Legends Global announce landmark deal with Coventry City
Legends Global have announced a landmark 10-year partnership with Coventry City Football Club and Coventry Building Society Arena.
With Coventry City Football Club preparing to take their place in the Premier League this football season, the stage is set for one of the most exciting chapters in the club and city’s history. Legends Global is proud to be the partner helping to make this happen – bringing world-class venue expertise, bold innovation and a relentless commitment to the fan, artist and promoter experience – to ensure Coventry’s arrival on the biggest stage in football is matched by an experience worthy of it.
Central to the partnership is a joint investment programme of over £15 million over the next three years, with around £2.5 million already committed to deliver immediate, visible improvements. This phased investment from both Coventry City Football Club and Legends Global will enhance every aspect of the fan, guest, promoter and event organiser experience, spanning hospitality transformation, food and beverage improvements, technology upgrades, premium spaces and wider venue infrastructure enhancements.
From 19th August, this major new multi-faceted partnership covers the complete spectrum of commercial, hospitality and operational activity for the arena, and is built around one clear, shared ambition to raise the bar for everyone who walks through the doors of the venue. This includes creating unforgettable experiences for fans, a promoter and artist experience that is world-class, as well as developing a future-looking strategy to further grow C&E opportunities at Coventry Building Society Arena. The venue is already seeing strong success in this space, and combining that momentum with Legends Global’s network, the partnership is set to unlock even greater opportunity, attracting a wider range of conferences, exhibitions and large-scale events to Coventry and cementing the arena’s reputation as a premier destination for live entertainment and business events alike.
Fans can look forward to a reimagined food and drink offer, with more choice including new grab-and-go concepts and bold, locally inspired dishes. With a philosophy rooted in championing local suppliers and prioritising sustainability and provenance, Legends Global will deliver real quality and choice at every price point, making great food and drink an integral part of the event-day experience. Soon, concession stands throughout the arena will be renovated and transformed, bringing a fresh new look and improved service. Beyond food and beverage, Legends Global is making investment into the infrastructure that makes great event days possible; this means introducing self-serve technology and seamless end-to-end operational efficiencies for both matchdays and non-football events. Across retail, conference and events, and premium hospitality, fans and guests will notice a difference immediately with greater choice, content and opportunity.
The premium hospitality offer is set for a remarkable transformation, headlined by an exciting new partnership with Simon Rogan’s 10-Michelin Starred Umbel Restaurant Group, home to L’Enclume, Rogan & Co, Aulis, Henrock and more. Following its successful introduction at AO Arena’s The Mezz, Legends Global is now bringing this proven concept to Coventry through The Engine Room residency. At the heart of the collaboration, guests can enjoy a Michelin-inspired menu curated by Simon and his team, including Great British Menu’s Oli Marlow. Rogan-influenced menus will be developed using quality seasonal ingredients, set to bring a new level of culinary prestige to the arena, with appearances also expected throughout the season from Simon Rogan, Tom Barnes and Oli Marlow. Elsewhere, The Amp Bar & Grill will bring a vibrant, contemporary dining experience to the arena, while the reimagined Board Room will offer a refined and prestigious setting for its guests.
Underpinning the transformation, Legends’ Global Sales team has secured a contract with the club to deliver premium hospitality and VIP sales and strategy across the venue. The team will oversee seasonal and matchday hospitality sales, inventory optimisation and VIP delivery, maximising revenue while elevating the guest experience at every touchpoint. With seasonal memberships already sold out, a limited number of match-by-match products are available now
On joining forces with Legends Global, Owner and Executive Chairman Doug King said, “This is a landmark partnership for Coventry City, Coventry Building Society Arena and the city as a whole. Our return to the Premier League is a defining moment, but our ambition extends far beyond what happens on the pitch. Together with Legends Global, we are making a significant investment in the future of this venue and transforming the experience for everyone who comes through its doors. We want to attract the world’s best talent both on and off the pitch and establish Coventry as a leading destination for sport, music and hospitality, 365 days a year. This is about matching the scale of our ambition with the quality of our environment, and demonstrating what Coventry can achieve on the national and international stage.”
Chris Bray, Legends Global’s President, Europe said, “Coventry City’s promotion to the Premier League is a huge moment for the club, its fans and for the city. It deserves a venue experience that matches the occasion, and that’s exactly what we’re here to deliver. This is about bringing real transformation to both the club and the arena – more phenomenal live entertainment content, elevated food and drink, new premium spaces and innovative partnerships that are genuinely unique. We’re setting a new benchmark for what the complete experience should look and feel like and are incredibly proud to be Coventry’s partner for this journey. We cannot wait to show fans, and the Premier League, what this venue can do.”
