Two firms selected for next stage of Macquarie Point Stadium project
The Macquarie Point Multipurpose Stadium has reached another major milestone, with two firms selected to progress into Stage 1 of the Request for Tender process.
The tenderers are:
- Besix Watpac; and
- Constructure Joint Venture, comprising Webuild S.p.A and China Construction Oceania, with McConnell Dowell as a key partner.
Both tenderers have demonstrated their capacity to manage a build of this scale and have confirmed acceptance of the offer to progress through to the Request for Tender phase.
Minister for Macquarie Point Urban Renewal Eric Abetz said the milestone demonstrated strong market confidence in the project and Tasmania.
“This is another important step forward for the Macquarie Point Multipurpose Stadium,” Minister Abetz said. "We have seen strong interest from major contractors capable of delivering a project of this scale and complexity.”
The next phase of procurement will seek detailed submissions covering delivery approach, capability, commercial settings, program and local industry participation.
Minister Abetz said local benefits remained central to the project.
“This project will create opportunities for Tasmanian businesses, subcontractors, workers apprentices and training opportunities as delivery progresses. We are delivering for Tasmania by turning a wasteland into a year-round events and function precinct that will provide benefits for all Tasmanians.”
The target date for contract award remains the end of the year.
Populous design training facility for new AFL/AFLW team the Devils
In early 2024, on a historic day for the Australian Football League (AFL) and AFL Women’s (AFLW) League, the State of Tasmania revealed the name, logo and colours of its first ever national league team – the Devils. But for the nineteenth club to enter the league and the first since 2010, there was still one thing missing – a home. The Devils don’t have too much longer to wait with Populous designing a new AU$115 million AFL High Performance Centre and Training Facility at the Kingston Twin Ovals as part of the new Kingborough Sports Precinct.
Added to the municipality’s two pre-existing ovals will be two more ovals, a gym, aquatic centee, recovery areas, indoor club and administrative facilities – forming a central hub for the women’s, men’s and junior Tasmania Devils AFL teams.
The center will include equitable facilities for men and women, in a state-of-the-art facility that will be a key ingredient in attracting, building and retaining AFL talent and delivering the level of performance that will be required for the Devils to be successful.
Designed to serve elite athletes and the wider community, the facility will be accessible to local clubs, youth programs, and community groups. It will provide shared training resources and event spaces, fostering the development of Tasmanian sport and fitness for all.
The centre will meet the AFL’s high-performance standards, offering a professional environment for athlete rehabilitation and development, ensuring Tasmanian players can train locally at the highest level.
“This is a foundational step towards establishing Tasmania’s first dedicated AFL and AFLW teams. This facility will support elite player development, enabling Tasmanian athletes to compete at the highest levels while inspiring future generations,” said Nick Duigan, Tasmanian Minister for Sports and Events.
Reflecting Tasmania’s commitment to environmental sustainability, the development at Kingborough will prioritize energy-efficient technologies and minimize ecological impacts.
The AFL High Performance Centre supports the AFL and the Tasmania Devils’ mission to grow football participation, strengthen grassroots initiatives, and attract premier sporting events to Tasmania, advancing AFL in the State and fostering a vibrant football culture for fans and players alike.
The Devils men’s team is expected to enter the AFL competition in the 2028 Premiership Season, with a proposed timeline for a women’s Devils team’s entry into the AFLW competition being developed.
Maidenhead United share first concept images of new ground
O2 become official naming rights partner for Belfast’s iconic Odyssey site
The Odyssey Trust - the charity established to oversee the management and development of Northern Ireland’s Landmark Millennium Project, and O2, one of the UK’s leading telecoms and entertainment brands, have announced a new long-term partnership that will see O2 become the official naming rights partner for Belfast’s iconic Odyssey site.
Having been Northern Ireland’s leading leisure, entertainment, and education destination since 2000, the new 10-year naming rights agreement will see the entire complex rebranded as The O2 Belfast. The site encompasses an 11,200-capacity arena – the largest indoor entertainment venue in Northern Ireland – that is also home to the Belfast Giants, the most successful team in Elite Ice Hockey League history, as well as the award-winning W5 science and discovery centre, the state-of-the-art W5 LIFE digital learning facility, and Odyssey Place.
