DEXCOM STADIUM MEETINGS & EVENTS OPENS IN APRIL
Connacht Rugby have announced that Dexcom Stadium, the home of Connacht Rugby, will officially open its doors to the business and events community from April 2026.
Located in the heart of Galway, Dexcom Stadium will be the West of Ireland’s newest and most versatile venue for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).
The centrepiece of the redevelopment is the Clan Stand, which will offer state-of-the-art facilities for spectators, players, officials, media, and volunteers on game day. With a capacity of just over 6,500 supporters, it features a mix of standing, seating, and hospitality options designed to deliver an unforgettable matchday experience.
However Dexcom Stadium is more than just a sports venue. It’s a space built in the West, designed for everyone. From April 2026, the stadium’s hospitality and conferencing spaces will be available for hire, with capacity to host up to 5,000 guests, across 17 spaces making it one of the largest and most flexible venues of its kind in the region. Whether it’s a board meeting for 10, or a gala dinner for 500, Dexcom Stadium offers a premium setting with panoramic views, cutting-edge AV, and tailored catering options delivered by Master Chefs.
Dexcom Stadium is now open for bookings for non-matchday meetings, conferences and events, and has already secured a strong calendar of anchor gatherings. Confirmed highlights include Portershed Spark, a one-day innovation conference marking Portershed’s 10 year milestone, taking place at Dexcom Stadium in April 2026, and EDGE26 – Ireland’s Creative Economy Summit led by CREW in May 2026.
Looking ahead to autumn, Galway will welcome the European Big Data Value Forum (EBDVF 2026) Europe’s flagship Data & AI forum from 30 September to 1 October 2026, bringing together the continent’s data and AI community at Dexcom Stadium.
BEST Crowd Management announce partnership with Legends Global
BEST Crowd Management (“BEST”), a GardaWorld company and leading provider of crowd management and event security services, today announced a national partnership with Legends Global, the premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands.
Under this new agreement, BEST is named the premier partner for crowd management and event security services for Legends Global’s network of North American venues which includes more than 250 arenas, stadiums, theatres, and convention centres.
BEST Crowd Management is already active at 14 Legends Global venues – including Colorado Convention Center, Minneapolis’ Target Center and U.S. Bank Stadium, and New York’s Barclays Center – and the company looks forward to providing services at additional Legends Global venues in the future.
“BEST Crowd Management is proud to partner with Legends Global and to be recognized as their premier partner for crowd management and event security services,” said Jeff Spoerndle, Chief Operating Officer at BEST Crowd Management.
“As we continue to collaborate at venues nationwide, BEST is committed to supporting Legends Global’s vision of delivering truly remarkable experiences, grounded in best-in-class customer service, attention to detail, and professionalism. With extensive experience across stadiums, arenas, convention centers, amphitheaters, and marquee venues, our team looks forward to continuing to work alongside Legends Global to ensure every attendee’s experience is secure and exceptional.”
“We are always looking for ways to strengthen safety measures and enhance the live experience for fans and staff across our venues,” said Jeff Wohlschlaeger, Senior Vice President of Managed Venues Partnerships, Legends Global. “Integrating BEST more deeply into our portfolio brings greater operational consistency, national reach, and a proven standard of excellence. Their expertise in security staffing solutions helps ensure our venues are well prepared to deliver seamless, well-coordinated events.”
The partnership underscores BEST’s unmatched ability to deliver large‑scale, high‑quality security staffing and guest experience services across a diverse portfolio of venue types for events including professional sports, major touring concerts, fan festivals, corporate conventions, esports competitions, and large‑scale civic gatherings.
Dallas Mavericks engage CAA Sports for future arena development
The Dallas Mavericks has announced that the organisation has engaged CAA Sports, a division of leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA), as its sales agency of record to guide the franchise’s commercial strategy for its future arena development.
The collaboration will focus on identifying world-class brands for naming rights and other founding partner opportunities aligned with the Mavericks’ vision for a modern, next-generation sports and entertainment destination. It spans both the current planning cycle and long-term commercialization efforts, supporting the franchise’s goal to help shape the future of sports and live entertainment in North Texas.
“We have an ambitious vision for the future of the Dallas Mavericks,” said Rick Welts, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks. “The opportunity ahead of us is significant. CAA Sports brings global expertise, deep industry relationships and a strong track record of delivering transformational partnerships for top echelon sports properties. They are the right teammate as we move into this next chapter.”
