New Nissan Stadium continues to take shape
The Tennessee Titans have released another update on the construction of the new Nissan Stadium, with progress moving quickly ahead of next years' opening.
The roof is quickly becoming the star of the show. The ETFE cable net system is now fully installed, and crews are on track to have the stadium fully enclosed within the next couple of months. Two of the site’s four construction cranes have already been removed, a clear sign that the building is entering its next phase. Exterior framing is nearing the finish line, and the “Nissan Stadium” letters will be installed in the near future.
Seat installation is almost ready to begin. Every section in the 200, 300, and 400 levels has been drilled and prepped for seat supports, and the west endzone in the 100 level is ready, too. Supports and brackets will continue going in throughout the stadium, with the seats closely following. The Daktronics team has also been hard at work finishing up the east LED board, with work now starting on the west LED Board and upper ring videoboard.
Walking through the concourse, it’s starting to feel like a stadium. Walls and ceilings are going up on the concourse and press levels, and drywall is taking shape in some of the most important rooms in the building, including the event level end zones, field club, and home locker room.
As for the finishing touches, tile work is more than halfway done across the event, mezzanine, concourse, and suite levels, and new carpet and tile are already in place in areas like the visiting team locker room. Meanwhile, custom millwork – think bookcases, bars, counters, and shelving – is being installed throughout the suites, and has also kicked off in event level restrooms, bars, and entryways, plus mezzanine level bars and grab-and-go spots.
BrightView prepare playing surface at Field of Dreams
When the Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins take the field at the iconic Field of Dreams ballpark in Dyersville, Iowa, on Aug. 13, they'll do so on a playing surface prepared by BrightView, MLB's Field Consultant, which built the field in 2019 and has maintained it for every Major League game played there since.
What began as an ambitious vision inspired by one of baseball's most beloved films has evolved into a permanent destination for America's pastime. This year's game marks a new era for the celebrated ballpark as permanent seating and fan amenities transform the venue into a year-round home for amateur, collegiate, and professional baseball.
Earlier this summer, BrightView also prepared the field for the inaugural If You Build It High School Series, the first event to showcase the venue's expanded future. From helping bring the Field of Dreams ballpark to life to serving as its ongoing steward, BrightView has played a central role in preserving one of baseball's most recognisable venues.
"It's incredibly rewarding to see how this project has evolved," said Murray Cook, President of BrightView Sports. "What started as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has become a lasting baseball destination. Our team has been part of this field since it was just an idea, and every time we return, our responsibility is the same: deliver a Major League-caliber playing surface while preserving everything that makes Field of Dreams unlike any other ballpark in baseball."
In the days leading up to first pitch, BrightView's Sports team will oversee every detail of field preparation—from precision mowing, fertilization, field lining, infield grooming, and game-day maintenance—to ensure the playing surface meets Major League Baseball's standards.
"Field of Dreams represents more than a baseball game," said Dale Asplund, BrightView President and Chief Executive Officer. "It's a celebration of the history, tradition, and enduring spirit of our national pastime. We're proud to have helped bring this ballpark to life and are honored to continue caring for a place that inspires players and fans alike."
Gameday Grounds Crew
Preparing for the MLB Field of Dreams game involves BrightView professionals and local volunteers working together to deliver a Major League-quality playing surface.
Leading up to the Phillies-Twins matchup, the venue will also host a Minor League Baseball game between the St. Paul Saints and Iowa Cubs, along with a local high school showcase.
This year's grounds crew will include 10 BrightView team members and 22 local volunteers serving on the tarp crew. Six members of the BrightView team are Iowa natives, underscoring the hometown pride behind the effort.
"This project has always meant a little more because, for many of our team members, it's happening in their own backyard," Cook said. "Having so many Iowans on our crew gives us an even greater sense of pride and responsibility. They know what this place means to their communities, and they're committed to making every detail count."
Field of Dreams by the Numbers
- 100,000 square feet of sod
- 4,000 tons of sand beneath the playing surface
- 2,000 tons of pea gravel
- 300 tons of infield and mound clay
- 159 acres of P10625v field corn, standing 10 to 12 feet tall, surrounding the ballpark
- 125 tons of new warning track mix to repair the field after the stadium build was completed
BrightView has partnered with Major League Baseball on many of the sport's most memorable events, including MLB at Rickwood Field, the Little League Classic, the Fort Bragg Game, the MLB Speedway Classic, and international series in Seoul, London, Japan, and Puerto Rico.
