Additional £4.5m funding secured for Cumberland Sports Village
An additional £4.5 million funding has been secured from the recently formed Cumbria Combined Authority to enhance the Cumberland Sports Village in Workington.
The project had previously secured Workington Town Deal funding and support from Cumberland Council for the development of the site of Borough Park.
The additional CCA funding will result in the scheme being extended to include the replacement of all the terraces and increase the total capacity at the new stadium to 5,000.
The revised scheme will be project managed and delivered by Cumberland Council.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said: “The Cumberland Sports Village forms a key element in the plans for the regeneration of Workington. The project will provide a transformed community sports and leisure offer within the Lower Derwent Valley close to Workington town centre and the existing Workington Leisure Centre, cricket and bowling clubs.
“As well as sport, the stadium will also act as a focal point for both the community and businesses within the area. An improved hospitality offer means the stadium will also be used for meetings, conferences, functions, events and community activities. We are delighted that the additional funding has been secured.”
John Barradell OBE, Interim Chief Executive for Cumbria Combined Authority, said: “One of our first actions as a combined authority - even before we’d held our first meeting - was to secure an additional £10m in funding for Cumbria from Government. We are delighted that £4.5m of that money has been allocated to Cumberland Sports Village, to help further enhance the plans and create the stadium that fans and residents have been asking for.”
A design team is in the process of enhancing the existing scheme and a new programme of works and updated timeframes will be produced.
A planning application was submitted for the site last year and incorporated the option to deliver a larger scheme. A decision on the application is expected at the May Planning Committee meeting.
Alongside this the development of the community pitch is continuing to progress alongside the Football Foundation.
The new stadium will be shared by Workington Town RLFC and Workington AFC, who are known as Workington Reds. They continue to be closely involved in the project.
Te Kaha Stadium welcomes Super Rugby to AOTEAROA
The Populous designed One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha will make its debut today Friday 24 April 2026 when the Crusaders host the New South Wales Waratahs in Super Rugby Pacific’s Super Round.
The Ōtautahi Christchurch stadium has been 14 years and NZ$683 million in the making and has been widely praised for its spectator-centric design when it was officially opened by Mayor Phil Mauger and Prime Minster Christopher Luxon on 27 March.
The city of Christchurch, the Crusaders and Super Rugby Pacific have joined forces to bring Super Round to Christchurch in 2026, marking the first time the event will be held in Aotearoa New Zealand and the first major sporting event at the brand new One New Zealand at Te Kaha Stadium.
Global architecture firm Populous and New Zealand-based architects Warren and Mahoney (WAM) led the design of the state-of-the-art venue, bringing expertise in international stadium design to ensure a fan experience that rivals any other venue across the world. The world-class multi-use stadium construction was led by contractor BESIX Watpac.
To further enhance the event day experience, the seating bowl has been designed to maximise the atmosphere by bringing fans close to the action in a coliseum-like experience. Spectator comfort has been prioritised through the design of a permanently fixed roof, so the venue can be used throughout the year, in all weather conditions.
Super Round 2026 will run from Friday 24 April to Sunday 26 April, combining world-class rugby with live music and family-friendly fun as fans from across New Zealand, Australia, Fiji and the Pacific come together to celebrate a historic festival of footy in Christchurch.
Kansas City Royals announce new ballpark in 85-acre development
The Kansas City Royals and Hallmark Cards have announced they are teaming up to bring Royals baseball and billions in private investment and economic development to Crown Center through a historic project that will enhance tourism and lift Kansas City’s profile nationally and beyond.
A world-class ballpark, surrounding mixed-use development and reimagined headquarters for both iconic institutions at Crown Center would create more than 20,000 jobs in the construction phase alone. The 85-acre development surrounding a park-like central square with fountains has little if any precedent worldwide for a professional sports project, and the expected private investment of $2 billion or more would be the largest in Kansas City history.
“Our founder Ewing Kauffman wanted the Royals to be Kansas City’s forever, and he wanted the team to benefit his hometown as much as possible,” Royals CEO and Chairman John Sherman said. “Joining Hallmark with this project achieves both and extends the Hall family’s critical legacy of helping Kansas City grow.”
“When the new Royals stadium opens at Crown Center, something proud will come full circle,” Hallmark Cards Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors Don Hall Jr. said. “The iconic Royals crown that Hallmark created will return to the very neighborhood where it was conceived. Every time a fan walks through the stadium doors, they’ll be standing in a place shaped by Kansas City and Hallmark’s creative spirit.”
The total project would be funded primarily by the Royals and other private investors and supplemented by public funding from the City of Kansas City and Missouri’s Show-Me Sports Investment Act.
