Malta Premier League announce Malta Premier Stadium
The Malta Premier League has officially announced plans for the new 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘂𝗺.
The Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment Byron Camilleri, together with the Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation Clifton Grima, announced the new Malta Premier stadium project.
This is an initiative that continues to build on the investment made by the Government in recent years in sports infrastructure. In the presence of the leadership of the Malta Premier, as well as the Presidents of the clubs participating in the championship, it was explained that the support for this project is part of a broader vision of the Government to continue investing in modern and sustainable sports infrastructure.
In his speech, Minister Byron Camilleri stressed that this is another important step in this direction and said that "This Malta Premier project will be another important link in this effort to take our country's sports infrastructure to another level." He added that a stadium is not just a building, but a space where people gather and where values such as discipline, unity and fair play are embraced. He stated that a better experience for the public is crucial for more people to approach local football, and that modern infrastructure can make a concrete difference in the way the game is followed and appreciated. He also reiterated that the aim is to create an environment where families feel comfortable attending and where football is a social experience that unites people.
The new stadium is intended to host not only top-level local games, but also to meet the standards required for international competitions, as required by UEFA, while providing Maltese football with the facilities it truly deserves.
The sports complex itself is not limited to football, but is planned as a multifunctional space that can host other sports, including rugby, and different sporting activities, so that it can be used more widely by the community.
Minister Clifton Grima said: "This project reflects our commitment to continue investing in both our athletes and our country's sports infrastructure. Today, Malta has a strong reputation in the organisation of international events, and this is the fruit of continuous investment and long-term vision." Minister Grima stated that this new stadium will be a modern and sustainable facility that will continue to provide more opportunities to clubs, communities and above all to our youth. It is an investment that continues to strengthen the sports sector in our country, while also recognising the important value that sport has in our society.
The Chairman of the Malta Premier League, Dr Joseph Muscat, said: "This is a project that will help ensure the sustainability of Maltese football because it will make the experience of those attending more attractive. We will have a modern and safe environment similar to modern stadiums outside Malta and it will be a genuine outing for the whole family. This project will be the New Home of the Malta Premier, the symbol of Maltese Football." This project confirms the Government's commitment to continue investing in sport as an important pillar of society, with a clear vision that combines better infrastructure with more opportunities and participation. It is another step towards a future where the football experience is more modern, accessible and of quality for all.
Bernabeu to feature Tennis court for Madrid Open
The Mutua Madrid Open will once again position itself at the forefront of sport and major international events with an unprecedented initiative; the installation of a clay court in the Bernabeu Stadium. This exclusive installation will be available from 23 to 30 April for the biggest stars of the ATP and WTA Tours to practise in conditions that replicate those of the courts in the Caja Magica.
This initiative marks an historic step for the tournament, the city of Madrid, and the stadium itself. Bringing a clay court to one of the world’s most iconic venues creates a unique coming together of the traditions of tennis and the universal dimension of a venue that will be transformed as it continues to offer surprising new experiences.
“Ever since its first year, the Mutua Madrid Open has stood out above any other tournament on the tour, and it has never stopped implementing initiatives like this one”, said Gerard Tsobanian, CEO of the tournament. “This year’s proposal will undoubtedly raise the bar even higher; initiating a collaboration with one of the best stadiums in the world, the Bernabeu, home of Real Madrid, and will place the Mutua Madrid Open in a unique category that includes only the best”.
The arrival of the Mutua Madrid Open at the Bernabeu also reaffirms Madrid’s capacity to implement innovative initiatives with a global reach, bringing together two great symbols of the city. On the one hand, one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments on the international tour, on the other, a legendary venue whose history goes beyond football and which has also established itself as a venue for world-class sports and leisure events.
Throughout its history, the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium has hosted some of the most important matches in international sport, including the final of the 1982 World Cup, the final of the 1964 European Nations’ Cup, four European Cup finals, and the 2018 Copa Libertadores final.
In the stadium’s recent evolution, one of the standout moments was the hosting of Spain’s first official regular season NFL match, played on 16 November 2025 between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders. It is through initiatives like this that the Bernabeu demonstrates its capacity to host new sporting, entertainment and gastronomic experiences thanks to its ability to adapt to the standards of the most demanding projects in the world.