Washington Commanders announce constructors of new stadium
The Washington Commanders have selected a joint venture of Clark Construction Group, Mortenson, and Smoot Construction Company of Washington, DC (Clark | Mortenson | SmootDC, A Joint Venture) to lead the construction of its new world-class stadium in Washington, DC. The 1.8-million-square-foot venue will serve as the Commanders' home field and a dynamic year-round community hub for sports and entertainment.
Located at the site of the former RFK Stadium, the new stadium will anchor a vibrant 180-acre campus. Designed to reflect the unique character of the DC region, the approximately 65,000-seat enclosed facility will feature a climate-controlled environment, ensuring a premium, year-round fan experience. The state-of-the-art campus will have the ability to host more than 200 events annually, including global sporting events, concerts, community festivals, and national celebrations. Sustainability, advanced technology, and an immersive fan experience will be at the forefront of the stadium's design.
The stadium and broader site development represent a generational opportunity and the single largest private investment in the city's history to deliver jobs and fuel economic growth. Driven by a commitment to ensuring the project creates a lasting legacy, the Commanders have prioritized both Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) participation and hiring DC residents. This strategy ensures that the tangible economic benefits from the stadium's construction will be felt by DC-based businesses and residents for decades to come.
The Clark | Mortenson | SmootDC team brings together industry-leading builders with a proven track record of successfully delivering complex, high-profile sports and entertainment venues, including local landmarks like Nationals Park and Capital One Arena, as well as premier NFL stadiums, such as Allegiant Stadium and U.S. Bank Stadium. With a long-standing history in the DC region, a legacy of empowering small and local businesses, and extensive turnkey mega-stadium expertise, the joint venture is uniquely qualified to deliver a best-in-class venue while driving meaningful opportunities for the local community.
"Selecting Clark | Mortenson | SmootDC was about finding a team with the experience, local commitment, and shared vision necessary to deliver one of the most important projects in our franchise's history. Their combined experience building some of the most iconic venues in professional sports, together with their strong presence in the DC region and commitment to community impact, made them the clear choice for this transformational project. We are confident this partnership will help us create a premier destination that serves our fans, drives economic opportunity, and leaves a lasting legacy for generations to come." — Matt Haas, Head of Construction, Washington Commanders.
"Clark is deeply committed to the DC region and honored to join forces with the Washington Commanders, District leaders, and our construction partners to bring this visionary project to life. The stadium represents an inspiring new chapter for sports and entertainment in DC, serving as both a modern civic landmark and a powerful catalyst for economic growth and community connection. With a rich history of delivering projects that have defined the District skyline, we share the Commanders' dedication to creating a world-class entertainment destination, and to ensuring the stadium's construction leaves an enduring legacy in the DC community, and beyond." – Lee DeLong, Group CEO.
"Mortenson is honored to partner with Clark, SmootDC, and the Washington Commanders to deliver a stadium that reflects the ambition and legacy of this franchise and this city. Our team brings proven NFL stadium expertise — from U.S. Bank Stadium to Allegiant Stadium — and a track record of on-time, on-budget delivery that ensures opening day certainty. This project represents more than exceptional design and construction; it's an opportunity to create a world-class venue that serves as a catalyst for community connection and economic opportunity in the District for generations to come." – Logan Gerken, Vice President / General Manager, Mortenson Sports + Entertainment
"After almost 60 years of being your hometown builder, our pride and excitement in the new Commanders Stadium is beyond measure. We thank the Commanders and DC for entrusting us with another monumental project as we continue our legacy of making a positive impact on the neighborhoods in which we work, on minority and small businesses that we work with, and on residents that work with us." – Mark S. Cain, President & CEO, Smoot Construction Company, DC.
Enabling work to prepare the former RFK site for stadium construction began in June. Construction on the new Washington Commanders Stadium is anticipated to begin in spring 2027, with a targeted completion date of spring 2030.