Effective from 1 July 2026, The O2 Belfast will join O2’s expansive portfolio of 21 venues across 14 UK cities, which includes iconic venues like The O2 in London – renowned as the world’s most popular live entertainment, leisure, and retail destination – O2 Academy Brixton, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, O2 Academy Glasgow, and O2 Apollo Manchester.
Through its Priority Tickets platform, O2 customers can enjoy early access to tickets for thousands of live gigs and events across the UK 48 hours before general release, with over 1.7 million tickets sold in 2025 alone. As part of the agreement, O2 customers will gain access to exclusive Priority Tickets pre-sales for all shows coming to The O2 Belfast, from 1 July 2026.
Gareth Griffiths, Director, Partnerships and Sponsorship at Virgin Media O2, said: “Live music and entertainment is in O2's DNA and we couldn't be more excited to have a new home in Northern Ireland. With The Odyssey Trust, we look forward to connecting visitors, enhancing the live experience and leveraging the power of O2’s network and benefits of Priority for our customers, at the largest arena in Northern Ireland. We can’t wait to welcome you to The O2 Belfast in July.”
Paul McMahon, Chief Executive Officer of The Odyssey Trust, said: “We are delighted to welcome O2 as the site’s new naming rights partner of The O2 Belfast. This partnership marks an exciting chapter and reflects our shared ambition to deliver unforgettable, world-class experiences for the people of Northern Ireland and beyond. By working together, we look forward to building on the site’s already strong reputation and ensuring that we continue to deliver the best experience every time for all who visit the campus for years to come.”
The new partnership will also see O2 become the title sponsor of the Belfast Giants, marking a major milestone for the only professional ice hockey team on the island of Ireland. With the team showcasing the O2 logo, the Giants will be joining England’s men’s and women’s international rugby union teams – a partnership which spans over 30 years. The agreement represents O2’s first step into ice sports and its first major sponsorship of a Northern Ireland–based team.
As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting households, O2 will help learners of all ages through W5 and W5 LIFE, with exclusive discounts and perks made available via Priority. Northern Ireland’s award-winning science and discovery centre, W5, features over 250 STEM-based exhibits, interactive workshops, and hands-on science shows, while W5 LIFE equips learners with the skills needed to succeed in an increasingly digital economy.
As part of the agreement, Virgin Media O2 will also transform connectivity at the venue by deploying its own fibre network, doubling the existing capacity, introduce O2 WiFi, and roll out 5G coverage for O2 customers in the arena later this summer - reinforcing its commitment to delivering best-in-class connected experiences. This follows significant recent investment in mobile connectivity throughout Northern Ireland, including the introduction of 5G coverage to more than 1,000 new postcodes across the country in the past twelve months alone.
SSE Airtricity will proudly continue its longstanding relationship with the arena as the venue’s official energy partner, continuing to reward its customers with memorable experiences in the SSE Rewards Lounge and supporting The Odyssey Trust on its sustainability journey.
Populous reveals designs for Kolkata's Eden Gardens
Leading global architecture firm Populous has unveiled designs, which include a greater range of hospitality and seating options for fans, at one of cricket’s most iconic venues Eden Gardens in India.
Ahead of this weekend’s Indian Premier League (IPL) match between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and the Rajasthan Royals, fans have been given a look into Eden Gardens’ future, which includes a new Sky Deck, premium seating and increased corporate hospitality areas with new corporate boxes and lounges.
Built in 1864, and known as the “Home of Indian cricket”, Kolkata’s Eden Gardens is the third largest cricket stadium in the world and one of India’s most important venues representing more than 160 years of cricketing history.
Populous Principal & Architect Siddharth Soni said a new chapter in Eden Gardens’ history was being drawn, which will see the venue’s capacity increase from 68,000 seats to 85,000 seats with more modern spectator amenities.
"The redevelopment project will create a truly 21st century venue at Eden Gardens, with safety, sustainability and the fan experience at the core to meet the requirements of modern-day sport, For it to continue its legacy and look to the future, particularly for the evolving formats of cricket, we are not just restoring Eden Gardens; we are enhancing an icon," said Soni.