The 22 to 365 Shift: We’re Living It. But Have We Adapted Enough?
What Espai Barça reveals about the changing role of technology in the era of the 365-day stadium.
By: Brad Hintze, EVP of Marketing and Customer Success, Crestron
The Shift Has Already Happened
It’s official – the 365-day stadium model has moved from an emerging trend to the standard business strategy.
Recent industry research describes the 365-day stadium as a “commercial necessity,” while more than 300 stadium construction and renovation projects began globally in 2025 alone . The message is clear: venue operators are being asked to create value far beyond match day.
Even as I’ve read recent issues of MONDO | STADIA, contributors have examined the rise of the 365-day hospitality model, the evolution of venue districts, and the shift from physical infrastructure to digital platforms that shape every aspect of the guest journey.
One observation stood out to me: “The modern stadium is no longer just defined by the 90 minutes of play at its centre but by how it performs when there is no event at all.” That idea perfectly captures what’s happening across the industry. The 22-match-day stadium is becoming a 365-day business. The question is whether the AV industry has fully adapted alongside it.
The Shift in Action at Spotify Camp Nou
At Crestron, we’re fortunate to be part of one of the most ambitious examples of this transformation anywhere in the world.
As the Official Smart Hospitality Technology Systems partner of Espai Barça, we’re helping create the technology foundation that will support the evolution of Spotify Camp Nou from a match-day venue for fans of FC Barcelona, into a year-round destination anyone can appreciate.
Read the full article from ISSUE 49 below:
https://issuu.com/mondiale/docs/mdst47_digitallr_dcba693f9d2c4f/6
Uniguest Sports Hub deployed at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field
As one of Major League Soccer’s founding clubs, the Columbus Crew have long embraced innovation. Since opening ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in 2021, the club has continued that tradition by creating a venue designed to set a new benchmark for fan experience. Home to more than 20,000 supporters, the stadium hosts MLS matches alongside international soccer fixtures, concerts, corporate events and community activities throughout the year.
To support that vision, the club deployed Uniguest Sports Hub across more than 550 endpoints throughout the venue, bringing IPTV, digital signage and centralized content management together on a single platform. Today, Sports Hub powers live IPTV, sponsor activation, hospitality experiences, EPOS-integrated menu boards and operational communications across the stadium, helping deliver a connected experience wherever supporters are.
“When planning the new stadium, our biggest goals were to create an environment that was unmatched in the entire league in terms of fan experience, but also home-field advantage,” said Erik Shear, Senior Manager of Scoreboard Operations at Columbus Crew. “We wanted to create an atmosphere, both audibly and visually, that made our home feel like a fortress.”
Read the full article from ISSUE 49 below:
https://issuu.com/mondiale/docs/mdst47_digitallr_dcba693f9d2c4f/42
Grass Valley upgrade broadcast capabilities at CarMax Park
Since their debut season in 2010, the Richmond Flying Squirrels, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, have built a reputation as one of Minor League Baseball’s most recognizable brands.
The organisation has now installed five Grass Valley LDX 110 cameras at CarMax Park, a move that has noticeably improved the quality and consistency of its game broadcasts and livestreams while giving fans a more dynamic, engaging viewing experience.
The new production setup centres on five LDX 110 camera systems, one of which operates in a wireless configuration, providing the image quality, operational flexibility and broadcast-grade performance required for comprehensive live coverage across the venue. The upgrades emphasise the organisation’s ongoing commitment to improving its live game coverage while also expanding CarMax Park’s capacity to host live sports and event productions.
Read the full article from ISSUE 49 below:
https://issuu.com/mondiale/docs/mdst47_digitallr_dcba693f9d2c4f/48
Dominika Obwarzanek: d&b audiotechnik
MONDO | STADIA spoke to Dominika Obwarzanek, Senior Application Engineer at d&b audiotechnik, to discuss the realities of designing sound for the modern stadium. Nine years and dozens of stadium projects on from her first, Puskás Aréna, Obwarzanek explores what it takes to build a single system that can serve a Champions League final, a stadium concert, and other events without compromise, and why she’d rather call the process “optimising” than compromising at all. From early manufacturer involvement in construction projects to retrofitting for community and fan expectation, she outlines the precision, and the pressure, behind acoustics in venues where there’s only one chance to get it right.
Can you tell us about your background, and how you came to be at d&b audiotechnik?