“Today’s announcement reinforces that the State of Missouri is not just where the Kansas City Royals play but where they belong,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “This decision by the Royals to invest in our state is more than just a commitment to Kansas City, it is a commitment to communities and fans across Missouri. I appreciate the partnership of the Royals organization, Hallmark and state and local leaders in working together to make this project a reality.”
This first-of-its-kind development is backed by diverse leadership groups across the region and would enhance previous investments including the Streetcar and optimize ample parking within a 10-minute walk.
Royals baseball would push from the bottom into the top 10 in walkability among Major League Baseball teams, lowering the cost and growing the accessibility for Kansas Citians to enjoy and connect with their team.
“For over 50 years, Crown Center and the Kansas City Royals have created memories that last a lifetime for the people of our region,” said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. “The public-private partnership between Hallmark, the Royals, Kansas City and our state ensures we connect our neighborhoods, keeps our downtown vibrant and maintains big league baseball in our city for generations to come. I look forward to decades of new, treasured experiences, thousands of jobs and vibrant small business growth and millions of visitors building the beating heart of our region—our downtown—while cheering on our Royals. Play ball!”
GOLFZON strike partnership with Miami Dolphins
GOLFZON, the global leader in golf simulator technology, today announced a new, multi-year deal naming the company the Official Golf Simulator of the Miami Dolphins. The partnership brings GOLFZON’s immersive TwoVisionNX simulators to football fans at Hard Rock Stadium, integrating cutting-edge simulators into one of the most dynamic sports and entertainment venues in the world.
The agreement introduces a series of innovative, fan-first experiences designed to blend golf, football, and live event entertainment:
- GOLFZON Showroom. GOLFZON will develop a dedicated simulator showroom available to fans at all Dolphins home games. The GOLFZON Showroom will feature a fully branded GOLFZON TwoVisionNX simulator experience and large-format video displays. The venue will serve as a premier pregame and postgame destination, operating before kickoff and after each game.
- Lexus Sideline Club simulator activation. GOLFZON will introduce a second premium simulator activation inside the exclusive Lexus Sideline Club at Hard Rock Stadium. The activation will feature a fully integrated GOLFZON simulator experience, offering guests a unique indoor golf experience during Dolphins home games and other stadium events.
- In-stadium visibility and promotions. GOLFZON will receive prominent in-stadium exposure, including a pregame videoboard commercial across all Dolphins home games. Fans will also have opportunities to engage with the brand through onsite activations, giveaways, and interactive experiences.
“Today’s modern football gameday experience includes far more than a seat. Fans value premium, unique amenities they can enjoy before kickoff, during breaks, and after the clock hits zero,” said Sean Pyun, CEO of GOLFZON America. “Our partnership with the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium creates new ways for fans to engage with indoor golf in a dynamic, social setting on gameday and beyond.”
Explore how GOLFZON and the Miami Dolphins are redefining the Hard Rock Stadium experience by visiting GOLFZON’s website.
Hill York Becomes Official HVAC Provider of Nu Stadium
Hill York Service Company, LLC (Hill York) have announced a collaboration with Inter Miami CF as the official HVAC provider at the Club’s Miami home, Nu Stadium. Hill York delivered a full state-of-the-art mechanical systems package to support the 26,700-seat soccer stadium, which opened on April 4.
This collaboration reflects Hill York’s expertise in delivering high-performance mechanical systems for complex, large-scale projects that require close coordination across multiple trades and stakeholders.
“As we celebrate our 90th anniversary, this project is a meaningful milestone for Hill York, building on our legacy as one of the first companies to bring HVAC to Miami’s hospitality industry,” said Nikole Dunabeitia, President of Hill York. “This announcement is the result of a tremendous team effort and aligns with our focus on innovation, reliability, and building environments where world-class performance thrives. We’re honored to contribute to a landmark project that will serve fans, athletes, and the Miami community for years to come.”
Nu Stadium’s mechanical scope included installation of major HVAC infrastructure, a central energy plant, chilled water and condenser water systems, air handling equipment, ductwork, piping, controls, and system integration. Throughout the facility, these systems are designed to support athlete performance and premium fan amenities.
Platform Golf link up with Sky Sports to enhance coverage
Platform Golf, a market leader in immersive golf technology, has installed their TrueSlope™ system, a full-swing and putting platform, inside the Sky Sports studio in Isleworth, marking a significant step forward in how golf is analysed and presented across broadcast coverage.
The platform made its on-air debut during Sky Sports’ Masters Breakfast coverage from Augusta National, where it was successfully used by analysts to recreate on-course conditions and support technical discussion. The initial use demonstrated the system’s broadcast value, providing viewers with enhanced insight into the challenges faced by players at one of golf’s most demanding venues.
Following this successful first deployment, the installation is set to play a key role in Sky Sports’ ongoing coverage of both the DP World Tour and PGA Tour. The full-swing TrueSlope™ configuration allows presenters and analysts to replicate uneven lies, stance challenges, and real-world course conditions, delivering deeper storytelling and more technically rich analysis during live broadcasts.
