ADI deliver digital update to Bramall Lane
AV technology expert ADI has fuelled a massive digital update to Sheffield United’s iconic football ground, Bramall Lane.
This new era for Bramall Lane has seen a wave of new digital LED installations to empower the club’s commercial opportunities and enrich fan engagement as the Blades make their late playoff push.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
The transformation includes a brand-new high resolution LED screen to replace the legacy display; a cutting edge 900mm high digiBOARD perimeter system; a mid-tier digital ribbon and digitalisation of eight vomitory signs on the John Street Family Stand; along with new external screens above the Tony Currie Stand reception to create a fully immersive digital platform across the stadium.
Transforming the home of the Blades has been powered by significant investment in the matchday experience under the club’s renewed ambitions with its new ownership group.
“This is a landmark moment for the club,” said Stephen Bettis, CEO of Sheffield United. “We’re not just upgrading our screens – we’re enhancing the entire fan experience and creating a more dynamic commercial platform for our partners. This investment reflects our ambition to modernise Bramall Lane and deliver a Premier League-standard environment, both on and off the pitch.”
Unlocking Potential
With more than 50% of the Premier League and most Championship stadiums already featuring ADI’s digiBOARD systems, Sheffield United join a growing list of clubs embracing digital transformation to future-proof their venues. The new platform at Bramall Lane not only enhances visual impact but also provides a flexible, scalable solution for live content, sponsor messaging and fan engagement.
“This project is a perfect example of how we help clubs unlock the full potential of their venues,” said Claire Fitzgerald-Firth, Head of Engagement & Client Services at ADI, “From the new digiBOARD system to the digital ribbons and signage, every element has been designed to elevate the matchday experience and deliver greater value for fans, sponsors and the club alike.”
Live Venue
ADI, the UK’s leading provider of stadium LED solutions, has worked closely with the club from initial consultancy through to delivery.
The entire platform is powered by ADI’s Live Venue broadcast fibre network, enabling remote content creation and management across all digital assets. Behind the scenes, ADI’s Live Venue delivery crew work in constant motion – remotely distributing assets across every digital touchpoint inside Bramall Lane from its Preston-based headquarters. This capability gives the club flexibility and control while broadcast-quality presentation is cast throughout the ground on matchdays.
Reliant Stadium name returns from August
NRG Energy, Inc. have announced that NRG Stadium and surrounding facilities at NRG Park will be renamed to Reliant Stadium and Reliant Park in August 2026, following approval by the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation. This change comes straight from Houstonians. Recent survey results show 90% of Houston-area customers support the return to the Reliant Stadium name—a clear vote for a brand with deep hometown roots.
“Houston is Reliant’s home, and a name Texans know and trust,” said Brad Bentley, head of NRG Consumer and Reliant. “For more than two decades, Reliant has powered the moments that bring our community together—from the Texans’ first game and hosting two Super Bowls to every unforgettable RODEOHOUSTON® performance in between. Fans have told us what this place means to them. For many, it’s always been Reliant Stadium. We heard them loud and clear. Reliant Stadium is back.”
Reliant first appeared on the stadium for its inaugural year in 2002 and was later renamed NRG in 2014 following the company’s acquisition of Reliant’s consumer business. As the city prepares to transition to “Houston Stadium” ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, current NRG signage has already begun to come down. The return to the Reliant name will take effect in August, coinciding with the stadium and the Texans’ 25th anniversary season.
NRG is restoring the Reliant name that Houstonians depend on to power their homes and communities. Over the last 12 years, nearly 60,000 social and media mentions of the original name reinforce Reliant’s longstanding legacy of powering the park and the Texans who use it.
Partners welcome Reliant Stadium’s return
Partners also welcomed the return of a name deeply tied to the fan and community experience. Whether it’s a packed Texans game day, a night at the Rodeo or a headline performer, the stadium and larger complex host a range of events that turn moments into memories.
"As a founding partner of the team, Reliant has been a part of our Houston Texans family from the very beginning," said Mike Tomon, Houston Texans President. "Reliant Stadium has been our home since our first game in 2002 and we can't wait to celebrate 25 seasons of Texans football back where it all began. We are so proud of our longstanding partnership that also extends beyond the field through numerous initiatives, including our Scholarships for Champions Program, which has recognized and awarded scholarships to deserving student-athletes across the greater Houston area over the last two decades."