MSE unveil next chapter of Capital One Arena
Monumental Sports & Entertainment (MSE) and Capital One have unveiled the next chapter of Capital One Arena: a world-class, next-generation sports and entertainment destination built to bring fans, athletes, businesses, and the broader Washington community together in the nation’s capital. The transformation represents a significant investment in the District, and a shared commitment by two organizations deeply rooted in the national capital region to create a lasting community asset that will serve residents and visitors for generations to come.
As part of the arena’s next chapter, MSE and Capital One have entered into a 20-year naming rights extension for the reimagined Capital One Arena, reinforcing Capital One’s long-term commitment to Washington, D.C. and the greater Washington area. With the completion of the arena transformation just over a year away, MSE has released new renderings showcasing the building’s iconic new exterior and a first look at the upgraded experiences on the District Level (previous 100 Level) and Terrace Level (previous 400 Level) slated to debut ahead of the 2027 season.
“Washington is entering an extraordinary new era, and the completely reimagined Capital One Arena will reflect the ambition, energy, and global stature of the city it represents,” said Jim Van Stone, President of Business Operations and Chief Commercial Officer at MSE. “From our unmatched collection of iconic teams to the storytelling power of Monumental Sports Network, we’re creating an experience in the heart of the nation’s capital that connects fans everywhere—whether they’re visiting from around the world or just a Metro stop away. We’re excited to partner with Capital One, a leading financial institution founded and headquartered right in our backyard, to bring this vision to life in the decades to come.”
“Capital One has called the Washington region home for more than three decades, and we’re proud to continue investing in its future,” said Byron Daub, Vice President, Sponsorships and Experiential Marketing at Capital One. “Strong communities create economic opportunities for the people who live and work in them. This revitalization can help strengthen the surrounding neighborhood, support local businesses and create new opportunities across this important region.
Capital One Arena is more than a sports and entertainment venue — it’s a place where people come together to create long-lasting memories and an anchor of Washington, D.C.’s economic and cultural vibrancy. We’re excited to continue our partnership with Monumental and look forward to creating even more opportunities to deliver meaningful experiences for our customers and support the continued vitality of downtown Washington.”
Transforming Capital One Arena
Capital One Arena anchors MSE and Capital One’s shared vision for a dynamic sports, entertainment and business district in the heart of the nation’s capital, created in partnership with the District. Once the $1 billion+ project is completed, the transformed Capital One Arena will host approximately 250 events annually, serving as the home of the NHL’s Washington Capitals, the NBA’s Washington Wizards and Georgetown men’s basketball, while also hosting a slate of games for the WNBA’s Washington Mystics and a world-class lineup of concerts, family shows and premier live entertainment. Notably, the venue is set to host the 2027 NCAA Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Championship (“Frozen Four”) and 2028 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Regional (“Sweet 16” and “Elite 8”) in coming years. With Phase Two of construction underway, the full transformation remains on schedule for completion ahead of the 2027–28 NBA and NHL seasons.
The arena’s multi-phase transformation in partnership with the District will deliver a fully reimagined experience for all fans, bringing together thoughtful hospitality, innovative technology, and enhanced amenities to create a more connected, seamless, and inspiring destination. Upgrades include a reimagined District Level and Terrace Level, a premium culinary and beverage program for every guest, expanded entrances and easier-to-navigate connection points, and new gathering spaces within the arena complex. Additionally, the building’s Capital One cardholder entrance will be relocated to F Street and will be accessible to cardholders for all events, expanding a benefit that was previously available only during Capitals and Wizards games.
Enhanced Concourse Experience: A completely reimagined fan experience that transforms the concourse from a place of passage into a destination in itself. The concourse is no longer what happens between the action of the event. At the transformed Capital One Arena, the concourse is part of the event.
Premium for Every Guest: Elevated culinary experiences, destination bars, and refined hospitality extend premium-quality experiences beyond premium ticket holders, making exceptional food, beverage, and gathering spaces part of every visit.
The Best View Belongs to Everyone: The new Visibowl creates an immersive, first-of-its-kind viewing experience, bringing fans closer to the action than ever before with dramatic sightlines directly into the arena from the heart of the concourse.
One Connected Arena: Expanded entrances, new vertical circulation, and seamless connections between the District Level and Terrace Level create an intuitive, open experience where every level feels connected as one unified destination.
A Place to Gather: Four distinct districts in the District Level, new social destinations, Center Stage Bars, as well as a Food Hall spanning the entire length of the F Street side of the building on the Terrace Level.
