Star Live and Electra announce strategic collaboration to support Saudi Arabia’s rapidly expanding live events and experiences sector.
Star Live and Electra have today announced a strategic collaboration, bringing together two internationally respected businesses to support the delivery of major live events and complex temporary venues across Saudi Arabia, with a wider focus on the Middle East.
The collaboration combines Star Live’s global expertise in staging, structures, seating and modular solutions with Electra’s established leadership in premium fit-out, bespoke temporary structures, furniture and end-to-end experiential delivery, creating a joined-up, turnkey offer for clients operating in the region.
Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in culture, entertainment and sport, increasing both the pace and scale of delivery. As a result, clients are increasingly looking for delivery partners that can take responsibility across multiple disciplines, simplify procurement and deliver at pace on site. The Star Live – Electra collaboration has been established in direct response to this shift.
The collaboration has been formally established under a strategic agreement, with a shared focus on delivering integrated solutions particularly within Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC.
Star Live has an established and expanding presence in the Kingdom through Star Live Arabia, while Electra has a strong regional track record delivering complex event and temporary environments across the Middle East. Together, the businesses combine international experience with established local operations in Saudi Arabia and UAE, reinforcing a shared, long-term commitment to the Kingdom and the wider region.
Grahame Muir, CEO, Star Live: “Saudi Arabia is redefining what’s possible in live events and temporary venues. Our collaboration with Electra is about combining shared core values, international experience with strong local delivery to support projects of unprecedented scale and ambition, and to play a meaningful role in the Kingdom’s long-term cultural and entertainment landscape.”
James Payne, CFO & Acting CEO, Electra: “Saudi Arabia’s ambition demands delivery partners who combine creativity with world-class executional standards. Partnering with Star Live strengthens our ability to deliver fully integrated, multi-disciplinary solutions and premium environments at speed, while maintaining the quality, accountability and on-site excellence our clients expect from Electra.”
The collaboration will deliver turnkey environments across entertainment, sport, brand activations and cultural projects, supporting both temporary and longer-term installations. It also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s wider ambition to develop world-class destinations and experiences as part of its ongoing national development programmes.
The partnership is effective immediately.
EQUIPSON GROUP ACQUIRES LEGENDARY SPANISH PRO AUDIO MANUFACTURER, MUSICSON.
The Equipson Group has to announced the acquisition of MUSICSON, Spain’s oldest manufacturer of loudspeakers and professional audio solutions.
Renowned for its extensive range of large format loudspeaker enclosures, MUSICSON is the only brand in the world to use wooden waveguides, which give its products a warm and natural sound. Unlike many of its competitors, MUSICSON also manufactures its own loudspeakers and compression drivers, which allows it to maintain full control of its most critical components, thus elevating the quality of its products above market standards.
This strategic acquisition enables Equipson to expand the development of its large format loudspeaker enclosures by capitalising on MUSICSON’s historic legacy and extensive manufacturing and R&D experience. It also reaffirms Equipson’s commitment to create high quality professional audio products that are entirely manufactured in Spain.
Juan Jose Vila (CEO of the Equipson Group), said: “This acquisition fits perfectly with Equipson’s long-term plan to invest in the people, infrastructure and technology needed to create effective and high quality solutions for the professional audio market.”
He adds that he is particularly delighted with the acquisition because it highlights the personal affection he feels for MUSICSON.
“Prior to setting up Equipson, my father, José Luis Vila, was MUSICSON’s sales manager for more than 30 years” he says. “As family-owned companies, both are renowned for their high levels of customer service and are committed to providing comprehensive and immediate support.”
Based in Valencia, MUSICSON was established in 1965 by Joaquin Benavent Pérez with the aim of developing the highest-quality professional sound equipment. The company, which has its own in-house Engineering, Woodworking and Electronics departments, will move all of its employees to the new facilities located next to the Equipson facilities. Additional staff will also be recruited to boost production and manufacturing.
Musicson’s product roster includes sound systems for a large number of applications, from concert halls, live, touring, festivals, and auditoria to theatres, clubs, bars and restaurants.