"For more than two decades, Reliant Stadium, Reliant Center and Reliant Arena have been at the heart of everything we do, serving as the home of our livestock and horse events and the heartbeat of RODEOHOUSTON. Year after year, fans fill the stands to create unforgettable memories, witness history, and come together to celebrate the spirit of our annual event,” said Chris Boleman, president and CEO, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. "These venues are more than just a name; they represent a feeling, a tradition, and a shared experience we’re incredibly proud to call home.”
“NRG Park has long stood as one of the most versatile and active sports and entertainment campuses in the country, serving as a cornerstone for both community engagement and world-class events in Houston and Harris County,” said Martye Kendrick, executive director and CEO, Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation. “This is more than a venue—it is a place where moments are created, shared and remembered across generations. The return of the Reliant name reflects a deep and enduring connection to this community and all those who have made this place part of their story.”
Two firms selected for next stage of Macquarie Point Stadium project
The Macquarie Point Multipurpose Stadium has reached another major milestone, with two firms selected to progress into Stage 1 of the Request for Tender process.
The tenderers are:
- Besix Watpac; and
- Constructure Joint Venture, comprising Webuild S.p.A and China Construction Oceania, with McConnell Dowell as a key partner.
Both tenderers have demonstrated their capacity to manage a build of this scale and have confirmed acceptance of the offer to progress through to the Request for Tender phase.
Minister for Macquarie Point Urban Renewal Eric Abetz said the milestone demonstrated strong market confidence in the project and Tasmania.
“This is another important step forward for the Macquarie Point Multipurpose Stadium,” Minister Abetz said. "We have seen strong interest from major contractors capable of delivering a project of this scale and complexity.”
The next phase of procurement will seek detailed submissions covering delivery approach, capability, commercial settings, program and local industry participation.
Minister Abetz said local benefits remained central to the project.
“This project will create opportunities for Tasmanian businesses, subcontractors, workers apprentices and training opportunities as delivery progresses. We are delivering for Tasmania by turning a wasteland into a year-round events and function precinct that will provide benefits for all Tasmanians.”
The target date for contract award remains the end of the year.
Populous design training facility for new AFL/AFLW team the Devils
In early 2024, on a historic day for the Australian Football League (AFL) and AFL Women’s (AFLW) League, the State of Tasmania revealed the name, logo and colours of its first ever national league team – the Devils. But for the nineteenth club to enter the league and the first since 2010, there was still one thing missing – a home. The Devils don’t have too much longer to wait with Populous designing a new AU$115 million AFL High Performance Centre and Training Facility at the Kingston Twin Ovals as part of the new Kingborough Sports Precinct.
Added to the municipality’s two pre-existing ovals will be two more ovals, a gym, aquatic centee, recovery areas, indoor club and administrative facilities – forming a central hub for the women’s, men’s and junior Tasmania Devils AFL teams.
The center will include equitable facilities for men and women, in a state-of-the-art facility that will be a key ingredient in attracting, building and retaining AFL talent and delivering the level of performance that will be required for the Devils to be successful.
Designed to serve elite athletes and the wider community, the facility will be accessible to local clubs, youth programs, and community groups. It will provide shared training resources and event spaces, fostering the development of Tasmanian sport and fitness for all.
The centre will meet the AFL’s high-performance standards, offering a professional environment for athlete rehabilitation and development, ensuring Tasmanian players can train locally at the highest level.
“This is a foundational step towards establishing Tasmania’s first dedicated AFL and AFLW teams. This facility will support elite player development, enabling Tasmanian athletes to compete at the highest levels while inspiring future generations,” said Nick Duigan, Tasmanian Minister for Sports and Events.
Reflecting Tasmania’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the development at Kingborough will prioritize energy-efficient technologies and minimize ecological impacts.
The AFL High Performance Centre supports the AFL and the Tasmania Devils’ mission to grow football participation, strengthen grassroots initiatives, and attract premier sporting events to Tasmania, advancing AFL in the State and fostering a vibrant football culture for fans and players alike.
The Devils men’s team is expected to enter the AFL competition in the 2028 Premiership Season, with a proposed timeline for a women’s Devils team’s entry into the AFLW competition being developed.