A Foundational Partnership for a New Chapter
The long-term extension of the Capital One Arena naming rights partnership builds on nearly a decade of collaboration between Monumental Sports & Entertainment and Capital One, two organizations deeply invested in the District, its people, and its future.
The comprehensive partnership extends across MSE’s integrated sports, entertainment and media platform, including the Capitals, Wizards, Mystics and Monumental Sports Network (MNMT). As part of the agreement, Capital One cardholders will enjoy exclusive access, benefits, and experiences at Capital One Arena, including a new and improved dedicated cardholder entrance open for all events at the arena beginning fall 2027, special discounts throughout the venue, and additional offerings to be announced in the future.
Beyond the arena, MSE and Capital One share a longstanding commitment to strengthening the Washington region. Capital One is proudly a significant regional employer, with more than 32,000 local associates who live, work, and commute across the DMV, and in 2025 alone, the company supported the Washington metro area with over $7.2 billion in community development financing targeting the areas of affordable housing, economic development, revitalization/stabilization, and community services. This funding included supporting the creation or preservation of over 31,000 affordable housing units. Additionally, Capital One provided $17.2 million in direct charitable contributions and 35,980 associate volunteer and pro bono hours. Through philanthropy, employee engagement, community partnerships and investments that expand economic opportunity, the organisations will continue supporting local neighbourhoods, businesses and residents while contributing to the long-term vitality of downtown Washington.
Sennheiser to become Formula E Official Sound Provider
Formula E and Sennheiser have announced a multi-year partnership under which Sennheiser, the world-renowned audio specialist, will become Formula E’s Official Sound Provider. The collaboration will see the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship integrate Sennheiser’s professional audio solutions and pioneering AMBEO immersive audio technology across the global series, creating new ways for fans to experience the excitement, energy and emotion of electric racing.
As the first all-electric FIA World Championship, Formula E continues to lead the way in sport-tech innovation. Through this partnership, Formula E and Sennheiser will explore how advanced audio capture and encoding workflows can create more immersive experiences for viewers watching on any device. By partnering with Sennheiser, the series aims to set a new global benchmark for live sports broadcasting and fan engagement, utilizing Sennheiser’s expertise to capture the unique, high-performance soundscapes of the GEN4 era.
“Innovation and technology are at the core of Formula E, and Sennheiser is the perfect partner to help us redefine the audio landscape of our championship,” says Dan Cherowbrier, CTO, Formula E. “Their professional audio technologies and workflows, particularly the AMBEO immersive ecosystem, provide a uniquely dynamic setting to explore the future of sound in racing. This collaboration is a vital proof point in how we connect real-world audio innovation with practical application, bringing fans closer to the action through natural, three-dimensional sound.”
“Formula E represents exactly the kind of environment where meaningful innovation happens,” says Andreas Sennheiser, CEO of the Sennheiser Group. “At Sennheiser, we are driven by the ambition to bring advanced audio technologies into real-world applications, and this collaboration gives us an exciting opportunity to rethink the role sound can play in electric racing. Great visuals deserve equally compelling sound, and we see real potential to define the sport’s unique acoustic character through dynamic in-car and trackside soundscapes. Ultimately, this partnership is about learning, exploring and helping to shape the future of how live sport is experienced.”
The technical partnership focuses on deep integration within Formula E’s broadcast and trackside operations. A key innovation driver for this collaboration is AMBEO, Sennheiser’s immersive audio technology and solutions ecosystem. “AMBEO enables the capture, processing and reproduction of natural, three-dimensional sound, supporting more immersive and emotionally engaging listening experiences,” concludes Kai Detlefsen, Manager, AMBEO at Sennheiser. “Within Formula E, AMBEO solutions will allow viewers at home to feel more closely connected to the dynamic racing environment and to their favourite teams.”
Beyond the broadcast, the partnership will also enhance Formula E’s onsite fan zones and VIP hospitality, ensuring that the Championship remains the most cutting-edge experience in sports entertainment.
AT&T boost wireless connectivity at Davis Wade Stadium
AT&T customers at Mississippi State University’s Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville are getting a boost in wireless connectivity following the deployment of a new AT&T-led distributed antenna system, or DAS, powered by Airspan’s MobileAccess 6000 Digital platform.