Joaquin Benavent Diaz (son of the founder), and until now CEO and key figure in acoustic design and R&D, will continue to be associated with the brand. His talent and vision ensure that the soul of MUSICSON will live on in the development of future products.
Ana Benavent (MUSICSON’s Brand Manager), said: “As the granddaughter of MUSICSON’s founder and daughter of its CEO, I am very excited about this acquisition, which heralds a new chapter for the company. I am confident that, as part of the Equipson Group, we can take this legendary brand and project it into the future without compromising the passion for authentic sound.”
A new brand identity has already been created for MUSICSON, and this will soon be followed by the launch of a new website.
Manchester United: Stadium regeneration plan moves forward
Manchester United has welcomed the official launch of the Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation (OTR MDC) – a major milestone in the journey towards a new world-class home for the club and a vibrant district around Old Trafford.
The OTR MDC will be the driving force behind the transformation of the 370-acre Old Trafford area, supporting the delivery of more than 15,000 new homes and 90,000 jobs, improved public spaces, and significant infrastructure benefits for supporters, residents and visitors.
Crucially, it also supports the ambition for a new 100,000 capacity stadium for Manchester United, which will set a new benchmark for fan experience and atmosphere.
The developments are expected to add over £7 billion per year to the UK economy.
Collette Roche, Manchester United Chief Operating Officer, said: “It's an honour to represent Manchester United at the launch of the Old Trafford Regeneration Mayoral Development Corporation. Our ambition is to build the world’s best football stadium – one worthy of our supporters, our history and our future. We want to create the best matchday atmosphere and experience anywhere in world football, while ensuring the stadium acts as a catalyst for a vibrant new district for fans, residents and visitors.
“Today marks a landmark moment for our club, for Trafford, and for Greater Manchester. We express our thanks to Lord Coe, Mayor Andy Burnham, Trafford Council, GMCA, and all our partners and community representatives for their leadership and collaboration in helping us reach this important milestone.”
Winnipeg Blue Bombers Improve Game-Day Experience with Daktronics Video Displays
Daktronics has partnered with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to manufacture and install two end zone video displays at Princess Auto Stadium in Manitoba, Canada. The end zone displays complement last year’s addition of ribbon displays and Daktronics Show Control system, and are currently being installed for events in 2026.
“Delivering an outstanding game‑day experience is always a top priority for our organization,” said Blue Bombers President Wade Miller. “The new end zone displays represent another significant investment in Princess Auto Stadium and in our fans. Daktronics has been a trusted partner in elevating our venue’s technology and these additions will bring even more energy, clarity and excitement to every Blue Bombers home game.”
Video Display Details
The displays at each end of the stadium measure more than 30 feet high by 110 feet wide and each features a 10-millimeter pixel spacing to deliver crisp, clear imagery to fans throughout the venue. These displays are capable of variable content zoning, allowing each to show one large image or to be windowed into different zones of content. This content ranges from live video to instant replays, from statistics and game information to graphics, animations and sponsorship messages – anything needed to deliver an exceptional, memorable experience for audiences.
“We’re excited to continue our partnership with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as they enhance the visual experience for their fans,” said Joey Hulsebus, Daktronics regional sales representative. “These new end zone displays bring added flexibility and vibrancy to Princess Auto Stadium, ensuring every event is supported with great visuals, real‑time information and engaging content. It’s rewarding to help elevate an already amazing game‑day atmosphere.”
The new displays integrate seamlessly into the existing Daktronics display system, which includes long, narrow LED ribbon displays mounted to the seating fascia and an exterior pylon display, as well as a Show Control System upgrade last season. This industry-leading control system provides a combination of display control software, world-class video processing, data integration and playback hardware that forms a powerful yet user-friendly production solution.
Rugby World Cup 2027: 8 host venues announced
Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 took an exciting step forward with the announcement of the eight world-class stadiums that will host matches across seven Australian cities during the tournament.
From Perth Stadium, set to host the opening match on 1 October 2027 with its 60,000-seat capacity, to Stadium Australia in Sydney | Wangal, the stage for the final on 13 November with 82,000 seats, fans can expect world-class venues and cutting-edge facilities, perfectly suited for this expanded edition featuring 24 teams.