The Mavericks’ future venue project reflects the franchise’s commitment to delivering an elevated fan experience, expanded community impact and a state-of-the-art home for both basketball operations and large-scale live events.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Dallas Mavericks, an innovative, forward-thinking NBA franchise backed by one of the most loyal fan bases in sports, as they bring to life their vision for a next-generation sports and entertainment destination,” said Paul Danforth, CAA Managing Director and President, CAA Sports. “This marks a tremendous opportunity for brands to align with a dynamic, world-class organization in the thriving economic hub of Dallas.”
CAA Sports has completed more than $15 billion in new sponsorship business on behalf of its clients since its inception in 2007. The five-time recipient of the award for “Best in Property Consulting, Sales, and Client Service” by the Sports Business Journal, CAA Sports orchestrated the naming rights agreements for the San Francisco 49ers’ Levi’s Stadium, Golden State Warriors’ Chase Center, and the LA Clippers’ Intuit Dome; in addition to landmark partnership agreements for Formula 1, Red Bull Racing, Riot Games, and the United States Tennis Association (USTA).
“This is a foundational moment for our organization. Arena development requires the right advisors at the table early, and CAA Sports has long demonstrated the expertise and creativity needed to help shape major sports and entertainment projects,” said Mavericks President Ethan Casson. “Their strategic approach, commercial acumen and deep industry relationships make them the ideal fit as we chart the next era for the Mavericks.”
Further details regarding site evaluation, project timing and design will be shared as plans evolve.
Accu Stadium: Huddersfield Town strike deal with Levy
Huddersfield Town and Levy have agreed a landmark long-term strategic partnership designed to transform match day and event experience across catering and hospitality.
Recognised as the leading sports and entertainment hospitality provider within the UK, the collaboration between Huddersfield Town and Levy is centred on a shared vision to elevate the overall supporter and guest experience across every area and touchpoint of the Accu Stadium. With focus across both general admission areas to refreshing the culinary hospitality experience, Levy will work closely with the Club to implement a wide-reaching strategy designed to provide world-class service to every supporter and visitor.
A key pillar of the partnership is a joint commitment to drive and grow non-match day events at the Club, with Levy helping to position the Accu Stadium as a premier year-round destination for conferences, exhibitions and private events, maximising the use of the venue’s versatile spaces around the football calendar. Following the Club’s acquisition of the Accu Stadium and the surrounding 53-acre site in 2025, this partnership is one of the first major changes to operations within HD1 as it begins to reshape the possibilities available to Huddersfield Town and its home.
Beyond the pitch, the partnership serves as a step forward in a long-term transformational journey for Huddersfield; prioritising local people and celebrating local produce by integrating regional suppliers into our supply chain. In line with modern operational standards and the Club’s wider environmental goals, Levy will also implement a series of sustainability initiatives focused on reducing waste and improving environmental efficiency.
Huddersfield Town Chief Revenue Officer Paul Reeves commented: “We’re really excited to partner with Levy at the Accu Stadium, and look forward to seeing their expertise across hospitality, catering and experience, benefitting everyone visiting us here in HD1 all year round. Not just focussed on ensuring our supporters see an improvement on a match day across catering, Levy will work closely with us across non-match day events as we step up our desire to see our home become a destination 365 days a year, which was a clearly stated aim following our acquisition of the Accu Stadium under Chairman Kevin Nagle late last year.
“Both the Club and Town Sports and Entertainment Group scrutinised the options available to us in great detail, and Levy was undoubtedly the most impressive proposition in this space. Industry leading and experts across both sports and entertainment, our views and values aligned perfectly on standards of service, experience, sustainability and growth. This long-term agreement will also see a significant investment into concourse equipment, technology and hospitality developments; we therefore hope to see supporters noticing enhancements across the stadium as the partnership develops.”
Matthew Lewis, Chief Operating Officer at Levy, added: "We are proud to partner with a club as historic as Huddersfield Town. Our mission is to create a match day environment that reflects the passion of the fans while setting a new standard for hospitality in the region.
“Crucially, we see the stadium as a 365-day-a-year asset; by driving a robust non-match day events strategy, we will ensure the club remains a vibrant hub for the community every day of the week. By combining our expertise in world-class catering with a deep commitment to local sourcing, we are helping to build a sustainable legacy for the club and the wider Huddersfield community."
ATK Returns to Focusrite RedNet for Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium
On February 8, 2026, the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks faced off at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, for Super Bowl LX. This highly anticipated match aired live on NBC affiliates, Telemundo, Universo, and Peacock and NFL+ streaming services. Extensive pregame coverage for Super Bowl LX began February 8 at 1 p.m. EST, leading up to the big game’s kickoff time at 6:30 p.m. EST.
