Morningstar has been named chief commercial officer of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx. Morningstar (right of picture) has spent the last five years as senior vice-president of ticketing at Madison Square Garden Sports. In the newly created role, she will oversee the ticket sales and service, corporate partnerships and marketing functions across the Timberwolves and Lynx.
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