President of the Cricket Association of Bengal and former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly said “Our vision is to make Eden Gardens one of the finest cricketing venues in the world, not just in capacity but in quality, comfort and experience. I’ve grown up playing here, feeling the roar of this crowd. To now be part of its transformation is deeply special – it’s about giving back to a place that has given me everything.”
Along with the MCG in Australia, Eden Gardens is cricket’s answer to the Coliseum. It first hosted a Test match in 1934 and since then has become something of a place of pilgrimage for most international cricketers.
The Sky’s the limit
The upgraded venue will include 41,000 square feet of exclusive hospitality zones, 44,000 square feet of non-match day facilities, six different seating categories for fans to choose from and 30% more corporate hospitality seats.
This includes a new Sky Deck and Sky Lounge that will offer views of the park and river and will be a feature for social gatherings during both match and non-match days. There will also be dedicated IPL Fan zones and Lounges and a Member’s Club will be introduced that opens the venue into the surrounding gardens. Curated fan experiences such as a museum, hall of fame and digital engagement zones celebrate the heritage of Eden Gardens while making it future ready for new experiences of the game.
Populous brings its expertise of designing the world’s leading cricket stadiums, such as Narendra Modi Stadium, Lord’s Cricket Ground and the Melbourne Cricket Ground, to the project.
Populous Associate Principal, Pranav Kashyap said there were many challenges the design team faced, including working within a very tight historical inner-city site limiting the venue’s physical expansion potential, and ensuring that the redevelopment would respect the legacy of the building and integrate with the existing context.
"Our primary design strategy was to turn these challenges into wins for the venue, players and fans. The design not only unlocks premium hospitality experiences, but also maximizes the event day experience and opens up non-event day opportunities for the venue. This will provide an unparallelled experience for fans and players in India. Every strike of the bat will be heard loud and clear above the roar of the crowd," said Kashyap.
QPR to install more rail seating ahead of 2026/27 season
QPR has confirmed that further rail seating will be introduced in Y Block of The Stanley Bowles Stand at Loftus Road for the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
Following a period of positive consultation with supporters in this area, the club has decided to move forward with the implementation of further rail seating in this area.
Additional rail seating is being implemented in the following:
- Rows J-X, Seats 221-240
- Row Y, Seats 221-226 & 228-239
The following will remain as standard seating:
- Row D, Seats 215-224
- Row E, F & G, Seats 215-240
- Row H, Seats 222-240
The consultation that occurred in Blocks QU and PU of The GO-OUT Loftus Road Stand, while equally as positive, hasn’t led to rail seating being implemented in these areas. The cost of doing all areas outlined in the original consultation is not possible at this stage from a large upfront cost perspective, so a staggered approach factoring in payback periods for each area has been the club’s chosen approach.
QPR CEO Christian Nourry said: "I am on the record as being a big fan of the atmosphere that is generated through rail seating and therefore it is a big pleasure to be able to make this announcement. I hope that it gives an even better experience for our supporters next season, both for those in Y Block today, those who may wish to now move there and for the rest of our match-going fans."
Island Rhodes Music Festival debuts August 15-16 at Centreville Bank Stadium
The Ocean State is welcoming a brand-new marquee music festival this summer with the debut of Centreville Bank Stadium’s first-ever concert event, Island Rhodes Music Festival. Set to take place the weekend of August 15-16 at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, the two-day festival will transform the state-of-the-art waterfront venue into a vibrant celebration of live music, culture, and coastal energy.
Island Rhodes Music Festival will feature two full days of top-tier national touring artists fans can’t see anywhere else in the region, including Sublime, Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution, The Roots, and more, all performing on a turntable stage throughout the weekend. Designed to reflect Rhode Island’s creative spirit and coastal roots, the festival will offer fans an immersive experience that goes beyond the music.
Alongside performances from top current artists and genre-defining legends, Island Rhodes will feature a curated mix of standout food vendors — from regional favorites to elevated festival fare — plus premium VIP experiences designed for fans who want to take the weekend up a level.
“New England has always supported this music at a high level,” said Grand Rising Curations Founder Dave Niedbalski. “Centreville Bank Stadium gave us a unique opportunity — especially with its riverfront setting and built-in premium experiences — to create something the market is craving and that feels connected to the community.”
