Lancashire Cricket Club takes control of second home
Lancashire Cricket has formally taken control of Farington, the site of the Club’s new second home.
The handover from Eric Wright Construction on Monday 9 February comes just over two-years on from the commencement of their work on the site which began in November 2023.
Club officials - including Chief Executive Daniel Gidney and Interim Chair Dame Sarah Storey - were joined by representatives from Lancashire County Council and Eric Wright Construction for Monday's handover.
Developed alongside Lancashire County Council at Farington in Central Lancashire, the new facility is set to bring together elite and community cricket in one high-quality location.
It will also become a Women’s Centre of Excellence for the North West region and will help Lancashire Cricket continue to bring through both men’s and women’s cricketers of the future.
The facility features two cricket ovals - with the professional oval set to host a number of men’s and women’s competitive matches each year. The second oval will support community, recreational and youth cricket, activated by Lancashire Cricket Foundation.
In between both ovals, a pavilion building has also been built to provide four changing rooms and fitness facilities for players, in addition to both outdoor and covered net facilities for training.
Having now taken control of the site, the Club will continue work across the professional oval and in the Pavilion with the ambition to host two men’s Metro Bank One-Day Cup matches at Farington during the 2026 season.
The Club will issue a further update on a venue for the matches against Kent Spitfires and Notts Outlaws on Tuesday 28 and Thursday 30 July once further preparation work has taken place.
Member previews are currently in the planning stage. Internal fixtures and fittings are not yet complete, so a little more time is required. Members will be notified as soon as the visit dates are confirmed.
Lancashire Cricket’s Interim Chair Dame Sarah Storey said: “This is another landmark day for this historic project, as the Club officially takes control of Farington following the handover from our partners at Eric Wright Construction. Reaching this stage is a huge moment for Lancashire Cricket and reflects years of planning and collaboration alongside Lancashire County Council and the ECB.
“It has been incredible to witness the transformation of the site in a little over two years, from open fields into a purpose-built cricket facility of outstanding quality. The progress made is a real testament to the expertise and commitment of Eric Wright Construction, and we are extremely grateful for their support and professionalism throughout the process.
“Farington is set to be a true gamechanger for Lancashire Cricket, supporting the growth of the game across all levels - from community and pathway cricket through to our professional programmes. As our new second home, it will play a vital role in the Club’s future, and we are incredibly excited to see it host its first matches and activities later this year.”
“Yesterday’s handover marks a major step forward for the Farington project, creating a landmark facility that will transform opportunities for cricket across Lancashire. With professional standard pitches, state-of-the-art training areas, and dedicated community spaces, the site will offer opportunities for players of all ages and abilities.
“It will support the continued growth of Lancashire Cricket - including its development as a North West Centre of Excellence for the women’s game - while boosting local wellbeing, strengthening community pride, and contributing to the county’s economy through jobs and long-term investment. We’re proud to see this pioneering facility taking shape in the heart of Lancashire,” said County Councillor Brian Moore, cabinet member for Economic Development and Growth, Lancashire County Council.
“Our completion of the new Farington Cricket Ground for our partners, Lancashire County Council and Lancashire Cricket Club, is a testament to the dedication, teamwork, and resilience the team has shown throughout the projects journey. This development creates a lasting sporting legacy for Farington and the wider Lancashire cricket community.
“By combining professional-grade facilities with inclusive community spaces, the project ensures the venue will serve elite cricket, grassroots participation, and spectators for many years to come. We are proud to have played a lead role in delivering a venue that reflects the quality and ambition of cricket in Lancashire. The Farington facility sets a new benchmark for modern cricket infrastructure, supporting both high-performance sport and community engagement,” added John Hartnett, Managing Director at Eric Wright Construction commented.
NEW PRINCIPALITY STADIUM NAMING RIGHTS DEAL SECURED
The Welsh Rugby Union has confirmed its Stadium naming rights deal with Principality Building Society has been extended until 2030, with the new investment directly supporting the growth of the game in Wales from grassroots up to elite levels.
Wales’ national ground has been known as Principality Stadium, hosting an array of global music stars, worldwide sporting events and international Welsh rugby, since January 2016.
“I am delighted to announce the renewal of the naming rights of Principality Stadium until 2030 – taking us to the end of the decade," said Iain Mansfield, CEO of Principality Building Society.
