Asian Cup 2027: Venues for Saudi Arabia edition confirmed
Valencia set to present plans for hospitality at Nou Mestalla
Valencia CF continues to make progress on the construction of the Nou Mestalla, a strategic project for the future of the Club and the city, scheduled to open in the 2027/28 season. A state-of-the-art stadium conceived not only as a playing field, but as a multifunctional, innovative space open 365 days a year.
Hospitality del Nou Mestalla — the premium experience offering of Valencia CF's future stadium — will participate in FORINVEST 2026, the leading business, innovation and networking forum, which will allow it to connect with the Valencian business community around the opportunities offered by Nou Mestalla in the field of sports hospitality.
On March 11 and 12, the Club will be holding a full program of experiential activities for attendees. Among these, a highlight will be a roundtable discussion, made possible by the space provided by the Sports Cluster, which will analyze key aspects such as business development and value creation in large sports organizations.
Our Director of Hospitality at Nou Mestalla (Valencia CF), Alberto Zambrana, will participate in this meeting.
In addition, visitors can enjoy a 360° immersive experience, allowing them to virtually tour the main Hospitality areas of the new stadium; participate in exclusive prize draws; and sample a culinary selection inspired by the catering service that will be offered to future Hospitality clients at the Nou Mestalla. This initiative is being developed in collaboration with Aramark, a strategic partner in the project.
Furthermore, through its own stand, the Club will bring the Nou Mestalla experience to the fairgrounds for two days, allowing interested parties to tangibly explore the spaces, finishes, and visibility of the various Hospitality products. This concept has been a reality since last December through the Valencia CF Experience Center, located at Avinguda de Suècia, 17, opposite the current Mestalla stadium.
Participation in FORINVEST 2026 reinforces Valencia CF's commitment to innovation, excellence in user experience and the positioning of Nou Mestalla as a European benchmark in sports hospitality, consolidating it as a strategic asset for the Club and for the Valencian business ecosystem.
Oxford United given planning approval for new stadium
Oxford United have announced that the Club have formally signed the Section 106 Planning Agreement with Oxfordshire County Council and Cherwell District Council, which has enabled full and final planning permission for the Club’s new stadium to be issued.
This represents one of the most significant milestones to date in Oxford United’s plans to build a 16,000-capacity stadium, which include a 180-bedroom hotel, restaurant, conference centre, health & wellbeing space, gym and community plaza.
Signing the Section 106 follows extensive and detailed engagement between the Club and local authorities to ensure the stadium and surrounding development deliver long‑term social, economic and environmental benefits for people across Oxfordshire. The agreement will see over £5 million invested into infrastructure and local projects, alongside other commitments made as part of a separate Community Collaboration Agreement.
With formal planning approval received, the Club can now progress with the next phase of the project, which includes the discharge of pre-commencement conditions and enabling works ahead of construction.
Oxford United Chairman, Grant Ferguson, said: “Signing the Section 106 Agreement and receiving formal planning approval brings us one step closer to delivering a new home for our Club. It also underlines the commitment of our owners to make a significant investment into the UK and Oxfordshire.
“The new stadium is designed not only as a home for men’s and women’s football, but as a major community and business hub that supports local and regional economic growth, sustainability objectives and long‑term wellbeing across the county.
“I’d like to thank Oxfordshire County Council, Cherwell District Council, our project team and the many community groups, supporters and stakeholders who have contributed constructively throughout this process.
“While important steps remain, this milestone gives us the platform to move forward with confidence as we focus on the next stages of this once-in-a-generation opportunity.”
Oxford United remain committed to maintaining strong dialogue with residents, businesses, supporters and local groups as the project progresses. The Club will provide further updates in due course.
Huddersfield Town announce Pepsi Max partnership
Huddersfield Town have announced that Pepsi MAX has become an Associate Partner of the Club for the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign.
The new partnership builds on the Club’s strategy to enhance fan experience across all touchpoints, including hospitality areas, kiosks and concourse facilities.
Supporters can now enjoy a premium selection of soft drinks supplied by Britvic, featuring Pepsi MAX alongside popular favourites such as Tango, 7UP and J2O.
In addition to product availability, a series of in‑stadium activations and engagement opportunities are planned across the season to bring the brand to life and further elevate the match day atmosphere.
Callum Limb, Huddersfield Town’s Partnership Manager, said: “Following the acquisition of the Accu Stadium last September, we are pleased to continue building strong relationships with brands, such as Pepsi MAX and Britvic, to help enhance the overall match day experience for our supporters.
