Huddersfield Town FC stadium to become the John Smith's stadium
John Smith’s, the Heineken owned ale, has agreed a five-year-partnership that will see the foodball ground of Huddersfield Town FC become the John Smith’s Stadium.
From the start of August, the stadium’s owners Kirkless Stadium Development (KSDL) will rename the venue, which is the home of Huddersfield Town FC and Huddersfield Giants RLFC.
Gareth Davies, managing director of KSDL said: “Not only is stadium naming the highest profile commercial partnership that KSDL has, but we have secured a truly blue chip company, with a very well known brand, readily recognised by consumers nationwide. John Smith’s is also very appropriate for the sporting and conference and banqueting activities that are the mainstay of the stadium.
“We are also very pleased to be partnering with such a prestigious Yorkshire brand. Heineken has made a long term commitment to keep brewing John Smith’s at their famous Tadcaster brewery. They have also made no secret of the importance of the fact that the stadium is situated at the heart of their key northern region and that it is also easily accessible.”
Richard Sandland, regional sales director, for Heineken, added: “Our relationship with KSDL has gone from strength to strength since we were installed as the stadium’s exclusive beer and cider suppliers and sponsors of the South Stand in November 2011.
“The multi purpose John Smith’s Stadium will present an excellent showcase not only for John Smith’s but also for many other HEINEKEN beer and cider brands, including Foster’s, Heineken, and Strongbow and Bulmers cider. Under the terms of the new agreement we will also benefit from stadium advertising together with customer hospitality facilities at major sport and music events hosted in the stadium," added Sandland.
The stadium owners announced their search for a naming partner in November 2010.