ATK Audiotek, a Clair Global company, has been the live-sound provider for the Super Bowl for nearly 30 years. In 2026, they continued their tradition of world-class audio for the Super Bowl utilising a digital audio signal path, employing an extensive Dante® networked audio infrastructure. This setup featured nearly 90 components from Focusrite’s RedNet range of Dante-networked audio converters and interfaces, including models such as the RedNet D16R MkII, A16R MkII, and D64R.
This comprehensive system ensured seamless and high-quality audio throughout the event. Led by Kirk Powell, Engineer-in-Charge for ATK/Clair Global, the team faced unique challenges at Levi’s Stadium, partly due to the use of real grass turf in the stadium, which affects microphone placements and cable management, and causes uneven surface absorption for sound, requiring equalisation adjustment – not to mention limited time setup due to around-the-clock maintenance of the natural turf.
“Having a robust Dante network backbone with RedNet enables us to distribute audio throughout the stadium rapidly as production needs evolve, whether that means accommodating last-minute changes or integrating additional sources,” stated Powell. “This infrastructure provides the flexibility to reroute signals in real time and adapt on the fly, allowing us to respond efficiently to dynamic production requirements while maintaining system stability and consistent audio performance across the entire stadium.”
Just like last year, ATK employed an L-Acoustics System for the PA, ensuring powerful and precise sound coverage throughout the stadium. The new addition for 2026 is the employment of an L-Acoustics AVB Drive System. However, the real innovation lies in the extensive deployment of RedNet devices, making this one of the most complex and expansive audio distributions ATK has ever undertaken. ATK is responsible for all “In-bowl audio,” including pre-game, halftime, and in-game sound. Their work also extends to distributing signals for key partners such as NFL Films, NFL Network and Westwood One Radio.
“The Super Bowl represents an enormous technical and logistical undertaking each year, with hundreds of discrete audio sources that must be precisely managed and delivered to multiple destinations across the production ecosystem,” Powell noted. “Orchestrating a signal network of this scale requires infrastructure that is both rock-solid and highly scalable, which is why Focusrite RedNet is foundational to our workflow. We’ve deployed all available redundant hardware to support the demands of the event, resulting in a highly resilient and tightly integrated audio system. RedNet’s low-latency networking, flexible routing, and seamless interoperability allow us to efficiently manage a complex signal environment, ensuring consistent performance, system stability, and the broadcast-quality standards expected of a production at this level.”
With 87 RedNet devices in use, ATK has leveraged this technology for PA distribution, field audio, production trucks, and front-of-house and monitor positions. This includes:
- 28 RedNet D64R 64-channel MADI bridges: Serving as MADI bridges between entities to ensure seamless clock synchronisation and inter-system audio transfer and sharing without relying on a common master reference clock.
- 17 RedNet D16R MkII 16-channel AES3 I/O’s: Managing digital signal transport with AES for smaller channel counts.
- 25 RedNet A16R MkII 16-channel analogue I/O interfaces: Providing analogue backup for the PA system, which now runs AVB (Audio Video Bridging) instead of Dante.
- 10 RedNet MP8R 8-channel remote-controlled mic pre with dual PSUs: Capturing audience reaction and Atmos microphones for Apple Music’s Atmos halftime mix.
- 7 RedNet AM2 stereo audio monitoring units: Further supporting audio signal distribution.
Through meticulous preparation, advanced technology, and a highly skilled crew, ATK Audiotek once again delivered an exceptional audio experience, ensuring the world’s premier sporting event sounded every bit as impressive as audiences expect. It’s this combination of precision, flexibility, and reliability that continues to power a world-class audio experience for one of live production’s most demanding events.
NEXO provides the soundtrack for the Africa Cup of Nations final
The 2026 Africa Cup of Nations will remain a landmark moment for football fans, particularly thanks to the final played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, which was won by Senegal.
In front of more than 66,000 spectators and tens of millions of television viewers worldwide, this match took place in a completely rebuilt stadium, specially prepared for the event. The stadium was notably equipped with a new NEXO GEO S12 sound system, designed to provide an optimal audio experience for fans.
Following an initial installation phase carried out by SGTM and its subcontractor ENCOM for the inaugural match, the operators wanted to enhance the spectator experience further. They then called upon the Moroccan company LAMALIF, along with its expert partner Concept K, to reconfigure and expand the existing system.