Several venues will be familiar to fans who experienced the last Rugby World Cup down under, with five stadiums returning from 2003, including Adelaide Oval and Brisbane Stadium.
Docklands Stadium in Melbourne | Narrm stands out as the only venue with a retractable roof, which will remain closed for all matches, while North Queensland Stadium in Townsville | Gurambilbarra is making its Rugby World Cup debut, seating 25,000 and showcasing a striking roof design.
Newcastle Stadium and Sydney Football Stadium complete the line-up, with the latter, reopened in 2022 after a full rebuild, making Sydney | Gadigal the only city to feature two Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 venues.
With the final confirmation of stadiums and their availability, Adelaide will host six pool matches while Melbourne will host six pool matches plus two round of 16 encounters.
Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 Managing Director, Chris Stanley, said: “The selection of these stadiums reflects not only Australia’s proud rugby legacy but also our unwavering commitment to creating an unforgettable Rugby World Cup experience for every fan. From iconic national arenas to vibrant regional hubs, each venue has been chosen for its ability to deliver world-class facilities and electric atmospheres that will showcase the very best of our game.
“These stadiums are more than just places to play, they are stages for history, where passion and community come together to celebrate rugby’s global spirit. Today marks another exciting milestone on the journey to Australia 2027, and we cannot wait to welcome fans from across the world to experience the magic of this tournament in every corner of our country.”
Host Cities and Venues
Adelaide | Tarntanya
- Adelaide Oval – Located on the riverside and known for its stunning blend of heritage and modern design, it hosted matches in Rugby World Cup 2003, including Australia’s victory over Namibia.
- Capacity: 53,000
- Matches: Six pool matches
Brisbane | Meeanjin
- Brisbane Stadium – Known as “The Cauldron”, it is one of Australia’s most iconic rugby venues offering an electric atmosphere with fans close to the action. The stadium hosted nine Rugby World Cup matches in 2003 and featured 13 of the 2027 qualified teams.
- Capacity: 52,500
- Matches: Six pool matches, two round of 16 and two quarter-finals
Melbourne | Narrm
- Docklands Stadium – The only fully enclosed venue in the tournament. The roof will remain closed for all matches, ensuring perfect conditions for players and fans. Hosted seven RWC matches in 2003.
- Capacity: 53,000
- Matches: Six pool matches and two round of 16
Newcastle | Awabakal-Worimi
- Newcastle Stadium – Set to host Rugby World Cup matches for the first time in 2027. The venue’s rugby heritage includes the British & Irish Lions’ 1989 match against NSW Country and the Wallabies’ 2012 Test against Scotland.
- Capacity: 30,000
- Matches: Four pool matches
Perth | Boorloo
- Perth Stadium – Opened in 2018 by the Swan River, the multi-award-winning venue is recognised globally for its design and fan experience. A regular host to Wallabies Test matches, the stadium will host the RWC 2027 opening match on 1 October 2027.
- Capacity: 60,000
- Matches: Five pool matches (including the opening) and two round of 16
Sydney | Wangal & Gadigal
- Stadium Australia – The biggest stadium used across the tournament, it joins iconic venues Eden Park, Twickenham and Stade de France as the only stadiums in history to host a Men’s Rugby World Cup Final for a second time.
- Capacity: 82,000
- Matches: Two pool matches, two quarter-finals, two semi-finals, Bronze Final and Final
- Sydney Football Stadium – Reopened in 2022 after a complete rebuild, the most modern stadium of RWC 2027 located in the heart of Sydney will offer fans an electric atmosphere and cutting-edge facilities.
- Capacity: 42,500
- Matches: Three pool matches and two round of 16
Townsville | Gurambilbarra
- North Queensland Stadium – Opened in 2020 and making its Rugby World Cup debut, the stadium’s striking roof design is inspired by the tropical pandanus plant, native to the North Queensland region.
- Capacity: 25,000
- Matches: Four pool matches
Stadiums have been selected in consultation with Host Governments for their facilities and availability, as well as ensuring a maximum reach of the tournament footprint for local and international rugby fans.
Vitality Stadium renovation: Planning application approved
AFC Bournemouth has announced that planning permission has been granted for the enabling works at Vitality Stadium, marking an important milestone in the club’s long-term vision for redevelopment and future expansion.