Maidenhead United share first concept images of new ground
O2 become official naming rights partner for Belfast’s iconic Odyssey site
The Odyssey Trust - the charity established to oversee the management and development of Northern Ireland’s Landmark Millennium Project, and O2, one of the UK’s leading telecoms and entertainment brands, have announced a new long-term partnership that will see O2 become the official naming rights partner for Belfast’s iconic Odyssey site.
Having been Northern Ireland’s leading leisure, entertainment, and education destination since 2000, the new 10-year naming rights agreement will see the entire complex rebranded as The O2 Belfast. The site encompasses an 11,200-capacity arena – the largest indoor entertainment venue in Northern Ireland – that is also home to the Belfast Giants, the most successful team in Elite Ice Hockey League history, as well as the award-winning W5 science and discovery centre, the state-of-the-art W5 LIFE digital learning facility, and Odyssey Place.
Effective from 1 July 2026, The O2 Belfast will join O2’s expansive portfolio of 21 venues across 14 UK cities, which includes iconic venues like The O2 in London – renowned as the world’s most popular live entertainment, leisure, and retail destination – O2 Academy Brixton, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, O2 Academy Glasgow, and O2 Apollo Manchester.
Through its Priority Tickets platform, O2 customers can enjoy early access to tickets for thousands of live gigs and events across the UK 48 hours before general release, with over 1.7 million tickets sold in 2025 alone. As part of the agreement, O2 customers will gain access to exclusive Priority Tickets pre-sales for all shows coming to The O2 Belfast, from 1 July 2026.
Gareth Griffiths, Director, Partnerships and Sponsorship at Virgin Media O2, said: “Live music and entertainment is in O2's DNA and we couldn't be more excited to have a new home in Northern Ireland. With The Odyssey Trust, we look forward to connecting visitors, enhancing the live experience and leveraging the power of O2’s network and benefits of Priority for our customers, at the largest arena in Northern Ireland. We can’t wait to welcome you to The O2 Belfast in July.”
Paul McMahon, Chief Executive Officer of The Odyssey Trust, said: “We are delighted to welcome O2 as the site’s new naming rights partner of The O2 Belfast. This partnership marks an exciting chapter and reflects our shared ambition to deliver unforgettable, world-class experiences for the people of Northern Ireland and beyond. By working together, we look forward to building on the site’s already strong reputation and ensuring that we continue to deliver the best experience every time for all who visit the campus for years to come.”
The new partnership will also see O2 become the title sponsor of the Belfast Giants, marking a major milestone for the only professional ice hockey team on the island of Ireland. With the team showcasing the O2 logo, the Giants will be joining England’s men’s and women’s international rugby union teams – a partnership which spans over 30 years. The agreement represents O2’s first step into ice sports and its first major sponsorship of a Northern Ireland–based team.
As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting households, O2 will help learners of all ages through W5 and W5 LIFE, with exclusive discounts and perks made available via Priority. Northern Ireland’s award-winning science and discovery centre, W5, features over 250 STEM-based exhibits, interactive workshops, and hands-on science shows, while W5 LIFE equips learners with the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly digital economy.
As part of the agreement, Virgin Media O2 will also transform connectivity at the venue by deploying its own fibre network, doubling the existing capacity, introduce O2 WiFi, and roll out 5G coverage for O2 customers in the arena later this summer - reinforcing its commitment to delivering best-in-class connected experiences. This follows significant recent investment in mobile connectivity throughout Northern Ireland, including the introduction of 5G coverage to more than 1,000 new postcodes across the country in the past twelve months alone.
SSE Airtricity will proudly continue its longstanding relationship with the arena as the venue’s official energy partner, continuing to reward its customers with memorable experiences in the SSE Rewards Lounge and supporting The Odyssey Trust on its sustainability journey.
Populous reveals designs for Kolkata's Eden Gardens
Leading global architecture firm Populous has unveiled designs, which include a greater range of hospitality and seating options for fans, at one of cricket’s most iconic venues Eden Gardens in India.
Ahead of this weekend’s Indian Premier League (IPL) match between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Rajasthan Royals, fans have been given a look into Eden Gardens’ future, which includes a new Sky Deck, premium seating and increased corporate hospitality areas with new corporate boxes and lounges.
Built in 1864, and known as the “Home of Indian cricket”, Kolkata’s Eden Gardens is the third largest cricket stadium in the world and one of India’s most important venues representing more than 160 years of cricketing history.