“Inside the stadium, we recommended the addition of 20 clusters, each composed of three NEXO L20 subwoofers, to reinforce the low frequencies of the NEXO GEO S12 system,” explains Jérémie Kokot, sound designer and manager of Fleik.
“To extend the sound coverage towards the North Plaza, we also designed, with Concept K, a new NEXO STM system suspended beneath the façade. This consists of two lines of 9 x M46 Main modules and 9 x B112 Bass modules, complemented by three M28 modules.”
These two projects were carried out jointly by Concept K, Fleik and the operational teams of LAMALIF, each contributing according to their area of expertise.
“We have in-depth knowledge of NEXO solutions and their suitability to our needs, as well as a long-standing relationship of trust established with their teams, through numerous permanent installation projects,” reports Antoine Secondino, co-founder of Fleik.
The project also benefited from close support from NEXO's engineering team. “From the very first phases, their engineers provided us with crucial technical expertise to refine our choices according to our constraints and objectives. The team remained fully committed until the final tests to validate the audio performance and guarantee a result that met our expectations” continues Antoine.
The system's performance proved particularly impressive in a stadium broadcast environment. Thanks to the NEXO NS-1 simulation software, consistent coverage was achieved across all stands and spectator areas, without any dead zones or tonal imbalances. The precise broadcasting, combined with excellent speech intelligibility, ensured perfect understanding of announcements and audio content, despite the complex acoustics.
“Furthermore, the integration with the NEXO NeMo monitoring system and the use of the Dante protocol has strengthened the reliability and flexibility of operation, by facilitating signal distribution, routing and adaptation to the different event uses of the stadium,” concludes Antoine.
The end result offers stable, consistent, and high-performance broadcasting, perfectly suited to the requirements of an infrastructure of this scale.
BIG 12 CONFERENCE UNVEILS ASB GLASSFLOOR FOR 2026 PHILLIPS 66 BIG 12 MEN’S AND WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENTS
The Big 12 Conference and ASB GlassFloor today introduced a state-of-the-art full LED video sports floor that will debut at the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournaments this March at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City.
The Tournaments will mark the first time ASB GlassFloor’s LED court technology will be used for official competition in the United States, representing a significant milestone in the modernisation of college athletics. Beyond its use at the Big 12 Basketball Tournaments, this initiative reflects a shared vision to advance innovation in sports, exploring new ways to enhance competition, fan engagement, and the overall game-day experience.
ASB’s GlassFloor is a next-generation, high-performance sports floor that meets the standards of modern hardwood courts. Integrated LED technology beneath the playing surface unlocks dynamic, interactive digital graphics and capabilities impossible on traditional courts. Vetted at the highest levels and used during events at NBA All Star 2024, as well as in EuroLeague professional games and FIBA-sanctioned competitions, the digital court enhances the fan experience both in-arena and on broadcast.
It enables real-time branding, in-game activations, and data-driven visuals that seamlessly adapt across basketball and other sports without compromising performance, durability, or student-athlete safety.
“Our goal at the Big 12 is simple: keep raising the bar,” said Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark. “Elevating our league’s profile and adding real value to our programs requires a willingness to push boundaries. Last year, the introduction of the XII pattern on our tournament court did exactly that, and this year we’re taking the next step with ASB GlassFloor. This technology represents the future and bringing it to our basketball tournaments reinforces our commitment to innovation, positioning the Big 12 as a different league and national leader in elevating the game.”
“This partnership with the Big 12 is a major milestone for ASB GlassFloor and for basketball in the United States,” said Chris Thornton, CEO of ASB GlassFloor America. “ASB GlassFloor is engineered to enhance athlete safety while delivering the elite performance standards players demand. Through ASB Arena and Event Services (AES) we’re helping teams and conferences unlock new revenue generation and fan engagement. The Big 12 is setting the standard for innovation, making them the perfect partner to bring this platform to elite competition and shape the future of college sports.”
“We are thrilled that the Big 12 is partnering with ASB GlassFloor for the Conference Tournament, said Baylor Women’s Head Basketball Coach Nicki Collen. “Our team had the opportunity to practice on it back in November, and it was an incredible experience for our players. The court is not only visually impressive, but it plays well and represents where our sport is headed. To be a part of this kind of future driven momentum in collegiate athletics is special, and I am thankful to Commissioner Yormark and the Big 12 Conference for pushing our league forward and embracing bold ideas to elevate the game. All eyes will be on Kansas City, and the visibility it brings to our league is something to look forward to.”