“Pepsi MAX is well-known and hugely popular on the market, so we are delighted to have their product available for our supporters to purchase on both match days and non-match days.”
Emma King, Hospitality Director at Carlsberg Britvic, added: “This new partnership with Huddersfield Town means we’re bringing more choice and even more enjoyment to match days at Accu Stadium – thanks to a superstar line up of soft drinks featuring fans favourites such as Pepsi MAX, Tango, 7UP and J2O."
Levy acquires sports marketing agency The iLUKA Collective
In a move that signals a bold new era for the experience economy, Levy, the visionary venue partner and market leading sports and entertainment provider, today announces the acquisition of international sports marketing agency, The iLUKA Collective. This strategic partnership creates a powerful combination of strategy, design, and live event execution at a time when global demand for immersive brand experiences is accelerating.
By integrating iLUKA’s specialised expertise, Levy strengthens its position as an international leader, capable of delivering end-to-end solutions that bridge the gap between world-class events & venues, and the brands that inhabit them. At the heart of iLUKA is a commitment to creating people-first environments that foster lasting connections through unmatched creative ambition and operational precision. By delivering strategic architectures, from brand experience and hospitality to bespoke digital platforms, iLUKA simplifies the complex environments of major global events. Their dedicated teams act as a natural extension of a client’s organisation, ensuring guests can focus entirely on being there, together.
This move allows Levy to extend its premium service offering further, beyond venue and event, marketing, sales, sports travel & operations, and into the world of brand partners and sponsors. By providing these enhanced services to its extensive network of partners around the world, Levy is evolving the way people connect at live events.
"This acquisition is a vital addition to Levy’s growing portfolio. We now offer a comprehensive wraparound proposition, with iLUKA broadening our expertise into the world of brand activation and major international events. The iLUKA Collective joins our portfolio of businesses dedicated to delivering world-class premium experiences to an international market, ensuring we remain the partner of choice for the world’s best sporting events and venues," said Charlie Buck, Chief Commercial Officer, Levy.
“For decades, Jon Hilman and I have been at the forefront of crafting unique and unforgettable experiences for guests which drive business results for our clients, all whilst navigating the eternally complex operating environment of global events. We are tremendously excited to join Levy, giving our global event clients access to unparalleled resources to meet the demands of the scale and scope of the upcoming global event calendar, whilst also deploying our specialist teams into new sporting arenas as part of the Levy Sport and Entertainment offering,” added Felicity Shankar, CEO of The iLUKA Collective.
This acquisition follows the significant appointment of Richard Thompson as Levy Chair at the end of 2025. Thompson’s leadership was established specifically to accelerate Levy’s ambitious growth plan, and the integration of the iLUKA Collective serves as a major milestone in that trajectory, reinforcing Levy's commitment to dominating the international experience economy.
Venu announce strategic partnership with Dimensional Innovations
Venu Holding Corporation ("VENU" or the "Company"), owner, operator, and developer of premium entertainment and hospitality destinations, today announced a strategic partnership with Dimensional Innovations (DI), an experience design, technology, and fabrication firm known for delivering next-level immersive environments for leading brands and institutions worldwide. The firm’s portfolio includes work at Intuit Dome, Gillette Stadium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, LEGOLAND Resorts, and the United States Air Force Academy.
Under the partnership, DI will consult across VENU’s premium portfolio, supporting signage, brand activations, and integrated experiential design elements that elevate the guest journey and enhance sponsor visibility. The collaboration reflects VENU’s continued focus on integrating advanced technology, premium ambiance, an omni-content programming model, and elevated hospitality as core drivers of its mission and long-term growth.
“Technology and premium design are not surface level enhancements. They directly influence the fan journey, how brands activate, and how our venues perform over time,” said JW Roth, Founder, Chairman and CEO of VENU. “Dimensional Innovations has delivered some of the most intuitive and engaging technology driven environments of this generation. Their ability to integrate digital displays, immersive activations, and scalable infrastructure allows us to create venues that deepen fan connection, expand sponsor opportunities, and improve operating efficiency. That expertise helps position our portfolio for the next era of live entertainment, and we are excited to push the boundaries of what is possible.”