As the CEO of Wales’ largest mutual, we are proud of our Welsh heritage, while also recognising our national role as the UK’s 6th largest building society.
Having our name above one of the world’s most iconic entertainment and sporting venues is Principality’s statement of intent to the million visitors who come to Cardiff each year, adding real and demonstrable value to our brand and the Welsh economy.”
The deal with one of Wales’ oldest building societies, formed in 1860, had been extended for one-year as a goodwill gesture by WRU, after Covid-19 saw many events cancelled or held behind closed doors during the 2022 season, but now the two great, historic Welsh brands have come to an agreement until 2030.
“This new investment in Welsh rugby will provide vital support to the community game across the nation and directly positively impact improvements to our professional game,” said WRU CEO Abi Tierney.
“Principality Building Society are one of our longest-standing and most supportive partners who have become synonymous with the top-class events calendar we host in the Welsh capital, as well as being right at the heart of our community game.
“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Principality Building Society and achieving more great things together.”
Maradona Stadium Naples: First renderings revealed
The first renderings for the redevelopment of Napoli's Stadio Diego Armando Maradona have been revealed publicly for the first time, following a meeting at Naples' City Council.
The overarching aim for the project is to have the works complete in time for the stadium to host matches at UEFA Euro 2032, with Italy schedule to host the tournament alongside Turkey. At present, the ground does not meet the necessary UEFA requirements to host matches at a major international championships, hence the need for renovation.
Live Nation to Acquire ForumNet Group
Live Nation has signed an agreement to acquire ForumNet Group, one of Italy’s leading venue operators, from Bastogi S.p.A., underscoring Live Nation’s commitment to investing in Italy’s vibrant live entertainment scene.
Unipol Forum is at the heart of the acquisition: a renowned live music and sports arena that has welcomed 2 million fans annually since opening in 1990 and hosted global superstars and Italian icons, including Vasco, Cremonini, Tiziano Ferro and Marco Mengoni, alike. Beyond music, Unipol Forum is home to the Armani Olimpia Milano basketball team and will stage figure and short track speed skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Live Nation plans significant investment in Unipol Forum to enhance the fan experience, upgrade artist and production facilities, and introduce sustainability improvements to reduce carbon emissions. These upgrades will build on the venue’s Olympic legacy and ensure it remains a long-term home for world-class entertainment and elite sports. The deal also includes Teatro Repower and the management of open-air venue Carroponte.
Roberto de Luca, President, Live Nation Italy, said: “We’re proud to welcome these historic Milan venues to Live Nation and invest in their future. The Forum has hosted some of the greatest Italian and international artists and we look forward to creating even more opportunities for artists and fans. The ForumNet venues will continue under an independent management team, maintaining longstanding relationships with all partners and promoters.”
“These venues have been at the heart of Milan’s cultural life for decades. Partnering with Live Nation ensures they will continue to thrive, welcoming fans and artists from both Italy and around the world for years to come,” added Marco Cabassi, President, Bastogi Group.
Together, these venues play a major role in Italy’s live entertainment sector which generated €4.5 billion nationally in 2024.
The existing ForumNet team will continue to operate the venues and welcome all event organisers. Live Nation will continue to promote shows across all Italian venues. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to complete in April 2026.
ForumNet venues
- Unipol Forum (capacity up to 15,800)
- Teatro Repower (capacity up to 1,700)
- Carroponte (an open-air venue with a capacity up to 12,000)
The Halo: Immersive new experience unveiled at Capital One Arena
Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) has unveiled The Halo, an immersive new experience built to elevate every moment inside the arena. Slated to debut ahead of the 2027-28 season, The Halo is a multi-level hospitality space for nearly 4,500 venue guests, with a wide range of seating, clubs, and social experiences for season ticket holders, small groups, suite owners and select ticket tiers.
Built to transition seamlessly between NHL and NBA games, concerts, and family entertainment, The Halo reimagines how fans experience live events. With multiple distinct culinary concepts, flexible seating and club options, concierge-led service and spaces designed to evolve over time, The Halo represents the next chapter in MSE’s vision for the future of live experiences and one that will be recognised and saluted industry-wide.