This context further enhances the value of the Mutua Madrid Open’s initiative. The presence of a clay court in the Bernabeu not only meets an operational need for players, who will have a new training space fully integrated into the tournament dynamic, but also projects a powerful image of Madrid as a capital capable of reinventing its major sporting venues and connecting them with one another.
The Bernabeu is not simply a stadium, it is a symbol, a place associated with great achievements, historic finals and moments that have shaped generations. Incorporating it into the world of the Mutua Madrid Open for that period is to bring tennis to one of the most recognisable and iconic landmarks of world sport and entertainment.
This initiative will allow players to enjoy a unique experience in the very heart of Madrid, expanding the practice spaces for the event and adding an extraordinary emotional and symbolic component to their participation in the tournament. Practising in such a monumental setting, which is accustomed to hosting historic events, will turn each session into a powerful image for both tennis and the city, rather than just a competitive routine.
Through this initiative, the Mutua Madrid Open is once again demonstrating its commitment to innovation, its international ambition and its capacity to generate distinctive projects that transcend sport. The installation of this court in the Bernabeu will undoubtedly be one of the iconic images of this year’s event. A clay court in one of the most universal temples of sport.
BrightView landscaping expand Sports and Golf portfolios
BrightView, the USA's leading commercial landscaping company, continues to expand its Sports and Golf portfolios, with its work increasingly showcased at high-profile sporting events across the United States and around the world.
BrightView’s expertise spans some of the most recognisable venues and competitions in sports, from Major League Baseball’s Field of Dreams and London Series to FIFA World Cup and Major League Soccer pitches, Division I collegiate athletics complexes, high school playing fields, and premier golf courses and resorts.
The company serves as the Official Field Consultant of Major League Baseball and has been involved in more than 200 international games across 11 countries, including the recently completed World Baseball Classic.
“To be trusted to manage the playing surfaces for so many world-class sporting events and facilities is truly an honor and privilege,” said Murray Cook, President of BrightView’s Sports division. “The athletes who compete on these fields are among the best in their sport, and they deserve conditions that are safe, consistent, and second to none. We’re proud to deliver that level of excellence at the highest level of competition.”
Recent notable sports and golf projects include:
- Designed and constructed MLB’s Speedway Classic baseball diamond inside Bristol Motor Speedway
- Converted SoFi Stadium field for the 2025 Club World Cup, with preparations underway for the 2026 World Cup
- Built soccer pitches for San Diego FC’s new training facility
- Installed new baseball, women’s soccer, and lacrosse fields at University of Southern California
- Renovated outdoor football practice fields at University of Nebraska
- Secured new golf course maintenance contracts with Country Club of Miami and Lake Arrowhead (CA) Country Club
- Restored the historic Redlands (CA) Country Club golf course
- Expanded golf course management portfolio with The Villages®
“Being a leader in golf course maintenance further strengthens our overall turf portfolio and directly impacts the golfer experience,” said Terry McGuire, BrightView’s Vice President, Golf Operations, which oversees almost 80 golf courses throughout the U.S. “Clubs choose BrightView because they expect exceptional quality and consistency for their members and guests, and we take great pride in delivering on that expectation.”
While Sports and Golf Course Maintenance frequently draw national attention, BrightView’s comprehensive capabilities across the full landscape lifecycle – including design and development, maintenance and enhancements, tree care, irrigation, and snow and ice management – are what set the company apart as America’s premier commercial landscape provider.
Visa & BofA Bring Street Soccer Parks to 2026 Host Cities
Visa, the Official Payment Technology Partner of the FIFA World Cup 26™, together with national nonprofit Street Soccer USA and Bank of America, the Official Bank Sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 26™, today announced a significant expansion of Visa Street Soccer Parks, bringing a new park to every host city in the U.S. ahead of this summer’s tournament.
Designed to serve communities at the neighborhood level, Visa Street Soccer Parks transform underutilized spaces into vibrant, accessible hubs for sport, learning and connection. As the tournament approaches, the expansion will bring community-driven infrastructure and programming to all 11 U.S. FIFA World Cup 26™ Host Cities, including new parks in Boston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia and Seattle/Tacoma. This community-focused infrastructure investment reflects a shared commitment to harnessing the unifying power of sport to uplift local communities
Alongside the expansion of Visa Street Soccer Parks, Visa will activate Visa & Main, its new small business engagement program, to support local entrepreneurs in the neighborhoods surrounding each park.
