Stadia
Features
Stadiums and arenas represent key tool in US Covid-19 vaccination efforts
Following last fall's repurposing of many sports facilities as voting centers, an increasing number of venues are now being used as mass vaccination centers, though the logistics to do so remain complex.
2020 | The best comebacks and success stories from a challenging year
SportBusiness regional editors Eric Fisher, Kevin McCullagh and Ben Cronin look back at those rights-holders and properties that adapted best to a year of disruption for the sports industry
Lockdown dampens Brentford FC’s new stadium celebrations
Brentford FC’s plans to open a brand new 17,250-capacity stadium this autumn have been thwarted by the Covid pandemic. Chief executive Jon Varney describes how the club is coping with the lockdown and its plans to compete on a more even commercial footing in the English Championship.
AEG’s O2 Arena targets April comeback for London live events
Paul Samuels, executive vice-president of global partnerships for live sport and entertainment company AEG, says the company is targeting a full schedule of events at London's O2 Arena from April next year. Ben Cronin reports.
US sports venues to play critical role in upcoming election
More than six dozen pro and college venues are to be used as voting sites in the forthcoming US election. Eric Fisher examines how athletes, player unions and teams are taking a proactive role in next month's vote.
AdventHealth secures naming rights to Orlando Magic’s new $70m training center
The Orlando Magic and AdventHealth have expanded their partnership to include the naming rights to the National Basketball Association team's new $70m state-of-the-art practice facility and medical center
Boston Celtics extend TD Garden lease through 2036
The National Basketball Association's Boston Celtics have extended their lease at TD Garden by 15 years through the 2035-36 season
Two Circles acquires ticketing and hospitality agency Sports Ink
Two Circles, the data-driven sports marketing agency owned by Bruin Sports Capital, has acquired Sports Ink Ltd, the UK-based ticketing and hospitality firm
Round-Up: 47 Australian Open players quarantined, RA proposes ‘mini World Cup’, Genius revenues increase, and more
Forty-seven tennis players that arrived in Australia for the upcoming Australian Open grand slam have been placed under a quarantine that prevents them from practicing, due after fellow passengers on their…
Bayern’s ‘lighthouse’ Super Cup spectator study gives hope to Bundesliga
The company behind a pilot study that tested 315 Bayern Munich fans for Covid-19 ahead of last month's Uefa Super Cup match believes it is possible to create rapid and safe testing programmes that will allow more spectators to attend live sports events. Ben Cronin reports.
Championship clubs devastated by UK government’s ‘broad-brush’ approach
Fears of overcrowding in pubs and on public transport has moved the UK government to postpone spectator trials after Covid-19 cases rose sharply in the country, but rights holders and clubs feel sport has been unfairly singled out. Callum McCarthy reports.
Sepang International Circuit’s new CEO on his baptism of fire during the pandemic
SportBusiness speaks to Azhan Shafriman Hanif, Sepang International Circuit’s newly-appointed chief executive about his plans to overcome the current economic uncertainties created by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Islanders’ UBS Arena to reshape NY market, team’s own fortunes
After decades of failed attempts to develop a new arena and becoming one of the National Hockey League's weakest franchises, the resurgent New York Islanders and partner Oak View Group are developing a venue aimed at transforming both the team and live entertainment in the New York area.
Ben Cronin | Stadium variables complicate safe spectator return
Spectators could soon be allowed back into UK sports stadiums if a series of pilot events pass by successfully. But Ben Cronin says social distancing requirements could be easier to maintain in some sports venues than others.
Adelaide adopts holistic approach to maximise sporting opportunities
South Australia’s major city has gone to considerable efforts to boost the impact of sporting events that grab the imagination. Bradley Rial investigates.
Japanese sport sets out on the long road back
Japan’s biggest domestic sports league, Nippon Professional Baseball, commenced its 2020 season on June 19 following a three-month delay due to Covid-19.
How the AFL used its biggest asset to tackle Covid-19 financial woes
The Australian Football League is using Melbourne's Marvel Stadium to help secure its fiscal future from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Tom King reports.
Fiorentina’s Joe Barone – Overseas investment shows belief in the commercial potential of Serie A
In part two of a three-part interview, Fiorentina general director Joe Barone explains why lack of modern infrastructure limits gameday revenue and impacts competition, and outlines his club's infrastructure…
KBO and K League create templates for the return of sport
Korea’s football and baseball leagues have published detailed guidelines governing their resumptions this week.
Diamondbacks’ Hall seeks to forge new future for Chase Field
After gaining the legal right to look around Maricopa County for a new stadium, MLB club now focusing more of their efforts on current facility
New York City FC feels ‘pain’ of stadium saga after being forced to play at Red Bull Arena
NYCFC CEO Brad Sims talks to Bob Williams about the MLS club's long-running search for a building of their own and why uncomfortable interim steps have happened
Nashville SC eager to make up for lost time in MLS after overcoming stadium setback
Bob Williams takes a look at the developments in Nashville since the city was awarded a Major League Soccer expansion team in December 2017, and the challenges faced during this period.
SF Giants’ Scottsdale renovation marks latest step in Cactus League facility boom
Barry M. Bloom looks at the latest developments being made toward MLB's Spring Training facilities in the Greater Phoenix area. The area is the Spring Training home for half of MLB's 30 teams, with many playing in new or renovated facilities.
Hail to the new stadium? Redskins long search for new facility taking many detours
Civic stronghold NFL team enjoyed for decades now overtaken by fandom for the crosstown Nationals and Capitals
With infrastructure and administrative support, Malaysia’s first rugby stadium could unlock the sport’s commercial potential
Rugby has a surprisingly large cachet in Malaysia, but the sport’s commercial potential has always been limited by the lack of a home. John Duerden investigates how that could change with the construction of the country’s first rugby-specific stadium.
Understanding the Sports Data Challenge
What you need to know to survive the next decade
Chase Center seeks to push NBA arenas further into the future
Barry M. Bloom looks at Chase Center, the newly-developed home of NBA team the Golden State Warriors, and how it reflects a quickly redeveloping San Francisco.
Las Vegas’s minor league teams confirm city’s place as major league sports town
The city of Las Vegas is not immediately recognizable for its reputation as a sports hub. Bob Williams looks at how it is transitioning "from the entertainment capital of the world to the sports and entertainment capital of the world".