“Since Commissioner Yormark has been in charge of our league, there have been many new initiatives and developments to promote and elevate the Big 12, and I believe playing on the glass floor is something that will receive great interest,” said Kansas Men’s Head Basketball Coach Bill Self. “I’m excited about it. I’m an old school guy, but this has me thinking of new school ways, and from what I’ve seen and heard, this is the wave of the future. I think it’ll be great.”
ASB GlassFloor will make its official debut at the 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament, tipping off Wednesday, March 4, and will also be used for the Men’s Tournament, which begins Tuesday, March 10. Throughout both Tournaments, the court will be used to highlight new partnership opportunities, elevate fan engagement and enhance in-game entertainment. During each matchup, visual effects displayed on the court could include:
- Dynamic court designs
- Shot charts
- Interactive games for fans during timeouts
- Immersive animations following key plays and moments
The 2026 Phillips 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Tournament will take place March 4-8/9, while the Men’s Basketball Tournament will be played March 10-14. The Big 12 currently boasts the most top 25 ranked men’s basketball teams of any conference in America (six), including No. 1 Arizona. The Conference also features three programs in Nielsen’s top 10 most-watched women’s college basketball programs (Iowa State, Oklahoma State and Baylor), and entered the week with 10 of its 16 women’s basketball teams at .500 or better in Conference play. Games will be broadcast across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPN+.
Mizzou Athletics Launches Naming Rights and Veterans Recognition Initiatives for Memorial Stadium
Mizzou Athletics is moving forward with securing corporate naming rights for Memorial Stadium, the historic home of Mizzou Football for nearly a century, as part of a broader revenue strategy to strengthen the department's long-term competitiveness in the Southeastern Conference and nationally. The initiative comes at a pivotal moment as Mizzou prepares to celebrate the stadium's 100-year anniversary in 2026 with the opening of the newly constructed north concourse as part of the transformational $250 million Memorial Stadium Centennial Project.
Mizzou Athletics has engaged Intersect Partners, a nationally experienced firm in sports property sales, to help identify potential naming rights partners whose values, brand identity and vision align with the University of Missouri and Mizzou Athletics. Mizzou Deputy Director of Athletics Eric Morrison is leading the process alongside Intersect Partners, who will coordinate their efforts with Mizzou Sports Properties.
"This is another incredible opportunity to position Mizzou Athletics for the future," Mizzou Director of Athletics Laird Veatch said: "Memorial Stadium enters its second century as college athletics continues to evolve rapidly. Securing naming rights reflects our 'Will to Win,' which includes a commitment to investing aggressively in our ability to recruit, retain and compete to win championships, while also being thoughtful and intentional in honoring our past."
Should the naming rights process conclude with a successful partnership, Mizzou plans to remove "Memorial" from the stadium name. At the same time, the University is actively planning new, meaningful opportunities to honor and preserve the historic origins and intent behind the Memorial designation. Those details will develop in consultation with veterans groups, campus leadership, athletics stakeholders, the new naming rights partner and members of the Mizzou community to ensure an enduring and respectful tribute.
"We appreciate the meaningful dialogue we have had with key stakeholders, including multiple veterans groups and military representatives, and we are excited to develop plans with them to honor and recognize their service in new and meaningful ways," Veatch continued. "At the same time, we look forward to taking this incredibly valuable branding opportunity to our corporate community."
Opened in 1926 and built through the labor and fundraising efforts of students, alumni and community members, Memorial Stadium has hosted generations of unforgettable moments for Mizzou Football — from battles in the Big Six to modern-day Southeastern Conference showdowns. It has evolved alongside the football program itself, growing from a hillside amphitheater to one of the Midwest's most distinctive and storied venues. Built at a cost of $350,000 and inspired by Coach Gwinn Henry's championship teams of 1924–25 and Athletics Director Chester L. Brewer's vision, the stadium was part of a pair of memorial projects that opened in 1926 — Memorial Stadium and Memorial Union — both dedicated to the 117 University of Missouri students and alumni who died in World War I, with Memorial Union initially serving as the campus' student union.
Mizzou Athletics will share additional details as the naming rights process progresses.
Vizrt Launches Sports Production Bundles to Empower US Students to Produce Like the Pros
Vizrt, a leading viewer engagement platform and a trusted expert in live production technologies, today announces the launch of four Campus Stadium Production Bundles, designed to equip high schools and colleges in the United States with broadcast-quality sports solutions.