“Great venues don’t just look premium; they deliver a premium experience for guests, operators and sponsors,” said Spencer Farley, Practice Director of Entertainment and Hospitality at Dimensional Innovations. “Our first focus is on a seamless guest journey from arrival to finale across VENU’s properties. We’ll help shape the moments fans remember most, from social-ready content activations to interactive sponsorship environments that pull fans in and deliver more value for partners at every venue.”
Dimensional Innovations has delivered high-profile projects across sports, entertainment, corporate, and cultural sectors for more than 30 years. Through this partnership, VENU continues to invest in next-generation venue infrastructure designed to support immersive environments, premium brand integration, and scalable portfolio growth.
SP Grid powers the next generation of sports fan engagement
As sporting experiences become increasingly geared towards audience entertainment, leagues, teams and venues are under pressure to deliver experiences that go beyond the game itself. Today’s fans expect real-time data, broadcast-quality visuals, interactive storytelling and equal experiences whether they are in-venue or at home. Across the industry, technology manufacturers are actively addressing this shift. From stadiums adopting broadcast-style production pipelines to sports courts transforming into interactive, digital canvases, fan engagement is no longer optional.
SP Grid sits at the centre of this evolution, enabling production teams to unify tracking, automation, data and media control into a single scalable platform, which helps turn arenas, stadiums and esports venues into fully connected experience engines. Unlike single-point solutions that address only graphics, tracking or automation in isolation, SP Grid acts as the connective tissue between systems. It aggregates real-time positional data, timing and control signals and distributes them across the users’ desired control workflow. SP Grid is already deployed on projects and venues involved in some of the highest levels of professional sport and entertainment.
“We have seen and are continuing to see many instances of SP Grid being used to create incredible fan experiences, especially in the world of sports,” explains Sarah Cox, CCO at Stage Precision. “These events require precision, accuracy and integration across various moving parts, such as lighting, audio, fan apps and more. With powerful timeline controls, automation features and real-time monitoring, SP Grid ensures that every aspect of the experience is perfectly timed and in sync.”
At the Honda Center, California, SP Grid was used to integrate tracking and control systems to support immersive in-arena visuals, dynamic game stats integration and tightly synchronised show moments, including a bespoke ‘Frog Dash’ game, to encourage crowd participation and bring greater sponsor visibility.
Describing the system created using Stage Precision’s platform, Eric Gazzillo, Vice President of Innovation at Quince Imaging, says, “It sits at the centre of the operation, managing data flow between the tracking system, game engine and media servers. We use active ID tags on players and SP handles the entire data communication network, from camera calibration through to real-time adjustments.”
For Red Bull’s next-generation arena at SAP Garden, Munich, SP Grid plays a critical role in coordinating complex, data-driven shows that blend sport, entertainment and brand storytelling. “No other software brings together a 3D stage tracking system with a user-friendly control interface like SP Grid,” confirms Leon Herche, Creative Producer at bright! studios, who were responsible for developing a workflow to enable tracking data to be transformed into engaging visual content for real-time gaming and audience participation. “The simplicity of the interface makes it super user-friendly. Even the arena team, without specific technical experience, can start and stop games and manage the system easily.” SP Grid’s custom UI feature enables simplified, branded controls to be presented on a tablet or touch panel, making everyday operation intuitive.
Drawing from SP Grid’s rich and versatile feature set, several more tools and capabilities are particularly impactful in live sports environments. Take real-time data aggregation, for example. SP Grid can ingest data from tracking systems such as person and object tracking, enabling instant visualisation of gameplay moments, player movement or branded fan interactions in endless creative forms, from on-screen data feeds to digital floors or in-app updates for audiences.
Precision synchronisation of 3D data enables elements such as LED, lighting, audio, graphics and even AR elements to launch simultaneously and without manual operation, critical for high-impact fan moments. For the 2024 Super Bowl, SP’s tracking solutions emerged as the linchpin of operations for an augmented reality simulcast in collaboration with Nickelodeon featuring the alternate reality of SpongeBob SquarePants.
From single-arena deployments to multi-venue leagues, SP Grid also scales effortlessly, supporting consistent fan experiences across seasons or locations. The E-Sports World Cup 2025 was a testament to this when bright! studios used SP Grid for multi-stage media control across seven venues and dozens of esports gaming titles.
Finally, by taking technical complexity and presenting data, workflows and complex device connections in a user-friendly way, SP Grid encourages creative teams to experiment with new fan engagement concepts and iterate existing set-ups over time to evolve as fan response is gauged.