“The Halo will completely change how fans think about the arena experience,” said Jim Van Stone, President of Business Operations and Chief Commercial Officer of MSE. “We designed this space for how fans actually want to experience events today—whether that’s watching a Capitals game, a Wizards matchup, or a sold-out concert. This isn’t just about luxury; it’s about flexibility, comfort and choice. We’re creating something that has never existed before in an arena, and we’re doing it in a way that reflects the energy, culture and momentum of Washington, D.C.”
The Ultimate Choose-Your-Own-Adventure
With endless options and curated luxury, each visit to The Halo is the ultimate build-your-own nightly hospitality experience, with select tickets planned to start at under $100.
Unique experiences in The Halo will include:
-Taste the City: Guests can explore eight exclusive distinct dining concepts with seating for up to 1,000 guests thoughtfully curated to capture the flavors, textures, and bold spirit of Washington, D.C., featuring well-known local chefs and restauranteurs. Examples of restaurants concepts that guests can choose to experience nightly to include:
-Pizza and Wine Bar – Anchored by an open kitchen and thoughtful wine program, the Pizza and Wine Bar is designed to gather in a relaxed yet refined setting.
-Cantina – High-energy gathering place fueled by bold flavours, tequila, mezcal, and the non-stop spirit of celebration.
-Beer Hall – A social hub and sports bar and grill built to be your pre-game destination before, during and after every event.
-Speakeasy – Inspired by DC’s music history, plush lounge seating in a tucked away setting provides one of the arena’s most exclusive places to sip, socialize, and set the tone for the night.
-The Brasserie – The Brasserie serves up Steak Frites combined with polished service, cocktails, and quiet confidence.
-Discover Hidden Gems: Secret lounges, boutique retail, and tucked-away tasting rooms reward curiosity at every turn with the delightfully unexpected.
-Elevate the View: Reimagined seating and club options, paired with open circulation, and two center-court/center-ice bars with sightlines directly into the bowl let guests choose their perspective on the action – including seats up to 4 inches wider for season ticketholders.
-Step Into the Inner Circle: A member-only vibe meets all-access energy, where the connections guests make are as memorable as the event itself. Curated retail offerings add an additional layer of exclusivity, offering keepsakes and stories guests can’t get anywhere else.
-Experience Personalized Service: Dedicated concierges will anticipate needs, recall preferences, and deliver signature touches.
-Go Beyond Game Night: Flexible spaces and evolving menus adapt seamlessly for everything from corporate meetings to private celebrations, offering day-to-night functionality for every need.
The Heart of a Reimagined Arena
The Halo is a cornerstone of MSE’s $800+ million transformation of Capital One Arena, a project at the heart of broader efforts to revitalize downtown Washington, D.C., in partnership with the District, and showcase the city as a global hub for sports and entertainment. Alongside The Halo, the redesigned arena will introduce a selection of experiences that bring together innovation, hospitality, and social connection in the nation’s capital.
This summer, MSE will unveil the full scope of the Capital One Arena transformation, including additional new seating experiences, fan amenities, technology enhancements and hospitality offerings across all levels of the building—ensuring the future arena experience is defined by access, comfort and innovation for everyone.
Additional future offerings will introduce new ways for fans and businesses of all sizes to experience the arena—from intimate, all-inclusive private spaces for groups of 4, 8 or 16 guests, to a fully reimagined club seating experience designed for individual fans seeking elevated comfort, flexibility and access without a traditional suite commitment.
Etihad Stadium redevelopment: New hotel brand revealed
The Medlock, a Radisson Blu hotel set to open in partnership between Manchester City and Radisson Hotel Group later this year has today revealed the hotel’s brand, in addition to new interior CGIs.
The announcement marks another key milestone for the Club’s wider entertainment destination development that will see a range of new and exciting offerings available on site, including a museum experience, restaurants and much more, all to be revealed throughout 2026 ahead of official opening.
With a name inspired by the River Medlock that runs underneath the Etihad Campus and connects the area to the city, the hotel’s wider brand revealed today features a laidback, welcoming design that builds on the city’s industrial heritage and has unique Mancunian touches throughout.
As part of the Radisson Blu portfolio, The Medlock is a 401-room upper-upscale hotel - including a premium penthouse suite - designed with exceptional attention to detail to ensure a memorable stay for guests. Its stylish surroundings will reflect the city’s warm and friendly hospitality, welcoming both business and leisure visitors, as well as those attending Co-op Live (the UK’s largest indoor arena), match-days at the Etihad and Joie Stadiums and much more.