Populous Principal & Architect Siddharth Soni said a new chapter in Eden Gardens’ history was being drawn, which will see the venue’s capacity increase from 68,000 seats to 85,000 seats with more modern spectator amenities.
"The redevelopment project will create a truly 21st century venue at Eden Gardens, with safety, sustainability and the fan experience at the core to meet the requirements of modern-day sport, For it to continue its legacy and look to the future, particularly for the evolving formats of cricket, we are not just restoring Eden Gardens; we are enhancing an icon," said Soni.
President of the Cricket Association of Bengal and former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly said “Our vision is to make Eden Gardens one of the finest cricketing venues in the world, not just in capacity but in quality, comfort and experience. I’ve grown up playing here, feeling the roar of this crowd. To now be part of its transformation is deeply special – it’s about giving back to a place that has given me everything.”
Along with the MCG in Australia, Eden Gardens is cricket’s answer to the Coliseum. It first hosted a Test match in 1934 and since then has become something of a place of pilgrimage for most international cricketers.
The Sky’s the limit
The upgraded venue will include 41,000 square feet of exclusive hospitality zones, 44,000 square feet of non-match day facilities, six different seating categories for fans to choose from and 30% more corporate hospitality seats.
This includes a new Sky Deck and Sky Lounge that will offer views of the park and river and will be a feature for social gatherings during both match and non-match days. There will also be dedicated IPL Fan zones and Lounges and a Member’s Club will be introduced that opens the venue into the surrounding gardens. Curated fan experiences such as a museum, hall of fame and digital engagement zones celebrate the heritage of Eden Gardens while making it future ready for new experiences of the game.
Populous brings its expertise of designing the world’s leading cricket stadiums, such as Narendra Modi Stadium, Lord’s Cricket Ground and the Melbourne Cricket Ground, to the project.
Populous Associate Principal, Pranav Kashyap said there were many challenges the design team faced, including working within a very tight historical inner-city site limiting the venue’s physical expansion potential, and ensuring that the redevelopment would respect the legacy of the building and integrate with the existing context.
"Our primary design strategy was to turn these challenges into wins for the venue, players and fans. The design not only unlocks premium hospitality experiences, but also maximizes the event day experience and opens up non-event day opportunities for the venue. This will provide an unparallelled experience for fans and players in India. Every strike of the bat will be heard loud and clear above the roar of the crowd," said Kashyap.
QPR to install more rail seating ahead of 2026/27 season
QPR has confirmed that further rail seating will be introduced in Y Block of The Stanley Bowles Stand at Loftus Road for the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
Following a period of positive consultation with supporters in this area, the club has decided to move forward with the implementation of further rail seating in this area.
Additional rail seating is being implemented in the following:
- Rows J-X, Seats 221-240
- Row Y, Seats 221-226 & 228-239
The following will remain as standard seating:
- Row D, Seats 215-224
- Row E, F & G, Seats 215-240
- Row H, Seats 222-240
The consultation that occurred in Blocks QU and PU of The GO-OUT Loftus Road Stand, while equally as positive, hasn’t led to rail seating being implemented in these areas. The cost of doing all areas outlined in the original consultation is not possible at this stage from a large upfront cost perspective, so a staggered approach factoring in payback periods for each area has been the club’s chosen approach.
QPR CEO Christian Nourry said: "I am on the record as being a big fan of the atmosphere that is generated through rail seating and therefore it is a big pleasure to be able to make this announcement. I hope that it gives an even better experience for our supporters next season, both for those in Y Block today, those who may wish to now move there and for the rest of our match-going fans."
Island Rhodes Music Festival debuts August 15-16 at Centreville Bank Stadium
The Ocean State is welcoming a brand-new marquee music festival this summer with the debut of Centreville Bank Stadium’s first-ever concert event, Island Rhodes Music Festival. Set to take place the weekend of August 15-16 at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the two-day festival will transform the state-of-the-art waterfront venue into a vibrant celebration of live music, culture, and coastal energy.
Island Rhodes Music Festival will feature two full days of top-tier national touring artists fans can’t see anywhere else in the region, including Sublime, Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution, The Roots, and more, all performing on a turntable stage throughout the weekend. Designed to reflect Rhode Island’s creative spirit and coastal roots, the festival will offer fans an immersive experience that goes beyond the music.