By recreating the physical demands players experience on tour, the system enables Sky Sports’ on-air talent to demonstrate shot execution, decision-making, and course management in a far more engaging and authentic way. Combined with launch monitor data from Trackman, the platform creates an immersive environment that bridges the gap between studio analysis and on-course performance.
The Isleworth installation builds on PLATFORM Golf’s growing presence in elite broadcast and performance environments, following the successful Open Zone activation at Royal Portrush during The Open Championship last year. It also complements high-profile installations at Yas Links in Abu Dhabi, Athletic Motion Golf performance facilities in the United States, and Precision Golf outside London, alongside partnerships with leading coaching and performance centres worldwide.
Thomas Hackett, Co-Founder and CEO of PLATFORM Golf, said: “This installation at Sky Sports represents an exciting evolution in how golf analysis is delivered to viewers. The successful use during the Masters Breakfast demonstrated how effectively the platform can bring real-world conditions into a studio environment.
“As we move into continued coverage of the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, the platform will play an important role, allowing analysts to demonstrate shots, explain decision-making, and create more engaging, educational coverage. This is about enhancing storytelling and bringing fans closer to the realities of professional golf.”
The installation reinforces PLATFORM Golf’s position as a category-defining innovator in off-course golf technology. Through continued collaboration with industry leaders such as Trackman, and high-profile deployments across broadcast and performance environments, the company continues to shape the future of both training and golf broadcasting.
As golf coverage evolves, PLATFORM Golf remains at the forefront, delivering immersive, performance-driven solutions that bring real-world conditions into studio environments and redefine how the game is experienced.
American Express offer elevated hospitality at NFL Draft
American Express, now the Official Payments Partner of the National Football League, is reshaping fan experiences at the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. As presenting partner of the NFL Draft Experience from April 23-25, American Express is gearing up to bring exclusive access, elevated hospitality and premium experiences to eligible Card Members and fans.
“The Draft is the perfect stage to introduce how American Express will elevate the NFL fan experience,” said Elizabeth Rutledge, Chief Marketing Officer, American Express. “Whether you are a Card Member customising a hat in the Lounge to celebrate a favourite Draft pick, a guest at the Amex Fan Experience creating a personalised fan rookie card, or following the action from afar and using your enrolled Amex for an exclusive NFLShop.com discount, NFL fans will walk away understanding how impactful Amex is when it comes to bringing them closer to the games and moments they love most.”
American Express Card Member Lounge
The American Express® Card Member Lounge inside Acrisure Stadium will offer Platinum Card® Members a dedicated space with curated food and beverage menus, customizable merchandise for purchase and premium hospitality, along with special guest appearances and conversations with NFL players and legends. Same-day in-person reservations will open when the NFL Draft Experience opens each day.
Highlights of the Card Member Lounge include:
- Custom NFL Draft Merchandise: When a draftee turns pro and proudly wears their team hat for the first time, Amex and Fanatics will give Amex Card Members a dedicated counter to purchase and customize their own Draft Day hat with limited-edition Draft patches.
- A Taste of Pittsburgh: Chef Dave Anoia of Pittsburgh’s DiAnoia’s Eatery will bring fan-favorite flavors to the Lounge with a menu inspired by the city, alongside signature NFL Draft-inspired cocktails* for purchase including the “Primo Pick Margarita,” a play on DiAnoia's beloved Italian Margarita, and the “Second String Spritz,” a zero-proof fresh citrus spritz.
- Fireside Chats and Special Guest Appearances: Amex Card Members can attend fireside chats featuring current and former pros discussing the latest Draft news and the future of football.
NFL Draft Experience Presented By American Express
Within the NFL Draft Experience, American Express is inviting all fans for the chance to step into the spotlight like an NFL Draft prospect. Located outside of Acrisure Stadium, the Amex Fan Experience will be open Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday, April 25 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
Fans will be able to:
- Create a personalized “Draft Fan Profile,” complete with digital analysis, a player portrait and a custom Topps rookie card, powered by Fanatics.
- Capture their own moment of being selected in the Draft and turn it into a celebratory portrait.
- Card Members can gear up with binoculars, a Draft-day essential (while supplies last), to help get the best visuals of the Draft Theater during all of the major onstage moments.
LA 2028 Cricket Stadium begins construction
Construction of a dedicated cricket stadium for the LA 2028 Olympics has officially begun in Pomona, Los Angeles County, California, marking a significant step in the sport’s return to the stage after 128 years.
A ground-breaking ceremony was held on the Fairplex Grounds in Pomona on Wednesday. International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman Jay Shah termed it as a “major milestone” for the game.
