Shorts: Utilita Bowl, Formula E, Brentford

Southampton’s Utilita Bowl is aiming to become the world’s greenest cricket ground by switching to solar power.

The Utilita Bowl has begun installing 1,044 panels in July, after receiving planning approval from Eastleigh Borough Council.

The stadium’s naming rights partner, Utilita Energy, has funded the project in the hope that 25% of the annual electricity used in the venue will be covered by green technology, ahead of England’s three T20 internationals against Australia this month.

More than 600 panels have fixed to the venue’s hotel, with a further 180 set to be installed on the roofs of the East and West stands. This is projected to save the venue a six-figure sum each year in electricity costs, alongside 80 tonnes of carbon.

According to the BBC, the stadium has already commissioned six electric vehicle charging points at the hotel and it will be looking to find space to install more solar panels.

David Mann, Chief Executive at Utilita Bowl said this was “the first key step” on the path to becoming “the world’s greenest cricket ground.”

“It really does seem to be the way forward with energy bills and the cost of power being so high, alongside the impact on the planet,”

Kathy Gibbs, Sustainability Manager at the ECB, added, “It is great to see Utilita Bowl taking this step with this investment in onsite generation of renewable energy. The associated reduction of their carbon footprint will contribute to everything they are doing to help tackle climate change.”

Formula E has reported record global cumulative TV viewership of 491 million for its 10th season, marking an increase of 35% on last year.

The all-electric racing series’ Monaco race attracted 40 million viewers, the highest for any event in the championship’s history. 

In addition, the global fanbase grew by 23%, averaging 374 million fans throughout the season.

The series also experienced a significant rise in its digital presence, with social media followers growing by 20% and delivering over 1 billion impressions across all platforms. 

Video views across Formula E’s digital channels meanwhile surged by 147%.

Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E said, “We continue to be bold in our ambitions, and this data shows our commitment to exciting racing and innovation, cementing our position as the fastest-growing motorsport in the world against a backdrop of esteemed and more established series.

“We are still incredibly ambitious and are already planning an even bigger and more exciting year for Season 11.”

Brentford have renewed their partnership with online retailer Aosom UK for a further two years.

As per the original deal signed in 2022, junior and premium season ticket holders have received Aosom UK prizes at the Bees Christmas events.

Within the 2023/24 season, the e-commerce retailer launched their matchday competition for Brentford fans at all home fixtures, with lucky winners receiving a Aosom voucher worth up to £250.

This competition will continue this season and fans can now register their interest in getting involved.

Adam Ward, Brentford FC’s head of partnership services said, “Aosom UK has been a fantastic partner to work with for the last couple of seasons. They are always open for new ideas and are always looking at ways they can add value and provide opportunities for Bees fans.”

Arvind Panchmatia, Aosom UK’s general manager added, “Our collaboration during the last two seasons has been very well received, driven by shared values of passion, teamwork and community spirit. We’ve seen fantastic engagement with fans both on and off the pitch.”

LIV Golf has hired five new team General Managers, who will oversee teams’ daily operations, as well as sponsorship sales, marketing and player relations.

Jonas Martensson, Martin Kim, Jeff Koski, Nick Adams and Richard Glover have joined the international golf circuit’s Cleeks, Iron Heads, Legion XIII, Ripper and Stinger clubs respectively.

Katie O’Reilly, Head of Team Business Operations at LIV Golf, said, “Attracting top industry talent not only brings a wealth of business acumen to the table but it is a testament to the long-term growth of LIV Golf.

 “We look forward to watching our new team leaders flourish in our ecosystem, while focused on driving brand equity and franchise value in our 13 properties.”

England Rugby League (ERL) and kit provider Oxen have released a new playing kit for the upcoming season which will be worn by the men, women and wheelchair teams. 

The kit will debut this Autumn when all three sides take part in the International Test Season, ahead of England men and women play in the Ashes series against Australia in 2025.

This campaign included the release of a limited-edition community training shirt which will be free when purchasing the 2024/25 kit. 

Lee Jenkinson, CEO of Oxen, said, “We are delighted with the new look for the England Rugby League Men, Women and Wheelchair teams for 2024/25.”

The new shirt can now be purchased from OXEN’s elite pro sports online store or at OXEN’s flagship store.

England Lacrosse has extended partnership with Forza as its official match and training equipment provider.

The national body first partnered with Forza in 2021, before signing a three-year deal in 2023 that saw the sports equipment brand become its official match and training equipment provider.

The sub-brand of Net World Sport s has relaunched its deal with England Lacrosse to extend exclusive offers and discounts to members ahead of the new season.

Forza’s partnership portfolio also includes Manchester United, Manchester City and Durham Cricket.

Lois Jones, Partnerships Executive at Forza said, “By leveraging the expert knowledge of the team at England Lacrosse, we’re excited to further enhance our range of equipment and support the growth of the sport across the country.”

Caroline Royle, England Lacrosse Head of Marketing & Partnerships added, “Our partnership with FORZA has been growing over the past three years and we’re delighted to be able to continue working with our Official Match and Training Equipment Provider into the future.”

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