“As many in our industry are highlighting the importance of fan engagement, SP Grid differentiates itself by focusing not on individual surfaces or effects, but on infrastructure-level orchestration of an experience,” concludes Cox. “Sports teams or organisations can adapt their fan experiences in an agile way, integrate emerging technologies over time and, most importantly, deliver compelling experiences.”
SP Grid empowers venues and broadcasters to turn every moment into a truly engaging audience experience in an era when sporting fans demand more than just a seat and a screen.
TWG launches RightsHelper to analyse ticketng data
TWG Global (“TWG”), a diversified holding company led by Mark Walter and Thomas Tull, has announced the launch of RightsHelper, a ticketing analytics and operations platform designed to address growing vendor fragmentation and revenue inefficiencies for teams, leagues, and commercial rights holders across the global sports and live entertainment ecosystem.
“The sports and entertainment industry is operating in a far more complex and demanding environment than it was even five years ago,” said Stan Kasten, President & CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers. “Dynamic pricing pressure, shifting fan behavior, and rising operating costs require a more disciplined and data-driven operating model. RightsHelper provides organizations with a structured way to manage all these variables in one coordinated system. We believe it will elevate how organizations manage their revenue strategy at a fundamental level.”
The ecosystem of ticketing vendors on which rightsholders rely remains highly fragmented, with most teams relying on multiple vendors that operate independently and require constant manual reconciliation across departments. Rather than layering another analytics tool onto these disconnected systems, RightsHelper restructures how pricing, marketing, sales, and distribution decisions are governed — replacing a collection of vendors with one internally unified system for each team. Designed for Owners, Presidents, Chief Revenue and Chief Strategy Officers, RightsHelper was built by operators managing real ticketing risk inside a live sports environment, ensuring it directly addresses the practical, day-to-day challenges revenue leaders face.
RightsHelper was originally developed and deployed within the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Following its successful implementation, more than 40% of Major League Baseball teams have turned to RightsHelper to deploy independent, custom solutions to allow them to serve their fans better, while maintaining the confidentiality of each team’s data. The technology is now being formally structured under the TWG Global umbrella to be licensed by the broader commercial rightsholder market.
“Building RightsHelper inside the Dodgers organization meant it had to work in a real, high-stakes environment from day one,” said Royce Cohen, Senior Vice President of Business Strategy, Los Angeles Dodgers. “It wasn’t developed in a lab or as a theoretical product. It was built by operators who live with the revenue consequences of every pricing and inventory decision over an 81-game home schedule and a varying number of playoff games in a 50,000-seat stadium. It’s practical, executable, and aligned with how teams actually operate. That ultimately benefits every rightsholder who uses it.”
Looking ahead, TWG Global intends to integrate capabilities from its advanced intelligence division, TWG AI, into the RightsHelper platform, further strengthening predictive modeling, scenario analysis, and real-time decision support
FC Porto to resume stadium renovation works at end of season
Launched during last pre-season, the renovation works at the Estádio do Dragão will resume following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season. The second phase of the project will once again focus on three key pillars: infrastructure, services, and technology.
With the objective of enhancing the fan experience and preparing the Estádio do Dragão for the 2030 World Cup, FC Porto has introduced a new ticketing solution, implemented an innovative lighting system, and fully refurbished the corporate boxes and hospitality areas. The Club has also upgraded its F&B offering through the installation of a central kitchen and several satellite kitchens. The modernization process will now move into its next phase.
In line with the guidelines set out in the Strategic Plan - which also prioritises the enhancement and long-term valorisation of Club infrastructure - FC Porto plans to increase the number of hospitality seats. Instead of the current four tiers, nine integrated concepts will be offered under FC Porto Premium Experiences.
To respond to strong demand for hospitality products, which frequently sell out before the start of competitions, FC Porto will optimise spaces that have so far been underutilised within hospitality areas and create new zones that can be activated throughout the year - both for the Club’s core activities and for events organised by external partners.
Within this context, the second phase of the Central East Stand Premium development will further enhance the attractiveness of these seats for FC Porto members and fans. The expansion of autonomous bars equipped with AiFi - a technology that enables purchases without queues for ordering or payment - will introduce frictionless service into common areas, improving overall matchday experience.
At the same time, assessment studies of the Stadium’s current infrastructure have already begun in order to evaluate future intervention needs regarding the roof.
Among the measures included in the services pillar is the relocation of the Member Store to the Museum area, where a larger and more modern space will be created, enabling members to carry out all membership-related operations in a single location.