“These are very exciting times for the game of cricket as it makes giant strides in establishing itself as a global sport,” Jay Shah said. “Our focus has been on expanding the footprint of cricket and being part of the Olympic movement is something that brings both pride and dreams with it.
“We’re confident this venue will take centre-stage during the Games and leave a legacy for cricket in the USA.”
Cricket’s inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympics is expected to drive the sport’s expansion beyond traditional strongholds, opening new pathways for growth in the Americas while inspiring a younger, more diverse global fan base.
The sport’s only previous Olympic appearance came at Paris 1900, where just two sides - Great Britain and France - contested a one-off two-day 12-a-side match, later recognised as an unofficial Test. Great Britain claimed the gold medal.
At the LA 2028 Olympics, the sport will return in a modern format, featuring separate T20 International tournaments for men and women, each awarding gold, silver and bronze medals.
Six teams will compete in each tournament, with 90 athlete quotas allocated per gender - allowing every side to field a 15-member squad.
All matches are set to be played at a temporary, purpose-built venue at the Fairgrounds in Pomona, located around 50 kilometres from Los Angeles, with matches scheduled to run from July 12 to 29.
Ahead of the Olympics, the Fairplex Grounds will also host three matches of the Major League Cricket (MLC), featuring the Los Angeles Knight Riders from July 1 to 5.
The MLC is the premier professional Twenty20 International league in the USA.
Home of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds becomes F.N.B. Stadium
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC have announced a new, multi-year stadium naming rights agreement with First National Bank, the largest subsidiary of F.N.B. Corporation, and the South Shore home of both the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Pittsburgh Riveters will now be known as F.N.B. Stadium.
As part of the new partnership, FNB is now the official bank of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds and the official banking partner of F.N.B. Stadium. In-stadium signage, updates and improvements will reflect the partnership as the stadium enters a new stage with upcoming plans for renovation and expansion set to begin soon. Financial terms of the naming rights deal were not disclosed.
In line with FNB’s commitment to child and family wellness, the company will provide access to financial education through the Riverhounds Academy youth soccer development program.
“This is an exciting step forward for our organization and a reflection of the momentum around our club and our venue. FNB is a highly respected Western Pennsylvania institution, and we’re proud to partner with an organization that shares our commitment to community and long-term growth,” Riverhounds President Jeff Garner said. “As we look ahead to the next chapter of F.N.B. Stadium, including planned renovations and expansion, this partnership positions us to continue elevating the experience for our fans and partners.”
FNB is proud to serve as a vital economic engine for southwestern Pennsylvania. The company has nearly $51 billion in total assets and operates more than 350 banking offices across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, D.C., and Virginia.
“This new partnership with the Riverhounds reinforces FNB’s longstanding commitment to the Pittsburgh region and the communities we have served for over 160 years,” said Vincent J. Delie, Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of F.N.B. Corporation and First National Bank. “We are very excited to continue to bring professional and youth soccer programs to our region.”
F.N.B. Stadium first opened in 2013 as Highmark Stadium, and Highmark Health and Allegheny Health Network remain committed long-term partners of the Riverhounds. The home of the Riverhounds was the first soccer-specific and team-owned stadium in USL Pro, now known as the USL Championship. The stadium name change is effective immediately, and the first event as F.N.B. Stadium will be Saturday, April 25, at 7 p.m. when the Riverhounds host Greenville Triumph SC in their first Prinx Tires USL Cup match of 2026.
MyVenue to Power POS at One New Zealand Stadium
Venues Ōtautahi, New Zealand’s largest venue, event, and culinary services management company, has deployed MyVenue’s point-of-sale (POS) solution at four venues.
MyVenue now processes POS transactions at 290+ venues across five global markets.
One New Zealand Stadium, which officially opens this weekend hosting the Super Round of Super Rugby Pacific, will use 200 MyVenue-powered POS devices to serve fans across concessions, premium clubs, and suite locations.
The fully roofed, multi-purpose stadium is home to reigning Super Rugby champions, the Crusaders, and will host a large range of events, including New Zealand All-Blacks international rugby fixtures, the Rugby League World Cup, and headline concerts.
A further 100 devices will operate across Wolfbrook Arena, Hagley Oval, and Christchurch Town Hall.
“MyVenue stands out as an industry leader with its fully integrated, highly scalable omnichannel solution,” said Todd Schmidt, Director, Impact and Experience at Venues Ōtautahi. “Their alignment with our long-term strategic direction is strong, particularly their focus on innovating the POS user-flow to enhance the guest experience that supports our event delivery.”
“MyVenue is proud to partner with Venues Ōtautahi as they open one of the most anticipated stadiums in the Asia-Pacific region,” added Tim Stollznow, CEO of MyVenue. “Expanding into New Zealand is an important milestone in our growth journey, and sees MyVenue add another major league and World Cup host-venue to its global footprint.”