Man City unveils EA Sports hospitality box
MANCHESTER City FC has unveiled its latest concept to woo corporates and drive commercial revenues at the Etihad Stadium.
Working with existing partner, computer games giant EA Sports, it has transformed one of its hospitality boxes into a gaming space.
Fit-out of the EA Sports box, which features four gaming chairs, a 42″ flat-screen TV and a PlayStation 3 console, was completed by Sale-based contractor Preferred Spaces.
Justice Ellis, marketing manager at Manchester City said: “The new EA SPORTS Gaming Box thrills the senses, and offers an unrivalled combined experience for football and gaming fans; to reward, treat or for special occasions.
“From the moment you walk in, every detail has been thought of so that guests enjoy a fully customised experience – even boasting its own more informal catering – but with same usual high standard for a Platinum Box guest, including your own balcony seating and dedicated waiter or waitress.
Dan Holman, head of product marketing at EA SPORTS, added: “The FIFA 13 partnership with Manchester City is a fantastic way of enabling us to deliver memorable sporting memories for football fans. We are delighted with the EA SPORTS Gaming Box as it helps us further integrate the FIFA franchise into real world football. ”
The new box is the latest in a series of investments by the ambitious club which is trying to boost revenues to meet UEFA’s tough new commercial revenues.
In its most recent accounts, for the year to May 2010 hospitality revenues were up 13% to £6.1m and total turnover surged 44% to £125.1m.
As well as the new box – which can be hired on a game-by-game basis, the club has also upgraded two of its hospitality lounges in recent months.
Replacing the Boardroom Suite is the Connell Club – the most premium offering – which takes its name from the East Manchester family which is credited with founding what became Manchester City.
The club’s ‘Mancunian’ lounge meanwhile has been given a more modern look and feel and reflects the city’s music scene with the design incorporating printed sound waves, and lyrics from bands including The Ting Tings, New Order and Oasis, decorating the ceiling.