The approved works will deliver significant improvements to the stadium’s infrastructure and matchday experience.
These include the installation of a new perimeter fence and turnstiles, revisions to pedestrian and cycle routes, the creation of a new outside broadcast area, and the enclosure of terraces within the West Stand.
Together, these developments will enhance safety, accessibility, and operational efficiency, while laying the groundwork for future phases of the club’s ambitious redevelopment plans.
The enabling works represent a vital step towards creating a modernised Vitality Stadium that reflects AFC Bournemouth’s growth on and off the pitch.
“This is an exciting and important moment for the club. Our proposed new stadium reflects not only our ambition on the pitch, but also our commitment to investing in the community. The project will deliver long-term benefits for supporters, local residents, and the wider region beyond the BCP area,” said Bill Foley, owner of AFC Bournemouth.
The club will now move forward with detailed planning and implementation, with further updates to be shared in due course ahead of a vibrant future for supporters and the local community.
Meet the Creators of Tomorrow at Spark 2026: ISE 2026
Integrated Systems Events has unveiled the partners and curated content programme for Spark, the new showcase for the creative industries at ISE 2026, taking place 3–6 February at Fira de Barcelona Gran Via. Spark addresses the industry’s need for an event that unites the creative sectors bringing together gaming, broadcast, design, live events, and media inside one immersive experience.
Partners driving Spark include headline sponsor Samsung, strategic technology partners Mo-Sys, 3Cat and Lab of Tomorrow, as well as supporting partners CFLEX Event Solutions, Silver Music Entertainment, and LVP – Liga de Videojuegos Profesional (GRUP MEDIAPRO). Together, they will power keynotes, sessions, and brand experiences designed to unite the global creative community and demonstrate the future of digital creativity in real time.
Global Innovators Powering the Future of Creative Technology
At the heart of Spark’s programme is a series of immersive installations and live experiences showcasing how creative technology is transforming storytelling and audience engagement. Samsung will lead the showcase with its IVC Series Virtual Production Indoor LED signage. Attendees will experience firsthand how this LED technology empowers studios across broadcast, film, XR, and live events to push the boundaries of storytelling.
“Samsung has been working in broadcast, media & entertainment, live events, and gaming for some years now, designing our display technology to suit the specific requirements of each market. So, when we heard about the Spark event we wanted to be involved and are happy to support its inauguration, and we hope it will remain a core feature of ISE for years to come,” said Simon Jackson, Vice President of Samsung Europe.
3Cat, Catalonia’s leading audiovisual media corporation, will present an interactive experience inspired by its new video game Manairons, rooted in Catalan folklore. Visitors can explore a three-screen cube through gesture-based interaction and try a demo outside the cube. Co-produced with JanduSoft and with Flop Work as technology and interactive partner, the project highlights 3Cat as a creative-tech media hub and producer of innovative digital storytelling.
Lab of Tomorrow, the entertainment innovation arm of Tomorrowland, will pull out all of the stops, featuring their extraordinary Floating Sky, as seen at Tomorrowland 2025. Demonstrating how sound, imagery, lighting, and operational expertise converge to transform live environments. Supported by partners including KLSTR, Prismax, Fisheye, XineRobotics, and Areal, Floating Sky reflects the power of collaboration across creative, technical, and operational disciplines, turning ideas into scalable, future-proof live experiences.
Together, these activations and partnerships reflect Spark’s ambition to drive collaboration, inspire innovation, and unlock new creative possibilities across industries.
Edgbaston Stadium becomes first UK venue to deploy AI-driven enquiry handling
Edgbaston Stadium has become the first UK venue to deploy AI-driven enquiry handling, qualification, and proposal automation by partnering with event and venue management software leader, iVvy, as they launch Instant Proposal - powered by hivr.ai.
It is the first product in its new iVvyAI suite designed to automate and speed up meetings and groups sales.
With enquiry response times now heavily influencing conversions in meetings and groups, Instant Proposal gives hotels and venues the ability to respond within seconds instead of hours, removing manual admin and accelerating the entire enquiry-to-proposal workflow.