The development of Centreville Bank Stadium has created a new backdrop for concerts, festivals, and live events. Grand Rising Curations moved quickly to collaborate with the team, identifying opportunities in the market and building something to meet them.
With its prime location on the banks of the Seekonk River, modern amenities, and easy access from across the Northeast, Centreville Bank Stadium offers the perfect backdrop for a summer music festival. Island Rhodes Music Festival aims to establish itself as a premier annual celebration that draws both local fans and out-of-town visitors alike.
“Bringing Island Rhodes Festival to Centreville Bank Stadium as our first-ever music event is a defining milestone in the story of our venue and for Rhode Island,” said Centreville Bank Stadium General Manager Paul Byrne. “From the start, our vision has been to create a world-class destination for live sports and entertainment in the Ocean State and launching with a festival of this scale sets an exciting tone for everything we are building here moving forward.”
Fans can secure early-bird pricing through the festival presale on Thursday, April 16, from 10am to 10pm ET by signing up here.
Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, April 17 at 10am at islandrhodes.frontgatetickets.com. Two-day ticket offer levels include SVIP, VIP Pit + Riverlounge, GA Floor, and GA. Early-bird priced tickets start at $150 all-in, with a layaway option available for $25 down.
Crypto.com Arena extends Evolv Express subscription
Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc., a leading security technology company pioneering AI-based solutions designed to create safer experiences, today announced a multi-year renewal and expansion of its hardware and software subscription agreement with Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. The renewal extends the arena’s original 2024 deployment of Evolv Express® and expands the partnership to include Evolv eXpedite™, the company’s autonomous bag-screening system, further strengthening entry operations at the venue.
Crypto.com Arena is part of the L.A. LIVE entertainment district in downtown Los Angeles and is one of the world’s busiest and most successful venues. Owned and operated by AEG, Crypto.com Arena is the home of the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Kings and Los Angeles Sparks. Additionally, the arena welcomes more than four million guests and hosts over 200 events annually, including professional basketball and hockey games, major concert tours, and globally recognized events such as the GRAMMY Awards.
The facility originally installed Evolv Express® concealed weapons detection systems in 2024. Evolv Express uses advanced sensor technology and AI to detect concealed threats and identify the person and location of the potential threat — while allowing people to move through checkpoints at their natural walking pace. The system is designed to screen visitors effectively while helping minimize congestion and disruptions to traffic flow at entry points. Under the new agreement, brokered by AEG Global Partnerships, Evolv eXpedite will also be deployed at a designated arena entrance where high-clutter bags are prevalent.
Additionally, as part of the renewed agreement, Evolv will continue as the arena’s “Official Fan Screening Partner,” and the two organizations will collaborate on a variety of marketing initiatives.
“LA fans tend to arrive late and Evolv allows us to handle that last-minute wave of fans,” noted Ron Little, Vice President of Security at Crypto.com Arena. “Our use of Evolv Express since 2024 – and our addition of Evolv eXpedite now – is part of a commitment to get guests to their seats quickly, conveniently, and securely so that they don’t miss the fun and excitement of our world-class events.”
“We’re thankful to the management team at Crypto.com Arena for continuing to trust Evolv with such an important part of the guest experience,” said John Baier, Evolv’s Vice President, Sports & Entertainment. “With so many games, concerts, and events, the venue operates at a very high-level day in and day out. It’s gratifying when such accomplished operators select Evolv systems to deliver mission-critical results.”
Crypto.com Arena expands Evolv’s substantial presence in Southern California, which also includes SoFi Stadium and YouTube Theater (Inglewood), Dignity Health Sports Park (Carson), the Hollywood Bowl (Los Angeles), Honda Center (Anaheim), and Pechanga Arena (San Diego). These iconic sports and entertainment venues are joined by hundreds of schools, hospitals, and other facilities on Evolv’s client roster.
The addition of Crypto.com Arena also gives Evolv a presence in five North American arenas that host both professional basketball and hockey teams, including Ball Arena (Denver).