Led and owned by AT&T as a neutral-host network, the new DAS is designed to deliver high-capacity, multi-operator cellular connectivity throughout the 60,000+ seat stadium, helping fans, students, teams, staff, media and visitors stay connected during football games, concerts and other major events.
“When you have tens of thousands of people in one place, you need infrastructure that can keep up,” said Michael Walker, VP, External & Legislative Affairs, AT&T Mississippi. “Strengthening connectivity at Davis Wade Stadium helps improve the fan experience, supports stadium operations and helps ensure people can stay connected when it matters most.”
The new DAS includes strategically placed antennas that distribute wireless network coverage throughout the stadium. The enhanced coverage and capacity help improve connectivity during periods of heavy wireless traffic, including sold-out SEC football games and major live entertainment events.
“Davis Wade Stadium is one of the SEC’s premier football venues, and Bulldogs fans expect to stay connected from tailgating through the final whistle,” said Walker. “We’re proud to work with Mississippi State University, Airspan and M-Communications to bring enhanced connectivity to fans, students, staff and visitors. This new system is designed to support the always-connected game day experience people expect today.”
The AT&T-led neutral-host network features Airspan’s MobileAccess 6000 Digital DAS and was built to support high-capacity demand across the stadium. Key network highlights include:
“High-density venues like Davis Wade Stadium present some of the most demanding wireless design challenges, requiring exceptional network capacity with limited communications infrastructure footprint,” said Amit Jain, Senior Vice President and General Manager of In-Building Networks at Airspan. “AT&T’s leadership was instrumental in delivering a future-ready neutral-host network, and we are proud that our MobileAccess 6000 platform helped meet the venue’s performance and aggressive deployment requirements.”
Airspan’s MobileAccess 6000 was selected for its compact headend architecture and medium-power remote units, helping reduce the overall equipment footprint while delivering the deployment flexibility and scalability required for a complex stadium environment.
The deployment at Davis Wade Stadium is part of AT&T’s broader commitment to expanding and strengthening connectivity across Mississippi. From 2021 to 2025, AT&T invested nearly $1.4 billion in its wireless and wireline networks in Mississippi to build more infrastructure and power more opportunity for residents, businesses and communities.
New Dallas Stars Arena to be designed by HNTB
The Dallas Stars have announced the selection of HNTB as the lead design firm for the organisation’s proposed new arena in Plano, marking an important step toward advancing the team’s long-term vision for the future of the franchise in North Texas.
The new arena is envisioned as an intimate and energetic home ice environment that reflects the passion of the Dallas Stars fan base while strengthening the connection between the organisation and the communities it serves. Designed as the centerpiece of a broader mixed-use district, the development will create a year-round destination that brings together sports, entertainment, retail and community experiences in a way that extends well beyond game days.
HNTB was selected for its integrated approach to architecture, planning and district design, as well as its long history of creating sports venues that strengthen fan identity and connect seamlessly with surrounding mixed-use environments. The firm’s collaborative process and deep understanding of the North Texas community will help shape a destination that reflects the ambition of the Dallas Stars organization and the character of the region.
“We are thrilled to officially announce the selection of HNTB,” said Tom Gaglardi, Dallas Stars owner, governor and chairman. “The wealth of experience and knowledge that their team brings to the table will allow us to create the best arena in the NHL. Many of the premier facilities in professional and collegiate sports were designed by HNTB, and we are excited to begin the process for our new home in Plano.”
Located west of the Dallas North Tollway, the proposed mixed-use development, being advanced with the ownership of The Shops at Willow Bend, includes sports, entertainment, retail, dining and public gathering spaces anchored by a future Dallas Stars arena. The project is envisioned as a year-round destination for the community while strengthening the team’s connection to its North Texas fan base.
“The Dallas Stars have a clear and ambitious vision for a new home that delivers an exceptional experience for fans, players and the broader North Texas community,” said Doug Mann, HNTB corporate president and project executive. “HNTB is committed to bringing the full strength of our sports design practice and our deep local presence to create an arena that is authentic to the Stars, built for Texas hockey and positioned to serve the community for generations.”
HNTB is a leading designer of sports and entertainment destinations, bringing together architects, planners, engineers and technical specialists to create places that elevate the fan experience, strengthen communities and support long-term client success.