Instant Proposal uses hivr.ai’s email AI to automatically read and extract details from an enquiry, generating proposals within seconds directly within iVvy.
The launch also introduces a major new capability to the meetings and groups industry: AI-powered lead qualification and scoring, available for the first time through iVvyAI and powered by hivr.ai’s intelligence engine. Edgbaston Stadium is the first UK venue to deploy this capability, using AI to analyse incoming event enquiries, identify those most ready to progress, and prioritise responses with greater speed and consistently.
Lauren Hall, CEO of iVvy, said “This launch represents a major step forward for how venues manage demand. Instant Proposal – powered by hivr.ai brings automation and intelligence into the heart of the sales process, helping teams respond faster and win more business. Edgbaston’s early adoption shows just how transformative this can be.”
The launch marks a significant evolution for iVvy, embedding AI directly into its platform to remove manual admin, reduce friction, and streamline sales workflows. By integrating hivr.ai’s adaptive intelligence layer, iVvy AI delivers automation and speed to one of hospitality’s most manually intensive processes and gives venues a competitive edge in a market where speed directly influences revenue.
Felix Undeutsch, CEO of hivr.ai, said “We built hivr.ai to remove the operational bottlenecks that hold back meetings and group sales. Creating proposals is one of the most critical – and slowest – parts of group and meeting sales, yet we know speed is everything. On average, 26 percent of same-day proposals convert, while next-day responses drop to just 15 percent. Every delay risks lost revenue.”
At Edgbaston, the technology is already helping the team capture and qualify enquiries faster, reduce admin, and focus on higher-value commercial activity.
“We receive a high volume of enquiries across multiple channels, and speed and prioritisation are crucial. With AI-powered lead scoring and Instant Proposal capabilities, we can quickly identify our warm and hot leads, allowing sales teams to focus on the enquiries that are the best fit for our venue. It also frees up more time for consultative selling while AI handles initial qualification. It’s transforming how we work and how we serve our customers, and we’re already seeing strong results,” said Angela Sanders, Head of Conference and Event Sales at Edgbaston Stadium.
Instant Proposal launches first with email, with plans to launch voice and other features soon. The collaboration will expand to additional venues and markets across 2026.
New Dinamo Bucharest Multi-Purpose Arena: Work Officially Commences
Work has officially started on the construction of CS Dinamo București's new multipurpose stadium. The ground is projected to meet the standards of UEFA category four, making it one of Europe's best sporting facilities.
Bulldozers demolished the "horseshoe" structure at the Șoseaua Ștefan cel Mare entrance, which has served as the main access point since the stadium was built in the early 1950s.
According to the contractors involved, the project is scheduled for completion within 25 months, following the ground-breaking ceremony at the site. The event was attended by representatives of the institutions involved in the project, legends of Dinamo football, and nearly 500 supporters.
"Since taking over as President of the Dinamo Sports Club, my primary objective has been the delivery of the new stadium. Here we are today at this wonderful moment, which represents both an end and a new beginning. It is a moment that will remind us, for years to come, of the collective effort we have all put in. This was a team effort. I would like to thank all the stakeholders involved: the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Sector 2 Town Hall, the National Investment Company, and the Ministry of Development," said Ionuț Adrian Popa, President of CS Dinamo.
"We are honoured to be here and to be part of this project. I am referring to the consortium of four companies with extensive experience in sports infrastructure projects. This is a very emotional moment for us too; the keyword here is 'responsibility.' We promise to strictly adhere to both the contractual deadlines and the budget we have committed to for building this multi-purpose arena," added Sorin Greu, CEO of Bog'Art.
Rays enter non-binding agreement to pursue stadium plan at Hillsborough College
The Rays have officially identified their preferred location for a new ballpark, the first step in a process that they hope will secure their long-term future in the Tampa Bay area.
The Hillsborough College District Board of Trustees on Tuesday afternoon voted unanimously to approve a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the Rays to pursue a partnership to redevelop the college’s approximately 113-acre Dale Mabry campus in Tampa in a project that would include a new stadium and mixed-use development.