I’m originally from Poland, and I hold a Master of Science in Technical Acoustics. Aeronautics was actually the other path I considered, but the choice became easier once I looked at it honestly. I spent most of my life in ballet school, and that teaches you early on that nothing lasts forever — at some point you have to make a decision and commit to it. My decision was to stay connected to sound, specifically the opera house environment. I tried moving to front of house, but I wasn’t particularly good at it, so my academic choices took me a different direction instead. My first job in audio was with Konsbud Audio as a Project Engineer. I then had a stint with the Adamson distributor and got a broader perspective on the industry, before joining d&b, where I’ve now been for nine years.
Read the full interview from ISSUE 49 below:
https://issuu.com/mondiale/docs/mdst47_digitallr_dcba693f9d2c4f/16
Honor of Kings @ Beijing National Stadium
The Honor of the Kings Grand Finale at Beijing’s Bird’s Nest Stadium included a spectacular opening ceremony featuring 10 giant LED screens and over 5,000 luminaires, with integration of the whole via the solid networked control of MA Lighting’s industry-leading grandMA3 system.
A Stadium-Scale Spectacular
China - Esports’ popularity continues to accelerate worldwide, with the Asia-Pacific region as its undisputed powerhouse. No single event demonstrates its impact more than the Grand Finals of the King Pro League (KPL) for Honor of the Kings, the world’s most-played multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, developed by TiMi Studio Group.
This was an event of incredible scale, a vibrant mix of live performance, choreography, lightshow, screen content and Augmented Reality (AR). Lighting design, supply and stadium-wide integration of all these elements was carried out by leading entertainment technology specialist and MA Lighting distributor, ACE, tying everything together with the grandMA3 lighting control system, proving the grandMA3’s unrivalled suitability for major stadiums events and systems integration.
The production included a central stage with an LED floor spanning over 3,500sq.m. Above, 10 huge, dynamic, double-sided LED screens could move to switch between gameplay, performance and ceremonial formats, while around the stadium were over 5,000 lighting fixtures, including more than 1,800 moving head luminaires, plus LED strips, lasers and foggers. grandMA3’s centralized show control integrated with media servers and timecode to drive the synchronized lighting, screens and effects across the stadium-scale canvas.
Read the full article from ISSUE 49 below:
https://issuu.com/mondiale/docs/mdst47_digitallr_dcba693f9d2c4f/34
Work at Sincil Bank enters final stages
Work on the Imps Territory development at the ProAmpac Stadium is moving into its final stages ahead of the return of competitive football to the venue.
The wide-ranging redevelopment has transformed the Stadium throughout the summer, with significant changes inside the stadium bowl and across the wider site.
One of the most visible recent developments is the installation of the frame which will house a new big screen inside the stadium bowl.
The screen will form an important part of the enhanced matchday experience and is one of three new big screens being introduced as part of the project, with a further two located in the Fan Village.
New PA and LED floodlight systems have previously been installed to make the most of these on matchdays.
Work is ongoing on the areas surrounding the stadium, with resurfacing now taking place across external spaces, having already been completed inside the stadium. This has allowed the club shop, ticket office and Clubhouse community space to reopen to the public.
Inside the stadium, the focus has increasingly switched towards the finishing touches in new supporter areas. New bars now been installed and are ready to welcome matchgoing fans.
The Imps Territory project represents a significant investment in the ProAmpac Stadium and is designed to improve facilities for supporters on matchdays while also increasing the stadium’s ability to operate as a destination throughout the week.
Principality Stadium launch Checkout-free bars at Community Shield
Principality Stadium is launching Wales’ first checkout-free stores, giving fans a faster and more convenient way to grab food and drink on event days.
Named ‘Now in a Minute’ after the much-loved Welsh phrase, the new stores combine a touch of Welsh personality with cutting-edge technology, helping supporters get back to the action in as little as a few minutes.
Developed in partnership with hospitality partner Aramark UK, the stores will make their debut at the FA Community Shield on 16 August, when more than 70,000 fans are expected to visit the national stadium. The launch is the latest phase of ongoing investment to enhance the experience for visitors through new hospitality and retail innovations.
To mark the launch, former Wales rugby international Scott Quinnell was among the first to put the new stores to the test, trying out the technology ahead of its public debut.
Using Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology, customers simply tap their payment card to enter, pick up what they want and leave. Sensors automatically identify the items selected and process payment, removing the need to queue at a traditional till.
The stores will stock a selection of popular matchday favourites, including confectionery, pies, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, helping supporters spend less time queuing and more time enjoying the event. Product ranges will be tailored to suit different events throughout the year.