“The most memorable arenas become part of the identity of a city and its people,” said Ryan Gedney, HNTB chief design officer. “Our goal is to create a home that is unmistakably rooted in the identity of the Dallas Stars, one that captures the passion and intensity of hockey while reflecting the unique character and culture of North Texas. Great arenas create unforgettable moments, but the very best become places that communities embrace every day of the year. By seamlessly integrating the arena with an active, year-round district, we have an opportunity to establish a new benchmark for how sports, entertainment and community come together to create lasting value for fans, the franchise and the region.”
Oak View Group partner with Celta Vigo for hospitality elevation
Celta and Oak View Group (OVG), a global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales, have entered into a strategic partnership to transform the food and beverage and hospitality offering at ABANCA Balaídos.
The partnership marks OVG Hospitality’s entry into Spain, with Celta becoming its first project in the country. Under the agreement, a new food and beverage concept will be developed at the stadium, designed to enhance the experience for fans, corporate clients and visitors, in line with the ongoing modernisation of ABANCA Balaídos.
With extensive international experience, OVG Hospitality manages food and beverage services at some of the world’s leading sports and entertainment venues, combining operational excellence with local identity, sustainability and innovation. Its experience includes flagship projects such as Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and Manchester City’s Etihad Campus.
The partnership will help Celta move forward with its ambition to make ABANCA Balaídos an increasingly open and modern stadium, equipped to deliver distinctive experiences both on matchdays and at other events hosted at the venue.
“We are particularly proud to launch OVG Hospitality’s operations alongside Celta. This project reflects our commitment to Spain and to a hospitality model that combines excellence, sustainability and close collaboration with the local business community,” said Toni Ortega, President for Southern Europe at OVG.
Amy Latimer, Chief Business Officer at OVG, added: “A world-class venue such as ABANCA Balaídos can be transformative for Vigo and the wider region. A high-quality food and beverage offering will help boost tourism, create new opportunities for local businesses and generate a positive and sustainable economic impact over the long term.”
Celta President Marián Mouriño also expressed her optimism: “Partnering with a company like OVG means a great deal to us and helps us meet the infrastructure demands of modern football. We are working to ensure that our facilities are seen as an asset that enables us to continue growing as a club and provides us with long-term stability.”Leading infrastructure for a forward-looking Project
With this agreement, Celta continues to bring on board internationally recognised partners as it works to raise the standard of its infrastructure and services, further establishing ABANCA Balaídos as a meeting place that goes beyond football and contributes to the development of the city of Vigo.
The agreement also provides for the possibility of expanding OVG’s involvement to the Celta360 ecosystem, which the club is currently developing as the Factoría del Deporte Gallego, its major strategic project to transform the existing training complex into a global hub for innovation, health, education and high-performance sport.
AO Farington Cricket Ground officially open
AO Farington Cricket Ground has officially opened, creating a new home for professional, community and youth cricket in Lancashire.
The opening was marked with a community launch event bringing together young players, local schools, project partners and Lancashire Cricket to celebrate the new facility. The day also saw the first cricket played across both ovals, with Lancashire’s Under-16 Boys taking on Yorkshire in a 50-over fixture on the professional oval, while more than 300 girls took part in a Dynamos schools’ event on the Community Oval. Lancashire players Tom Bailey and Summer Carrington joined the celebrations, meeting young cricketers and taking part in activities throughout the day.
Designed by BDP in partnership with Lancashire County Cricket Club, Lancashire County Council and the England & Wales Cricket Board, AO Farington Cricket Ground has been created to support the changing needs of the game, providing a dedicated venue for professional cricket alongside facilities that encourage more people to take part.
Cricket continues to grow and evolve. The rise of new formats, including T20 and The Hundred, alongside a growing international fixture calendar and the increasing visibility of the women’s game, has created new opportunities but also placed greater pressure on established cricket venues. Farington forms part of Lancashire Cricket’s long-term ambition to provide the space needed to support the next generation of players while creating a welcoming place for communities to enjoy the sport.
The project builds on BDP’s long-standing relationship with Lancashire Cricket, following more than 15 years of collaboration on the transformation of Emirates Old Trafford into a multi-functional international cricket and events venue. While Old Trafford’s redevelopment has focused on maximising the potential of a major urban stadium, Farington presented a different challenge: creating a high-quality cricket ground that sits sensitively within its rural setting.
