Wasps buzzing with new sponsor’s Ricoh stadium investment

The Wasps Rugby Football Club have announced that mobile tech company Vodafone has signed up as a club partner in a major new sponsorship deal which will include a funding injection into its grounds.

The deal includes a “significant” investment in Ricoh Arena, which will include 5G capability at the stadium and augmented reality half-time entertainment.

Vodafone will help build a new innovation centre at Ricoh, similar to its own digital innovation hub at MediaCityUK in Salford, Greater Manchester.

The company said it would benefit businesses and start-ups across Warwickshire and the wider West Midlands.

The two-year agreement will also see Vodafon’s logo on the front of the Wasps; new rugby kit, as well as Wasps Netball’s new dresses for the 2019/20 season. Land Rover have previously been the main club partner for the Wasps.

Stuart Cain, managing director at Wasps, said:  “The West Midlands is at the forefront of the UK’s 5G investment programme so it’s a major achievement for Wasps to secure a partnership with such a well-known global business that allows us to harness this technology.

“The potential for 5G is huge. More than 1.6 million people visit Ricoh Arena every year and there are thousands of local business across the region that could benefit from this emerging technology. 

“It also positions Vodafone as a major investor in the region’s economy as the 5G roll-out gains more traction across the West Midlands Combined Authority region.

“We would also like to thank Land Rover for their support as a partner in recent years and we continue to have a very close working relationship with the company.”

The Ricoh Arena has been at the centre of a tug-of-war between the Wasps and Coventry City in recent months, although the rugby team is now in “initial discussions” with City over a stadium share.

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