The introduction of the new stores builds on a series of recent investments at the stadium, including the installation of more than 20 self-service eBars across the venue. Together, these innovations are helping to modernise the concourse, reduce queues and improve service for fans on event days.
Tomos Grace, Chief Commercial Officer said: “We’re continually looking for new and innovative ways to enhance the experience for the millions of fans who visit Principality Stadium each year.
“The introduction of our new ‘Now in a Minute’ stores gives supporters a faster and more convenient way to access food and drink on event days.”
Tom Ford, VP Marketing, Strategy and Culinary at Aramark UK, added: “When we launched our partnership with Principality Stadium and the Welsh Rugby Union, we spoke about our ambition to put fans and visitors at the heart of everything we do. The launch of ‘Now in a Minute’ is another important step on that journey, combining innovative technology with great hospitality to make the matchday experience even better.
“By making it quicker and easier for supporters to access food and drink, we can help reduce queues while enabling our teams to focus on delivering great service and creating memorable moments for guests across the stadium. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together so far and excited about what’s still to come.”
The new ‘Now in a Minute’ stores are located on Level 6 of the stadium concourse and will be available for supporters attending the Community Shield and future events at Principality Stadium.
Edgbaston Stadium unveil designs for onsite hotel
Edgbaston Stadium have launched the new designs for their on-site Radisson RED Hotel, which is set to open in time for the Ashes, in July 2027.
Today’s announcement confirms the final interior designs for the 146-room hotel complete with the signature finish of global hotel group, Radisson RED; which is currently under construction at Edgbaston Stadium, one of the world’s most iconic sports stadia.
The images, which have today been revealed for the first time, include a first-look at the Radisson RED statement interiors, and the hotel’s 365-days a year rooftop restaurant, bar and terrace – aptly named ‘Spin’; more details on the restaurant will be released later this year.
With a community-centric approach at the heart of the redevelopment, the multi-million pound project – part-funded by a £17.3m investment from the West Midlands Combined Authority, began with the demolition of the Raglan and Priory Stands in November 2025 and has now entered its final stages of construction. On completion the stadium set to become a multi-use sport, hospitality, residential, commercial and community destination to be enjoyed as a social hub 365-days-a-year.
This latest phase of development is focussed on increasing the stadium’s accessibility, constructing a brand-new 3,200-seater stand including a new covered concourse which will return the stadium’s capacity to just under 25,000. Whilst the integrated build of an eagerly anticipated Radisson RED Hotel will offer 146 boutique rooms, 85 of which will be pitch-facing, high-tech hospitality suites, and ‘Spin’, the stylish rooftop restaurant and bar, complete with wraparound terrace showcasing panoramic views of the famous ground and Birmingham skyline. The hotel is projected to host over 60,000 guests annually.
The designs, which have been revealed today, are centred around Radisson RED’s signature design and ‘laid-back luxury’ finish, with the essence of the hotel’s design built around an informal and social setting that moves effortlessly from day to night. Embracing the culture and people of Edgbaston and Birmingham, the hotel’s flexibly designed public spaces from the open lobby, communal working spaces, multi-use hospitality suites and the bar and restaurant, will be open to the public throughout.
Edgbaston’s Masterplan has already delivered significant improvements to the stadium including the creation of one of the most modern pavilions in international cricket, the award-winning Corkfield apartment complex and a spectacular Skyline rooftop terrace. It has also launched ‘Xcelerate with Edgbaston’ in 2024 – a first-of-its-kind hospitality training centre providing apprenticeships and career opportunities for local residents, in partnership with Edgbaston’s catering operator, Levy UK + Ireland.
Currently Edgbaston Stadium contributes approximately £35million to the local economy each year. The new development is projected to increase this to over £40million, rising to over £70million in a cricket World Cup year, whilst creating over 130 new permanent jobs in the local community.
Adam Lowe, Commercial Director at Warwickshire County Cricket Club, said: “The Masterplan development has been 15-years in the making, with Phase One beginning in 2011 delivering the start of Edgbaston Stadium’s modernisation. Phase Three sees us complete the full destination offer – a world-class sporting venue, a globally-recognised hotel, a premium hospitality offering with ‘Spin’, award-winning residential apartments, and an abundance of commercial opportunities for local, regional and national businesses.
“The reveal of these designs is a landmark moment in this project as we start to bring to life what has been discussed for several years. This is the start of a really exciting chapter for Edgbaston and Warwickshire. To be launching in time for the Ashes next year will be a momentous occasion for the club, putting us and Birmingham right at the forefront of the world’s sporting stage.”