AO Farington Cricket Ground features two ovals at its heart: a professional-standard ground capable of hosting county fixtures, and a dedicated Community Oval designed for grassroots, recreational and youth cricket. The site also includes outdoor practice nets and an indoor cricket dome, with a pavilion positioned between the two grounds completing the development.
The landscape-led approach preserves the character of the site, retaining mature trees and hedgerows while introducing biodiverse grasslands, native planting and more than 200 new trees. These elements help create a sheltered environment for cricket while enhancing the wider ecology of the site.
Andrew Capewell, Architect Director at BDP, said: “Cricket is changing. The game is reaching new audiences, new formats are bringing fresh energy, and there is a growing need for facilities that support both elite performance and community participation.
“Farington is a special place. The challenge was to create a venue that feels at home in its landscape while providing the quality of facilities needed for professional cricket. The two ovals, the pavilion and the wider landscape have been designed to work together as a place where players, families, schools and communities can all feel welcome.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside Lancashire Cricket over many years, and Farington represents another important step in supporting the future of the game.”
Delivered by the Lancashire Cricket Foundation, the venue will provide more than 750 hours of community cricket activity each year. It will also become Lancashire Cricket’s second home, hosting four First Team Metro Bank One-Day Cup fixtures during the 2026 season.
And the ground has already made history, with Lancashire Men securing a six-wicket victory over Kent Spitfires in the first professional fixture played at AO Farington Cricket Ground.
The opening follows AO’s ten-year naming rights partnership with Lancashire Cricket, which aims to introduce more than 150,000 young people to cricket over the next decade. The development has also been supported by £1.6 million of funding from the England and Wales Cricket Board.
Arsenal renew partnership with Emirates until 2033
Arsenal Football Club and Emirates have announced a long-term renewal of one of the longest-running and most recognisable partnerships in world sport.
The agreement will see Emirates continue as Arsenal's front-of-shirt, training kit and stadium naming rights partner through to 2033, extending what is already the Premier League's longest-running front-of-shirt partnership and marking the beginning of a new era in one of football's most enduring relationships.
Arsenal and Emirates first partnered in 2006 and have since built one of football's defining partnerships. Spanning the entire Emirates Stadium era, the relationship has evolved alongside the club – supporting Arsenal's ambitions, strengthening both organisations' global reach and creating new ways for supporters around the world to connect with Arsenal.
Richard Garlick, Arsenal Chief Executive, said: “Winning the Premier League is an incredibly proud moment in our club's history and one that belongs to everyone connected with Arsenal. Emirates has been an integral part of this success – standing alongside us throughout this journey and sharing in the defining moments, challenges and successes that have shaped our club over the past two decades.
Winning the title gives us the opportunity to be more ambitious and build on where we are today. Our renewal reflects a shared belief in Arsenal's future and a shared determination to keep moving forward. The best partnerships, like the best teams, never stand still. Together, we'll continue to challenge and build on the strong foundations we have built together, with the confidence and ambition that our greatest achievements still lie ahead.”
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, said, “Over the last two decades, Emirates and Arsenal have built something that goes far beyond a traditional partnership, and one we are immensely proud of. We have grown alongside the club through changes of era and ambition, united by a shared goal of bringing people closer to what they love. In practice, that has meant reaching the millions who follow Arsenal across the Emirates network and beyond and creating experiences for them that neither of us could have done alone.
Very few partnerships in the world of sport can claim foundations like these. What comes next is building on that strength for the millions of Arsenal supporters who carry this club with them wherever they are, in every corner of the world, and we could not be more excited about the history we will make together in the years to come.”
Juliet Slot, Arsenal’s Chief Commercial Officer, said, “Our partnership with Emirates has become one of world sport’s most defining. Together we've always looked beyond traditional partnership and towards creating experiences that bring supporters closer to Arsenal, finding new ways to connect with our global community. Today, we're in the strongest position we've ever been in together. That's built on two decades of trust, shared ambition and a commitment from us both to keep pushing forward. We've built incredibly strong foundations and, as our club enters this exciting new era, I cannot wait to see new history made together.”
Source: Arsenal.com