Digital Transformation remains a priority for FC Porto. Following the launch of the Portal do Sócio (Member Portal) and the bilhetes.fcporto.pt platform, the next step will be the launch of a Hospitality App, designed to strengthen and centralize the relationship between the Club, its partners, and their respective guests. A Super App is also planned, with the aim of integrating the entire FC Porto ecosystem into a single digital environment.
Inter Miami and NU establish landmark partnership
A new era in fútbol pulses through Miami today as Nu, one of the world’s largest digital financial services platforms with 131 million customers, and Inter Miami CF, the reigning MLS Cup champion, announced a landmark multiyear partnership establishing Nu as a Main Partner of Inter Miami CF. The agreement comes at a pivotal moment for both organizations, as Nu accelerates its international expansion into the United States and Inter Miami CF builds on its position as one of the fastest-growing and most influential clubs in the sport.
As a cornerstone of the agreement, Inter Miami CF’s new state-of-the-art home stadium at Miami Freedom Park will officially be named Nu Stadium, positioning the digital financial services leader at the heart of one of the most ambitious sports and entertainment developments currently underway in the United States, set to open on April 4, 2026. Designed for year-round enjoyment, the 26,700-seat stadium will serve as the home of Inter Miami CF while also hosting concerts of various sizes, corporate and private events, and a wide range of additional sporting events including friendly and competitive matches. Nu and Inter Miami CF will create immersive experiences for fans and customers through curated programming and exclusive access.
For Nu, the partnership marks a significant milestone in its international growth strategy and reinforces its long-term commitment to the United States. The agreement follows Nu’s filing for a U.S. national bank charter with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) in September 2025 and its receipt of conditional approval 121 days later. For Inter Miami CF, this milestone builds on the club’s on-the-pitch success behind the performance of eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, Leo Messi, elite international talent such as Rodrigo de Paul, Luis Suárez, Germán Berterame, and rising homegrown stars such as Noah Allen and Ian Fray, while cementing its status as a global powerhouse. With Nu Stadium at its center, the collaboration reflects the growing intersection of finance, technology and culture in shaping the future of global sport.
“This long-term partnership represents a strategic alignment with an international sports franchise that shares our ambition and global mindset. Nu Stadium will anchor our brand in the United States, allowing us to engage with a diverse, international community as we build the most influential consumer technology platform in the world,” said Cristina Junqueira, Co-founder, and CEO of Nu’s emerging U.S. business.
“Inter Miami was built to set new standards and redefine what’s possible in fútbol. That’s why we pursue greatness on the pitch by signing the best players in the world, and just as importantly, we hold ourselves to that same standard when choosing the partners who help bring our vision to life,” said Jorge Mas, Inter Miami CF Managing Owner. “Nu is exactly the partner we look for – driven by the same disruptor mindset and global ambition that define Inter Miami. Together, we are proud to welcome our fans to Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park very soon, a special place they can call home where they can feel connected, inspired, and part of something truly extraordinary.”
“Miami has always been a place where people come with big dreams and from the very beginning, we wanted this Club to reflect that spirit,” said Inter Miami Co-Owner, David Beckham. “Opening our new stadium is a really special moment on our journey - a place for fans across South Florida and for people from around the world who feel connected to our Club to watch us play. Nu Stadium will be a home for the Inter Miami family and a place that reminds everyone who visits of the Freedom to Dream.”
Beyond the stadium naming rights, the agreement includes a broad portfolio of premium assets. Notably, Nu’s logo will appear on the back of Inter Miami CF’s jersey — one of the most-sold jerseys in global fútbol — as part of a newly introduced league asset debuting in August 2026.
The landmark partnership was celebrated on the night of March 3 as Nu Stadium came alive, illuminated with a pink heartbeat representing Inter Miami CF, threaded with purple veins symbolizing Nu, as a vivid reminder that the Club’s new home is not just steel and concrete, but a living, breathing part of the city. In addition, a drone show lit up Miami, marking the first heartbeat ahead of the April 4 Home Opener, when Inter Miami fans’ energy will bring the stadium fully to life.
Nu will also anchor two signature spaces within Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park: Nu Club, a 770-person premium hospitality lounge featuring a glass tunnel view of players as they walk from the locker rooms to the pitch, and the Nu Plaza, a dynamic community hub designed to host branded gathering spaces, a large screen and seating areas, creating a dynamic public space at the center of the district.
With Nu Stadium set to open its doors, the heartbeat of Miami comes alive.