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.
Tampa Bay Rays release first renderings of new ballpark
The Tampa Bay Rays have released the first renderings of their proposed ballpark and mixed-use district on the Dale Mabry campus of Hillsborough College.
The images, depicting the exterior of the stadium as well as a “Champions Quarter” neighbourhood and a reimagined Hillsborough College building, offer what the club called an “early look at a vision for the site” that “will continue to evolve based on further study of the site and ballpark design concepts, as well as input from local leaders and residents.”
On Jan. 20, the Hillsborough College Board of Trustees approved a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Rays to redevelop the Dale Mabry campus -- located across the street from Raymond James Stadium and adjacent to George M. Steinbrenner Field -- as part of a new ballpark district.
On Tuesday, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis voiced their support for the project, with both stating their belief that “baseball belongs in Tampa Bay.” And the Hillsborough County Commission on Wednesday voted unanimously to begin negotiations with the Rays regarding ballpark funding.
Thursday was the next step in the process, with the Rays now giving a glimpse of what they have in mind for a new ballpark and the surrounding development.
"I’m incredibly grateful for what our organization and the Tampa community have accomplished in just over 100 days since acquiring the team, and of the progress we are making together toward a forever home for the Rays and our loyal fans," Rays managing partner Patrick Zalupski said in a statement. “Hillsborough County’s unanimous vote is a significant milestone and a clear signal that Tampa is serious about keeping Major League Baseball in this region and transforming Tampa Bay for generations to come.”
Since assuming control of the club last September, Rays ownership has said they plan to have a new ballpark ready for the beginning of the 2029 season. The team has three more seasons remaining on its use agreement at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg.
According to the Rays, the new ballpark will have an estimated capacity of 31,000, which would be the lowest for any permanent home stadium in the Majors. The club says the ballpark would offer diverse seating, celebration areas and year-round event spaces.
The Rays on Thursday also unveiled a new website, NewBallpark.RaysBaseball.com, with more information about the project and the opportunity to secure early access seating for a $19.98 deposit.
The Rays are planning a series of community engagement sessions across Hillsborough County in the coming weeks alongside the college and local officials. The club announced that details on those sessions will be announced soon, but they are designed to give fans, students, faculty, residents and local leaders an opportunity to review their plans, ask questions and provide feedback.
“We are moving into the next phase of this process with excellent momentum, thanks to the outstanding support of community leaders and our staff and partners here at the Tampa Bay Rays,” Rays CEO Ken Babby said in a statement. “We’re proud to share our bold and dynamic vision for the ballpark, and believe strongly in its ability to benefit the team and our fans, Hillsborough College, the surrounding neighborhoods and the entire region.
“Our community can be assured, however, that we want the ballpark and district design to reflect the voices of the people who live, work, study, and operate businesses here. In that spirit, we look forward to meeting and listening to as many people from across Tampa Bay as we can in the weeks ahead.”
Wellington Regional Stadium secures new naming rights partner
Hnry has announced that it will become the naming rights sponsor for Wellington Regional Stadium. As of 1st March 2026, it’ll officially become known as “Hnry Stadium”.
The New Zealand based tax firm struck up a five-year partnership agreement with the Wellington Regional Stadium Trust, allowing it to champion an incredible venue and back the city it calls home.
Wellington Regional Stadium Trust recently celebrated 25 years of operating and maintaining the Stadium, and venue CEO Warrick Dent is excited to welcome Hnry as the naming rights sponsor.
“Having a Wellington-born-and-bred business as our naming rights sponsor aligns very well with our strategic purpose of ‘providing unforgettable experiences that connect our communities’. Given how that parallels Hnry’s own goals, we see this partnership becoming incredibly successful.
“In the past 25 years, we have welcomed more than 12 million patrons through our gates. That level of support reflects the role the Stadium plays in Wellington’s cultural, sporting and community life. We work hard to consistently deliver experiences that bring people together, and we look forward to the next era working with Hnry to amplify our business even further,” he says.
“We see the stadium being a space that our customers – and Wellingtonians – feel deeply connected to,” says Hnry Co-Founder and CEO James Fuller. “We don’t like to take ourselves too seriously as a brand, so people can expect a bit of fun when visiting Hnry Stadium.”
Populous offer sneak peak inside new Christchurch stadium
Stadium design experts Populous have offered a sneak peek at Christchurch City Council One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha. Populous + WARREN AND MAHONEY are proud to be part of this transformative project, with the design and construction team led by BESIX Watpac , as work continues on creating a world-class venue for the community.
“Our team has provided the architectural designs for a venue that is a flexible, urban multi-use arena within a thriving precinct for the community to enjoy memorable events and important celebrations,” said Chris Paterson of Populous.
With a capacity of 25,000 permanent seats for sport and the ability to accommodate over 37,000 for major events, One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha will host everything from high-intensity rugby and football matches to concerts by global music icons.
Fans will enjoy 32 food and beverage outlets, three feature bars, and a vibrant concourse with views straight to the field of play, bringing the energy of the event into every space.
New Era for Orlando Stadium
A new chapter in the story of Soweto football was unveiled on Tuesday morning as Amstel, the official beer partner of Orlando Pirates Football Club, revealed the new name of the iconic stadium – Orlando Amstel Arena.
The unveiling ceremony took place in the heart of Orlando, Soweto and was fittingly opened by a moving performance and prayer from the Orlando Pirates choir, setting a reflective and celebratory tone for the historic moment.
Speaking at the event, Orlando Pirates Chief Administrator Mcebo Dlamini emphasised the importance of infrastructure development within township football and the deep emotional connection between the club, the stadium, and the community.
“The talent is there, but what is often missing is the infrastructure. We are rooted in the township, and this stadium means a lot to the people. It carries history, significance, and responsibility,” he said. “When you are associated with Orlando
Pirates, you are not just a commodity – you become part of the family. Once Always.”
Dlamini also took a moment to acknowledge and celebrate chairman Dr Irvin Khoza’s birthday, describing it as a moment that could not pass without recognition.
Meanwhile, Pirates legend Edward Motale, also part of the panel, reflected on the memories and symbolism tied to the stadium. “Every time I pass Orlando Stadium, I am showered with memories. This is big for Orlando Pirates,” Motale said.”
Echoing those sentiments was former Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo, who described the stadium as a place that will always feel like home to those who wore the famous black and white.
The unveiling itself drew attention beyond the venue, as the streets of Orlando briefly came to a standstill. Passers-by paused to witness the moment the covering dropped, revealing the new stadium name in a powerful visual symbol of change
and continuity.
The excitement now shifts to the return of competitive football to the new-look Orlando Amstel Arena, with Orlando Pirates set to host Magesi FC in a Betway Premiership on Saturday.
Fans seated in the west stand will be greeted by newly installed bold red seats featuring Amstel branding, adding a fresh visual identity to the historic ground