“With the FIFA World Cup™ just months away, we’re shifting from preparation to execution,” said Kim Lawrence, Regional President, North America, Visa. “This tournament is a global moment, but its legacy is built locally—in the neighborhoods that will host fans, families and the next generation of players. By expanding Visa Street Soccer Parks and supporting the local businesses and people who activate them every day, we’re turning tournament momentum into meaningful opportunity that lasts well beyond the final match.”
Each park is custom designed to support meaningful, ongoing use by the communities it serves and features two professional grade Bank of America fields, lighting for extended play, learning centers and flexible gathering spaces. Programming is delivered in collaboration with community partners and tailored to local needs—supporting recreational play, academic enrichment, workforce readiness and community engagement.
“Communities are built on accessible opportunities for connection, healthy activity and growth,” said David Tyrie, President, Marketing, Digital and Specialized Consumer Client Solutions at Bank of America. “These are more than just places to play; they are spaces where people of all ages can find common ground through the game of soccer, develop essential life skills and forge lasting bonds that strengthen our community fabric.”
Since opening the first park in San Francisco last year, the initiative is already demonstrating its impact on the ground with additional parks in Denver, Kansas City and New York City actively hosting youth and adult leagues, after-school academic support, financial education sessions and job readiness programming in partnership with local organizations. Previously announced parks in Nashville and Atlanta remain in development, with opening dates to be shared as planning is finalized.
“This is not about short-term excitement—it’s about building something that lasts,” said Lawrence Cann, Co-Founder and President of Street Soccer USA. “These parks are designed to create consistency and access, but more importantly, they belong to the communities that activate them every day. Rooted in community leadership, they create a bottom-up, durable legacy built and sustained by the people who call these neighborhoods home. As we expand these efforts into additional cities across the country, the focus is permanence and ensuring this work endures long after the tournament ends.”
The FIFA World Cup 26™ will bring unprecedented global attention to the United States. Through Visa Street Soccer Parks—and by supporting the people and small businesses that activate them—Visa, Street Soccer USA and Bank of America are already delivering community-driven impact, building spaces that will serve local communities well beyond the tournament itself.
Leo Messi Stand announced by Inter Miami
Inter Miami CF has announced The Leo Messi stand, with its number 10 and captain set to become part of a rare and unique case in global sports: an athlete regularly playing at his home stadium with a stand named in his honour.
Traditionally, tributes look to the past. They are built from nostalgia. From memory. This one is different. This one is born from the present. From what is happening right now. From what you feel every time Leo steps onto the pitch. Recognizing someone is not always about closing a chapter. Sometimes it is about realising you are witnessing something unique.
Messi initially arrived in South Florida in the summer of 2023, kickstarting an era of success for the Club. He was key in captaining Inter Miami to its historic first four trophies by winning the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield, the 2025 Eastern Conference title and the 2025 MLS Cup. In terms of individual accolades, Messi has continued setting the standard since his arrival in MLS, including winning the 2025 MLS Golden Boot presented by Audi with 29 goals and 48 total goal contributions (29 goals, 19 assists) and being named Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player both in 2024 and 2025 to become the first player in league history to win the award in consecutive seasons.
Notably, he has also established himself as Inter Miami’s all-time leader both in goals and assists, tallying 82 goals and 53 assists in 94 appearances across all competitions to date.
The 38-year-old Rosario, Argentina, native is the most decorated player of all time, having won a total 46 team trophies to this point in his career. In addition to the historic titles won at Inter Miami, Messi has won the UEFA Champions League four times, an Olympic gold medal, three FIFA Club World Cups, 10 La Liga titles, two Ligue 1 titles, seven Copa del Rey titles and one Trophée des Champions. On the international stage, Messi guided Argentina to the 2021 and 2024 CONMEBOL Copa América titles and 2022 CONMEBOL-UEFA Cup of Champions crown, and further cemented his legacy by leading his country to a historic 2022 FIFA World Cup title.
Messi’s list of personal accolades, meanwhile, includes a record eight Ballon d’Or titles, three The Best FIFA Men’s Player awards and two FIFA World Cup Golden Balls – making him the only player to win the award twice.
As the MLS Cup Champions gear up for their historic opener at Nu Stadium on April 4, Inter Miami is thrilled to announce that the East Stand at our new state-of-the-art home will be dedicated to the best player in history.