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Construction begins on Britain's first floating Padel centre
Construction has officially begun on Vibora Liverpool Waters, a landmark new destination at Liverpool Waters that will become Great Britain’s first floating padel destination when it opens this autumn.
While floating courts have appeared elsewhere in Europe, Vibora Liverpool Waters will be the first destination of its kindanywhere in Great Britain, giving players the chance to experience one of the world’s fastest-growing sports from a completely new perspective.
Located within the Princes Dock neighbourhood at Liverpool Waters, the destination will combine multiple floating padel courtswith a waterfront clubhouse, creating a setting where the experience extends well beyond the game itself.
Players will step onto courts surrounded by water, with Liverpool’s iconic skyline providing the backdrop to every match. Once the game is over, players can head to the clubhouse to enjoy drinks, socialise and take in the views, while the waterfront setting will also allow visitors to soak up the atmosphere even if they aren’t playing.
THE FLOATING PADEL DESTINATION WILL BE DELIVERED IN TWO PHASES.
Working closely with waterside regeneration specialists, Peel Waters, the unique, floating leisure development has been founded by Gareth Evans, one of the UK’s leading specialists in padel court construction and sport innovation, alongside entrepreneurs Lauren Fenton, Nicholas Sherratt and Huyton-born businesswoman Clare Hughes. Together, the founders share a vision of creating a destination that brings together sport, hospitality, wellness, business and community, offering a different kind of experience to a traditional padel club.
The floating padel destination will be delivered in two phases. The first phase of the development will open in September and will comprise of two floating padel courts, an F&B offering and retail space. Pay-and- play options, corporate memberships and private hire of the courts will be available.
The third floating court and club-house extension will follow later this year. The clubhouse will form a central part of the experience, with a selection of wines, beers, cocktails and soft drinks available before and after matches, as well as providing a space for networking, socialising and watching the action from the waterfront.
Alongside traditional padel games will be a full programme of community and wellness events, creating a flexible destination for players, businesses, groups and visitors to Liverpool. With its combination of sport, hospitality and location, Vibora Liverpool Waters has been designed to appeal beyond regular padel players, creating a destination where people can spend time before and after their game or simply visit to enjoy the atmosphere overlooking the city’s historic docks.
The development draws on Gareth’s expertise in designing and delivering padel facilities across the UK and internationally, helping establish the sport in communities around the world.
Gareth Evans, co-founder of Vibora Liverpool Waters, explained: “Seeing Vibora Liverpool Waters begin to take shape at Princes Dock is an incredibly exciting moment for everyone involved. Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and we wanted to match that energy with a destination that feels equally exciting and ambitious. Playing on floating courts in the heart of Liverpool Waters will be an experience unlike any other in the country.”
Lauren Fenton, co-founder of Vibora Liverpool Waters, added: “From the beginning, our ambition has been to create a place people genuinely want to spend time in. Somewhere that brings together movement, wellbeing, social connection and opportunity. Vibora is being built around community. Whether someone comes to play padel, work from the clubhouse, network, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, we want them to feel part of something special.”
THIS INNOVATIVE CONCEPT WILL ADD ANOTHER DISTINCTIVE ATTRACTION TO PRINCES DOCK
Extending the brand beyond the courts, Vibora Liverpool Waters will also launch a lifestyle apparel collection inspired by the culture and community surrounding the sport. Liverpool Waters has become one of the UK’s most exciting waterfront destinations, with Princes Dock home to thousands of residents and workers, leading hotels, the Cruise Liverpool terminal and a growing mix of leisure and wellness attractions. The success of neighbouring Wyld Sauna, the UK’s first public floating sauna, has highlighted the demand for unique experiences that make the most of the waterfront setting.
James Whittaker, Managing Director of Peel Waters, added: “At Peel Waters, we’re committed to working in partnership with ambitious operators and businesses that share our vision for creating vibrant waterfront destinations, and Vibora Liverpool Waters is a fantastic example of that approach in action. We’re really pleased to be supporting the Vibora team in bringing Great Britain’s first floating padel destination to Liverpool Waters. This innovative concept will add another distinctive attraction to Princes Dock, helping to foster community, wellbeing and social connection, while further strengthening Liverpool Waters’ reputation as a dynamic place to live, work and visit.”
With construction now underway, Vibora Liverpool Waters is on course to open this autumn, bringing Britain’s first floating padel destination to Liverpool and adding another landmark attraction to the city’s internationally recognised waterfro