The hotel also offers attractive opportunities for MICE organisers, with access to a range of meeting & event spaces at the Etihad Stadium, as well as its convenient proximity to Manchester city centre.
The hotel will be operated by industry-recognised hotel management company, Valor Hospitality.
From today, the booking system for The Medlock will also go live allowing guests to book stays at the new hotel later this year for the very first time.
Richard Pearson, General Manager of The Medlock, said: “Today marks a key milestone as we unveil The Medlock’s brand and full look and feel. Inspired by our location, the identify celebrates the character, energy and spirit of the place we call home: Manchester. With bookings officially open, it’s an exciting step as we move closer to opening later this year.”
Adela Cristea, Chief Development Officer UK, Ireland & Nordics at Radisson Hotel group: “It’s exciting to see the hotel progress and reach this important stage, with bookings now open for guests from October onwards.
“Together with Manchester City Football Club we are creating a global flagship property within a world-class destination which will offer an exceptional experience for visitors coming to the city for business, leisure and events.”
Legends Global appoints new North American Venues President
Legends Global, the premier partner to the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands, announced today that Josh Kritzler has been appointed President, North American Venues & Content. In this role, Kritzler will oversee the company’s portfolio of North American arenas, stadiums, theatres, and convention centres and lead venue operations, content, and booking across the network.
“As we continue to build Legends Global into the premier partner for the world’s greatest live events, venues, and brands, Josh’s leadership is a natural fit,” said Dan Levy, CEO of Legends Global. “He brings an entrepreneurial mindset, deep operational experience, and a strong commercial perspective. His ability to connect strategy, content, and execution will help us better serve our partners and continue raising the bar across our North American venue network.”
“I’m excited to step into this role and work alongside our teams to bring even greater alignment across content, commercial strategy, and operations. With the most powerful venue network in North America, we’re well-positioned to deliver exciting content that brings people together and creates memorable experiences for our guests,” added Kritzler.
Kritzler has played a key role in the company’s evolution since joining four years ago. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President, Strategy and Chief of Staff, supporting enterprise-wide strategy and playing a central role in the Legends-ASM Global integration. In 2025, he also assumed responsibility for content strategy. Prior to Legends Global, Kritzler was Co-Founder and Partner of 4FRONT, a global data, analytics, innovation, and digital media agency acquired by Legends Global in early 2022. Founded in 2007, he grew 4FRONT from a startup into a multi-office organization serving sports and entertainment clients worldwide.
Legends Global boasts a network of more than 250 venues in North America, including top stadiums such as Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, and Soldier Field in Chicago; leading arenas such as Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, and Coliseo de Puerto Rico in Puerto Rico; prominent theatres such as The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, Altria Theater in Richmond, and Coca-Cola Music Hall in Puerto Rico; and local economic-driving convention centers such as Moscone Center in San Francisco, Colorado Convention Center in Denver, and Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, among many other venues.
Kappture launches with FC Porto in Portugal
Kappture has launched in Portugal at Estadio do Dragao, in partnership with Legends Global (Europe)
"We’re proud to be live at the iconic Estádio do Dragão, supporting food and beverage operations for FC Porto, one of Europe’s most successful and internationally recognised football clubs," said the company.
Delivered in partnership with Legends Global, this deployment includes over 180 Kappture terminals across the stadium, featuring Kappture’s K2C fixed POS alongside Castle technology mobile POS devices , fully integrated with Kappture to power fast, reliable and scalable service on matchdays and major events.
Working closely with Legends Global and their food and beverage operation at the stadium, this mobilisation reflects a shared focus on operational excellence, consistency, and delivering an outstanding fan experience at scale.
This marks an important milestone for Kappture, with Estádio do Dragão becoming our first live venue in Portugal, further expanding our footprint across Europe.
Auf Schalke eG purchases €7.5 million stadium stake
FC Gelsenkirchen-Schalke 04 e.V. has successfully completed the sale of stadium shares to Auf Schalke eG, providing S04 with fresh equity. For €7.5 million, the supporters’ Cooperative is acquiring a portion of the club’s stake in the VELTINS-Arena stadium company.