Using the same live production tools trusted by sports broadcasters and professional media organizations, the bundles deliver a complete, integrated workflow for live switching, replays, and graphics – complete with ready-to-play big screen graphics templates.
With the all-in-one production switcher TriCaster at its core, the technologies assembled are optimized for student-led productions, so the young production team can learn while delivering professional results.
“The scale and energy of school sports in the United States is unique,” said Andrew O’Neil, Senior Vice President of Sports at Vizrt. “To match the enthusiasm of fans, schools must elevate their in-venue coverage, while also growing their brand and creating new revenue opportunities. Students gain hands-on experience with the same systems powering broadcast coverage, preparing them for careers in media, journalism, and live production.”
Real-world skills for the next generation of content creators
Each package includes access to Viz University, Vizrt’s on-demand training platform, which supports students and staff in building real-world production skills. The bundles are available in four configurations to suit schools of different sizes and ambitions, simplifying the adoption of transformative technology.
With the Campus Stadium Production Bundles, high school and colleges across the United States can join the growing community of schools creating stunning sports coverage and streaming it live on digital platforms.
“Replays are a huge thing for us. We're probably the only high school in New Mexico that's doing full-blown replays in the gym right now, which has been very cool for our fans and visitors. We had a student here who scored his thousand career point, so we showed a highlight reel, from multiple angles. That was cool to be able to give that student some recognition for a hard-earned accomplishment,” said Harold White, Director of Broadcasting for Cimarron Municipal School.
Beyond sports: shaping the future of content creation
While designed for sports, Vizrt’s Campus Stadium Production Bundles reflect a broader shift in the media landscape. As content creation becomes more accessible, Vizrt is making production-grade technology available to more people – enabling schools, small businesses, and creators across industries to produce high-quality content without hefty cost and lost time.
Qiddiya Investment Company reveals landmark horse racing venue
The new venue is designed as a national destination for sport, culture, and entertainment, reflecting the Kingdom’s long-standing relationship with horses and its continued investment in world-class sporting infrastructure. Qiddiya City’s Horse Racing Venue will become the new permanent home of the prestigious Group 1 USD 20 million Saudi Cup, the world’s richest horse race, which is currently being staged for the seventh time on Saturday 14 February at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, ahead of its relocation to Qiddiya City.
Commenting on the announcement, Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, said: "This venue reflects Qiddiya Investment Company’s ambition to set new global benchmarks. Every element, from racing performance and equine welfare to hospitality and fan engagement, has been designed to meet the expectations of the world’s leading racing jurisdictions. In line with our wider vision for Qiddiya City, this state-of-the-art venue is designed to be fully accessible, pioneering a new chapter in spectator engagement and experiences".
At its core, the Horse Racing Venue will feature a distinctive and flexible racing configuration, designed to support a broad range of international race formats while delivering high-performance conditions for equine athletes and enhanced visibility for spectators. The venue will include the region’s first straight-mile turf course, alongside a 2,200-metre main turf track and a 2,400-metre inner dirt track, bringing elite racing together within a single integrated environment.
A 21,000-seat grandstand will anchor the venue, with the ability to expand capacity to up to 70,000 guests through event overlays during major race days. A 110-metre parade ring will place horses and riders at the heart of the spectator experience, offering an immersive setting that highlights the skill, precision, and tradition of the sport.
Equine welfare is a defining priority of the development. A world-class Equine Hospital will provide advanced veterinary services, including diagnostics, surgery, rehabilitation, and emergency care, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to the highest standards of horse welfare.
Beyond race days, the Horse Racing Venue is designed to operate as a year-round destination. It will feature nine fine-dining restaurants curated by Michelin-star chefs, alongside premium hospitality and social spaces that extend the experience beyond the track. The venue will also host the Turf Racing Festival, further strengthening its position as a platform for elite racing and cultural celebration.
Qiddiya City’s Horse Racing Venue’s inaugural programme of racing, cultural, and showcase events will attract international participants, industry leaders, and audiences from around the world, setting a new global benchmark for equestrianism.
As part of strengthening alignment and coordination within the horse racing ecosystem, Qiddiya Investment Company and the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia are expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on the sidelines of the Asian Racing Conference, focusing on collaboration, coordination, and the long-term development of horse racing in the Kingdom.
The Horse Racing Venue forms part of Qiddiya Investment Company’s wider vision to develop Qiddiya City as a national hub for sport, entertainment, and culture, driven by the Power of Play.