Hawk-Eye Innovations Joins NEP Platform to Virtualise the Future of Live Media
Hawk-Eye Innovations, a Sony Group company, have announced its integral role in the launch of NEP Platform, NEP Group’s cloud-based, software-orchestration system designed to centralize live production, broadcast control, and media workflows. At the heart of this collaboration is HawkREPLAY, Hawk-Eye’s industry-leading replay solution. As part of a broader strategic shift toward virtualization, the system is being optimized for NEP Platform to support the industry’s move toward flexible, software-defined production.
As the industry moves toward hybrid and virtualized workflows, NEP Platform unifies industry-leading software tools into a single, scalable interface. Sony’s Hawk-Eye is a prominent partner in this ecosystem, providing the core technology for replay and highlights through its Broadcast Solutions division.
The integration brings the full feature set of the HawkREPLAY system to existing hardware environments. By meeting rigorous hardware specifications, including support for COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) 2110 cards, Sony’s Hawk-Eye’s software can be deployed seamlessly onto NEP’s certified server platforms. This architecture ensures optimal performance while allowing for an interchangeable, hardware-agnostic approach to live production.
Key Benefits of the Hawk-Eye & NEP Platform Integration
- Intuitive UX: retains the classic HawkREPLAY UI in a virtualized environment, minimizing training time and maintaining high-speed operations.
- Universal Format Support: scalable across all standards, including 720p, 1080i, UHD, and 4K with full HDR support.
- Sony Ecosystem Synergy: deep, priority integration with Sony hardware, including HDC-P50A POV camera and HDC-5500 system cameras, and the M2L-X switcher.
- Cinematic Workflows: integration with Sony VENICE 2 cameras for cinematic 23.98 fps and native ProRes Codecs for high-end entertainment.
- Sustainability: a software-first model reduces physical footprint, power consumption, and shipping costs.
K. Douglas Price, Head of Commercial & Operations, Broadcast Solutions at Hawk-Eye Innovations, commented: "The Hawk-Eye broadcast ecosystem is built differently. By bringing HawkREPLAY to the NEP Platform, we are providing media managers and operators with the ability to capture more and see everything, without being tied to proprietary hardware. This collaboration with NEP is a major step in our mission to deliver unprecedented flexibility and scalability to the global sports and entertainment market."
Hawk-Eye Innovations and NEP Group will be showcasing the latest developments at the 2026 NAB Show in Las Vegas (April 18–22).
Aramco Stadium Company announces executive leadership appointments
Aramco Stadium Company, a subsidiary of Aramco, today announced its official launch and the appointment of its inaugural Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer. The appointments mark a key milestone in activating the company and delivering one of the Kingdom's most important sports and entertainment development projects, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and contributing to its hosting of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
Fahad Al Dhubaib has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of Aramco Stadium Company, and Mohammed Al Thomairi has been appointed Vice Chairman of the Board. Abdulrahman Alqudaib, Bader Alreziza, Nader Ashoor, Jefferson Slack, and James Bisgrove have also been appointed as Board members.
In addition, Matthew Kittle has been named CEO. The board members and executive leadership possess extensive experience and skills in global sports and entertainment development, the management of major facilities and events, and commercial development and financial sustainability.
Located in Al-Khobar, Aramco Stadium is set to open this year with a capacity of 47,000 seats, and it will serve as the home ground for Al-Qadsiah Football Club. The stadium is part of an integrated complex spanning 800,000 square meters designed to welcome local residents and visitors from around the world throughout the year.
The stadium is also intended to host international competitions, including the AFC Asian Cup 2027 and the FIFA World Cup 2034, as well as other entertainment events, further strengthening its role in the evolving sports and entertainment landscape of the Kingdom.
About Aramco Stadium
Aramco Stadium is a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, set within an 800,000+ square meter campus designed as a year-round destination. Built to international tournament standards, the fully air-conditioned stadium is intended to host matches during the 2027 AFC Asian Cup and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, underscoring its leadership within the Kingdom's expanding global sports portfolio and its alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
Home to Al-Qadsiah FC, Aramco Stadium integrates advanced venue technology and premium hospitality to deliver world-class experiences while anchoring a fence-free campus featuring restaurants, nearly 130,000 square meters of public park space, sports courts, playgrounds, and community programming, establishing a vibrant 365-day destination for residents and international visitors alike.