After deducting the taxes due, the proceeds will help Schalke 04 continue to stabilise their finances. Backed by its members, the Cooperative will become a co-owner of the VELTINS-Arena, which further strengthens the close bond between the club and its fans.
“The supporters’ Cooperative makes it possible to inject fresh equity into the club. Thanks to this transaction, we can continue to reduce liabilities and, step by step, regain more room for manoeuvre in our decision-making,” explained Christina Rühl-Hamers, FC Schalke 04 board member responsible for finance. “After successfully refinancing our maturing bonds and repaying two state-guaranteed loans, the sale of stadium shares to our Cooperative is another important element of our financial restructuring. The transaction also supports our efforts to meet the DFL’s equity rule this year.”
Proceeds provide financial planning security
In total, the e.V. is transferring partial limited partnership interests in FC Schalke 04-Stadion-Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH & Co. Immobilienverwaltungs-KG to the Cooperative, with a nominal value of €2.16 million. This corresponds to 5.4% of the stadium company. The company’s total share capital amounts to €40 million.
“This transaction is the first tangible result delivered by Auf Schalke eG. The Cooperative members have bought a real stake in their Royal Blue home. The shares in the VELTINS-Arena remain in Schalke hands, while the club strengthens its financial foundations at the same time – it’s a perfect deal,” said Matthias Tillmann, board member of Auf Schalke eG.
The agreed purchase price of €7.5 million is based on a current valuation of the stadium company. Part of the proceeds will be used by FC Gelsenkirchen-Schalke 04 e.V. to buy back stadium shares from Stadtwerke Gelsenkirchen. In 2009, the club sold capital shares in the stadium company to Stadtwerke Gelsenkirchen, while securing a call option that allowed it to buy them back.
“By buying back shares from Stadtwerke Gelsenkirchen, we are reducing liabilities and increasing our club’s stake in the stadium company back to more than 50%, and therefore to the voting majority required for key decisions,” Rühl-Hamers explained.
“At the same time, Auf Schalke eG joining the ownership structure of the stadium company means that, overall, more VELTINS-Arena shares are once again in Schalke ownership – held by the club and, through the Cooperative, by our members. That’s a win-win situation for everyone.”
Members become co-owners of the VELTINS-Arena
The Cooperative Auf Schalke eG was founded at the end of 2024 to give club members and supporting companies a solidarity-based, democratically organised way to strengthen FC Schalke 04. Since subscriptions opened in January 2025, more than 8,000 Cooperative members have subscribed to shares worth around €8 million. “This broad base from the Schalke community is the foundation for the acquisition of shares in the stadium company that has now been completed, and it shows the enormous potential of our community,” added Michael Kalthoff, board member of Auf Schalke eG.
Important facts about the transaction:
DFB Pokal: Final to remain at Berlin's Olympiastadion until 2030
The German Football Association (DFB) and the state of Berlin have agreed on an extension of the agreement which gives the Berlin Olympiastadion the right to host the men’s DFB-Pokal final. The final will therefore be held in the capital city for five more years.
President of the DFB Bernd Neuendorf said: “The DFB-Pokal final is a huge part of German football and a real highlight for both fans and clubs. The final at the Olympiastadion stands for tradition, emotion and sporting excellence – all of which are values that make the Pokal so unique. With the extension until 2030, we are sending a clear signal that we want to provide the fans with an unforgettable experience and preserve the special atmosphere of this final. We are delighted to continue on this successful journey together with Berlin.”
DFB general secretary Holger Blask said: “The DFB-Pokal final is not just a sporting highlight, but also a big economic factor for both German football and the city of Berlin. The competition’s high profile ensures broad media reach and attractive marketing opportunities, both for the DFB and for the clubs who take part. This extension until 2030 also gives clubs, fans, partners and sponsors planning security and strengthens the economic foundation of the entire competition.”
Hosts since 1985
As part of the extension, the infrastructure of the Olympiastadion will be further improved. A central part of that is the expansion of the south entrance, in order to reduce wait times and improve access for fans. The decision to improve this section specifically came as a result of analysis done after the 2025 Pokal final.
The Olympiastadion has held the men’s DFB-Pokal final since 1985. With this extension until 2030, the DFB is ensuring the continuity and quality of a truly unparalleled cup final in one of the most beautiful stadiums in Europe.