Spanning from sections 117-121 in the Lower Bowl and 217 - 223 in the Upper Bowl, the Leo Messi Stand is incorporated into Nu Stadium’s unified seating bowl, guaranteeing fans a unique experience with the best views of the action while enhancing crowd energy to create the best atmosphere in the league.
Fans within the Leo Messi Stands will receive surprise and delight moments as part of the experience in this special and historic section.
RC Deportivo launch Club Riazor and Bar Bruma hospitality areas
RC Deportivo have taken steps to improve the experience in the ABANCA-RIAZOR stadium with the implementation of new hospitality areas that have doubled the offering available on match days. With this expansion, the Club has reinforced its commitment to offer differential spaces, designed for both companies and fans who seek to live football in a unique environment. Club Riazor and Bar Bruma are the new VIP boxes that are located between the 'Córner de Pabellón', 'Preferencia' and 'Marathón'.
Club Riazor is a space conceived as an environment for business networking. In a privileged environment, with direct views of the playing field, this space was born with the aim of promoting the generation of synergies, promoting new business opportunities and facilitating high-value meetings in an exclusive context.
Bar Bruma is an innovative and differential concept within the stadium. It is a contemporary and creative meeting point, with a marked cultural identity thanks to the presence of works by Galician artists. In a more relaxed and informal atmosphere, the space is committed to a complete sensory experience, where you can enjoy live music or showcooking proposals that make each visit something special, beyond the game itself.
Likewise, after the inauguration of the Dépor Museo & Tour, the Sala Dorada and the Sala Azul also start to function as hospitality areas on match days, favoring the user experience and enriching the global proposal of ABANCA-RIAZOR.
To book the Club Riazor or the Bar Bruma, those interested can contact via email: vip@rcdeportivo.es
With this expansion, RC Deportivo reaffirms its commitment to innovation, the continuous improvement of services and the creation of new experiences for fans, companies and collaborators.
Las Palmas stadium to host Rally Islas Canarias opener
Midland RockHounds Head Into 2026 with New Daktronics Display
Daktronics of Brookings, South Dakota, has partnered with the Midland RockHounds to manufacture and install a new LED video display in the outfield at Momentum Bank Ballpark in Midland, Texas. The installation took place in January, and the right-field display is ready to inform and entertain baseball fans in 2026 and beyond.
“The new video board is sure to captivate fans of all ages with high-quality visual entertainment, enhancing the in-game experience,” said Midland RockHounds General Manager Shelly Haenggi. “We’re thrilled for the upcoming RockHounds season, and many to come, with the range of presentation options it offers.”
Video Display Details
The new outfield video display measures approximately 32.5 feet high by 66 feet wide and features a 10-millimetre pixel spacing to deliver crisp, clear visuals to fans throughout the ballpark. The display features industry-leading environmental protection to ensure it operates as expected in the Texas outdoors.
“Working to bring a new video board – one of the biggest displays in the Texas League – is something that will immediately elevate the game-day experience at Momentum Bank Ballpark,” said Charlie Durrenberger, Daktronics sales representative. “It was great to work with the City of Midland and the RockHounds' leadership on this project from the early stages through completion.”
The display features variable content zoning allowing it to show one large image or multiple zones of content ranging from live video to instant replays, game information to statistics, and graphics and animations to sponsorship messages.
Daktronics is also including a complete Show Control solution. This industry-leading control system provides a combination of display control software, world-class video processing, data integration and playback hardware that forms a powerful yet user-friendly production solution. For more information on Show Control, visit www.daktronics.com/show.
Included with the equipment installation, the RockHounds will receive a digital content package to be produced and delivered by Daktronics Creative Services.
Daktronics has grown with the sports industry from the company’s beginning in 1968. Today, the company has integrated LED super systems in more than 50% of all professional sports facilities in the United States and Canada. For more information on what Daktronics can provide, visit www.daktronics.com/professionalsports.
E-sports: British Arena renders and name revealed
The name and exclusive mockup images of the upcoming 15,000 sq.ft British Arena in Sunderland have been revealed.
The multi-use venue – first announced last summer as the Gaming and Esports Arena – will be able to host live music events, comedy nights, private bookings, broadcasts, games industry, esports events, sports events, premier match day experiences, conferences and lots more.
The arena aligns with the North East Mayor Kim McGuinness’ commitment to growing the creative industries, and falls within the Creative Mayoral Development Zone partnership between the Mayor and Sunderland City Council, which aims to accelerate housing and commercial development and attract private and public investment with a particular focus on fueling creative sector growth.
