Shorts: Man City, England Netball, Surrey CCC

Manchester City has announced Piing as its new official crowd games supplier.

As per the agreement, supporters at the Etihad Stadium and the Joie Stadium will be able to take part in Piing games pre-match and at half-time.

Fans will have the chance to play Pen-Kick on the big screens, and test their footballing knowledge with Quiiz, two of Piing’s most popular products.

Gareth Langley, CEO of Piing, commented, “This collaboration marks a huge step for the Piing brand and brings us back to a team in which we have some deep connections and long standing friendships.”

“We’re on a mission to engage fans at the greatest events on Earth, so we’re really looking forward to large crowds across men’s and women’s matches at the Etihad and Joie Stadiums getting their hands on our games.”

England Netball has renewed its partnership with SECUTIX, the global ticketing engagement platform, as part of a multi-year contract extension.

The partnership, which sees SECUTIX remain as England Netball’s ticketing technology partner, initially began in 2019.

As part of the extended partnership, mobile digital tickets powered by SECUTIX’s TIXNGO secure mobile ticketing platform will be implemented for all major events, including Vitality Roses’ home international fixtures and Netball Super League (NSL) games.

Mark Foster, England Netball Chief Commercial Officer, said, “I’m thrilled that this new partnership will bring an improved mobile digital ticketing to our fans. As we continue to grow the sport and engage with our audience, having a reliable and trusted ticketing partner is crucial in order to offer an outstanding fan experience.

“We’ve had a great working relationship with SECUTIX, and I’m delighted we are continuing our partnership. Their support has been a huge benefit in terms of introducing innovations to improve fan engagement and it will also make it easier for netball clubs to purchase group bookings and share tickets with their members. This is great news for netball fans.”

Surrey County Cricket Club (SCCC) has announced a multi-year partnership with Pommery Champagne.

Starting in 2024, Pommery Champagne will become the official champagne partner of The Kia Oval and SCCC and become available as an upgrade option in box seats, featured in concourse wine bars, and served exclusively in the Duchy Suite during International matches.

From 2025 onwards, the partnership will expand to include both Pommery Champagne and Louis Pommery English Sparkling Wine.

The partnership grants Pommery extensive rights, including in-ground advertising, hospitality and ticket provisions, social media promotions. Pommery will also provide marketing support, including staff and brand training sessions, and exclusive access to their esteemed wine makers for inclusion in hospitality spaces.

Steve Elworthy, Chief Executive of Surrey County Cricket Club, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Pommery Champagne as our official champagne partner. Their reputation for excellence and innovation will significantly enhance the experience for our members and guests at The Kia Oval. We look forward to a successful and dynamic partnership.”

Durham Cricket and Durham Cricket Foundation have extended their partnership with Go North East as the front of shirt sponsor for its Visually Impaired team until 2025.

First founded in June 2007, Durham’s Visually Impaired Cricket Team now play in ECB’s (England and Wales Cricket Board) Development League, against 11 other teams.

Visually Impaired (VI) cricket is a specially adapted version of the game that is suitable for anyone with a visual impairment – whether partially sighted or totally blind.

Tom Seymour, the Commercial Director for Durham Cricket said, “We are delighted to have GO North East, a local company connecting the region, renew their partnership and sponsorship of the Visually Impaired Team.”

 “We’d like to thank them for their continued support for this programme and further showing the commitment we have here at Durham Cricket in creating an inclusive and welcoming space in the sport. Go North East’s continued support towards this programme shows how important inclusivity is in cricket and we are thrilled to have this partnership through the coming year.”