The campus is located near Tampa International Airport, across Dale Mabry Highway from Raymond James Stadium and just south of George M. Steinbrenner Field, the Yankees’ Spring Training facility that the Rays used as their temporary home with Tropicana Field unavailable last year.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlines a plan for the Rays and Hillsborough College to develop three key parts of the project: a new MLB stadium, a mixed-use development and new facilities for Hillsborough College.
“There's still great work ahead of us to be able to bring this to reality,” Rays CEO Ken Babby said in a press conference after the vote. “But what I can say with certainty is that we believe with conviction that we're going to be able to create a world-class work-live-learn-play development here in Tampa Bay, and we're very, very encouraged and pleased by today's outcome.”
Tuesday was only the first step in a lengthy process -- “an agreement to begin putting together a definitive agreement,” as Babby put it, and one the Rays took several times under previous owner Stuart Sternberg.
But it represents the start of what managing partner Patrick Zalupski called the new group’s “first and highest priority” -- finding a “forever home” in the Tampa Bay area, with a stated goal of opening in time for the 2029 season. The two sides have 180 days to exclusively negotiate and vote on a final agreement.
The group led by Zalupski, co-chair Bill Cosgrove and Babby officially took control of the Rayson Sept. 30. Since then, the Rays have been busy working to identify sites that would satisfy the criteria they laid out in their introductory press conference: “a great location and as much land as we can get,” specifically more than 100 acres.
The Hillsborough College site fits the bill, given its size and placement. During the meeting, Babby offered a little more about what the Rays have imagined for the site, if they come to an official agreement. Babby presented a conceptual plan that divided the area into three zones.
First is “Champions Quarter,” the site for a new ballpark and the surrounding amenities, located in the southeast corner at the intersection of Dale Mabry and W Tampa Bay Boulevard. Second is “Innovation Edge,” featuring Hillsborough College’s new facilities. Third is “The Canopy,” described as a “parkside neighborhood shaped by shade, greenery, belonging, and the rhythms of everyday life.” Through it all is “The Row,” a “signature street” running across the development.
Babby did not share any details about the Rays’ plan for the ballpark itself, although he noted they are working “feverishly” alongside architecture, design and planning firm Gensler as well as ballpark design firm Populous.
“That work is happening by the hour, every day and week, and we look forward to sharing more on that in the days and weeks to come,” Babby said.
Speaking at an unrelated news conference in Pinellas Park on Tuesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis told reporters he supports the partnership and wants to see the Rays succeed in the Tampa Bay area.
“Baseball can succeed in the Tampa Bay area. I have no doubt it can succeed,” DeSantis said. “I think you’ve got to have the right ownership. … I think that the new Rays ownership is committed to doing that.”
The new HC facilities, referred to in the MOU as the “College District,” would be located by the southwest corner of the property, facing North Lois Avenue, with the area retained by the college and not leased to the Rays. The document states that the Rays’ construction of the stadium and the mixed-use development “shall be done in a manner so as to minimize interference with HC’s operations and activities,” including the demolition of the current campus and the construction of temporary facilities.
Dr. Ken Atwater, president of Hillsborough College, said the partnership would be a “transformational opportunity” for the school and its students. Reimagining the Dale Mabry location would be a welcome development, he said, noting the more than $50 million in renovation the current campus needs.
“We’re excited to take this important step forward with the Rays and to help set the stage for the City and County as they move into the next phase of this process,” Hillsborough College Board of Trustees chair Gregory Celestan said. “Welcoming the Rays home to this site while creating a live, work, play and learn district is an extraordinary opportunity, and we’re ready to help get this project in motion.”
The rest of the property would be leased to the Rays for a term of “not less than 99 years,” according to the MOU, and the new stadium’s ownership would be transferred to Hillsborough County if public funding is required to develop it. The document did not provide any other details regarding the potential financing of the redevelopment project, except that the parties “will negotiate in good faith to agree on an ownership and financing structure.”
The Rays would be responsible for construction of the mixed-use development, according to the MOU, a project that “may consist of, but is not limited to, hotels, retail space, multifamily buildings, sports and health related buildings, commercial buildings, parking structures, restaurants and other related buildings.” The Rays would have “sole and exclusive control” over the mixed-use development while it’s being built and afterward.