Construction of the British Arena is well underway, as interest grows ahead of its planned opening in summer 2026, with a fly-through video and mockup images of the arena interior, exterior, cafe, social space and arcade area giving a sneak peek into what to expect.
The arena will be equipped with a 200-seat and 400-standing main stage theatre, boasting a 17m LED screen, full 5G capability, broadcast, content and editing studios, retail and hospitality, performance rooms and an expansive 550 sq.m secure outdoor activation space, with a private 2,000 sq.m car park.
There’s also a lounge and bar space which has capacity for 350 standing guests, including an arcade zone.
A new dedicated British Arena website has also launched.
The news comes as the British Esports Federation – the national gaming federation behind the arena – celebrates its 10th anniversary on March 21st 2026.
The venue will sit alongside the existing National Esports Performance Campus facilities and The Place accommodation located in Sunniside, the heart of Sunderland, opposite the Stadium of Light, the home of Premier League football team AFC Sunderland.
British Esports has worked closely with Sunderland City Council to drive digital skills, career pathways and economic growth in the North East in recent years. Its senior leadership team also have significant experience managing events and venues, having operated premium hospitality at Wembley Stadium.
Many local businesses and global brands have already expressed interest in getting involved with the new arena, which presents a unique opportunity for a suitable naming partner to benefit from vast exposure through premium fan experiences, fan zones and intimate private activation spaces.
In addition, the British Arena is set to host global-reaching esports events and activities, such as practice matches for teams ahead of the major Esports World Cup and Esports Nations Cup.
The inaugural International Defence Esports Games finals for military gaming teams will also take place at the British Arena from October 9th to 11th 2026.
Dave Martin, British Esports Senior Vice President, commented: “There’s been a real rise in excitement as the British Arena takes shape and the world can see its development is underway. We’ve been meeting all kinds of people and businesses who want to get involved and we’re hugely optimistic about the potential of this venue.
“With building works progressing nicely, we have a few design concept images to share, which help bring the arena to life to help potential partners understand what it’s all about. Several exciting conversations are underway in what is arguably the biggest thing we’ve done to date. We can’t wait to share more with you.”
The arena will sit at the heart of the transforming Sheepfolds area, which is part of Riverside Sunderland, a development that is held up as one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects.
Peter McIntyre, Executive Director of Economy & Place at Sunderland City Council, said: “The arena will be a fantastic addition to Sheepfolds, which is transforming thanks to developments like the Stables and the new Housing Innovation & Construction Skills Academy, and with much more to come.
“Sunderland is an exciting place for people to live, work and play, and – with this new addition – the future looks even brighter.”
T20WC28 venue selection process begins
The selection process for host cities and venues for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028 (T20WC28) has commenced with states, territories, regions and venues across Australia and New Zealand today issued an invitation to participate.
The event will feature up to 10 venues which will be announced by the end of 2026.
The T20WC28 awarded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to New Zealand Cricket (NZC) and Cricket Australia (CA) stands as cricket’s most electrifying global Tournament, uniting the world’s finest male players and most passionate fans in a celebration of the sport’s fastest, most explosive format.
Held in October and November 2028, the Tournament will feature 20 teams playing 55 matches: 40 Group Stage matches, 12 Super 8 matches, two Semi Finals and a Final.
As co-hosts of the 2028 event, Australia and New Zealand are granted automatic qualification. England, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe have also qualified via their progression to the Super 8 stage of the recently concluded 2026 event.
Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Ireland have also secured their place at the 2028 event, as the next three highest-ranked teams in the ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings as of 9 March 2026 (the day after the 2026 Final). The remaining eight places in the 20-team field will be determined through a regional qualification pathway.
Joel Morrison, CEO of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028 said: “The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2028 will be the biggest cricket event ever staged in the southern hemisphere.
“Australia and New Zealand will host the best players and teams in the world, including arguably the hottest property in sport, reigning champions India.
“Cricket World Cups are mega events and they deliver significant social, economic and promotional benefits to host cities.
“Key to maximising these outcomes and executing a world class event is cricket’s commitment to a partnership approach with governments, venues, commercial and broadcast partners and local communities.
“We look forward to working with prospective partners through this process as we seek to unite and inspire fans globally through a spectacular festival of cricket that extends its benefits far beyond the cricket field.”