Alongside performances from top current artists and genre-defining legends, Island Rhodes will feature a curated mix of standout food vendors — from regional favorites to elevated festival fare — plus premium VIP experiences designed for fans who want to take the weekend up a level.
“New England has always supported this music at a high level,” said Grand Rising Curations Founder Dave Niedbalski. “Centreville Bank Stadium gave us a unique opportunity — especially with its riverfront setting and built-in premium experiences — to create something the market is craving and that feels connected to the community.”
The development of Centreville Bank Stadium has created a new backdrop for concerts, festivals, and live events. Grand Rising Curations moved quickly to collaborate with the team, identifying opportunities in the market and building something to meet them.
With its prime location on the banks of the Seekonk River, modern amenities, and easy access from across the Northeast, Centreville Bank Stadium offers the perfect backdrop for a summer music festival. Island Rhodes Music Festival aims to establish itself as a premier annual celebration that draws both local fans and out-of-town visitors alike.
“Bringing Island Rhodes Festival to Centreville Bank Stadium as our first-ever music event is a defining milestone in the story of our venue and for Rhode Island,” said Centreville Bank Stadium General Manager Paul Byrne. “From the start, our vision has been to create a world-class destination for live sports and entertainment in the Ocean State and launching with a festival of this scale sets an exciting tone for everything we are building here moving forward.”
Fans can secure early-bird pricing through the festival presale on Thursday, April 16, from 10am to 10pm ET by signing up here.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, April 17 at 10am at islandrhodes.frontgatetickets.com. Two-day ticket offer levels include SVIP, VIP Pit + Riverlounge, GA Floor, and GA. Early-bird priced tickets start at $150 all-in, with a layaway option available for $25 down.
Crypto.com Arena extends Evolv Express subscription
Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc., a leading security technology company pioneering AI-based solutions designed to create safer experiences, today announced a multi-year renewal and expansion of its hardware and software subscription agreement with Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. The renewal extends the arena’s original 2024 deployment of Evolv Express® and expands the partnership to include Evolv eXpedite™, the company’s autonomous bag-screening system, further strengthening entry operations at the venue.
Crypto.com Arena is part of the L.A. LIVE entertainment district in downtown Los Angeles and is one of the world’s busiest and most successful venues. Owned and operated by AEG, Crypto.com Arena is the home of the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Kings and Los Angeles Sparks. Additionally, the arena welcomes more than four million guests and hosts over 200 events annually, including professional basketball and hockey games, major concert tours, and globally recognized events such as the GRAMMY Awards.
The facility originally installed Evolv Express® concealed weapons detection systems in 2024. Evolv Express uses advanced sensor technology and AI to detect concealed threats and identify the person and location of the potential threat — while allowing people to move through checkpoints at their natural walking pace. The system is designed to screen visitors effectively while helping minimize congestion and disruptions to traffic flow at entry points. Under the new agreement, brokered by AEG Global Partnerships, Evolv eXpedite will also be deployed at a designated arena entrance where high-clutter bags are prevalent.
Additionally, as part of the renewed agreement, Evolv will continue as the arena’s “Official Fan Screening Partner,” and the two organizations will collaborate on a variety of marketing initiatives.
“LA fans tend to arrive late and Evolv allows us to handle that last-minute wave of fans,” noted Ron Little, Vice President of Security at Crypto.com Arena. “Our use of Evolv Express since 2024 – and our addition of Evolv eXpedite now – is part of a commitment to get guests to their seats quickly, conveniently, and securely so that they don’t miss the fun and excitement of our world-class events.”
“We’re thankful to the management team at Crypto.com Arena for continuing to trust Evolv with such an important part of the guest experience,” said John Baier, Evolv’s Vice President, Sports & Entertainment. “With so many games, concerts, and events, the venue operates at a very high-level day in and day out. It’s gratifying when such accomplished operators select Evolv systems to deliver mission-critical results.”
Crypto.com Arena expands Evolv’s substantial presence in Southern California, which also includes SoFi Stadium and YouTube Theater (Inglewood), Dignity Health Sports Park (Carson), the Hollywood Bowl (Los Angeles), Honda Center (Anaheim), and Pechanga Arena (San Diego). These iconic sports and entertainment venues are joined by hundreds of schools, hospitals, and other facilities on Evolv’s client roster.
The addition of Crypto.com Arena also gives Evolv a presence in five North American arenas that host both professional basketball and hockey teams, including Ball Arena (Denver).