The risks and rewards in funding sports stadia

August 5, 2008 — The PricewaterhouseCoopers report From Dressing Rooms to Conference Rooms: the risks and rewards in funding sports stadia , examines the longer term effects of stadium development on attendance and performance, while detailing the growing trend of public sector investment into these venues.

A report by PricewaterhouseCoopers revealed today over £3bn is planned to increase spectator seating, expand the range of facilities, and to provide wider regeneration benefits at sports grounds across the UK.

Those clubs in League One which have increased capacity by 25 per cent or more since the early 1990s have been rewarded with a 79 per cent rise in attendance, compared with no increase (on average) at clubs with less or no expansion.

There are an increasing number of stadia being developed by the public sector, or in partnership between the public sector and the private sector. Examples include the Kingston Communications Stadium in Hull, Coventry’s Ricoh Arena and the Liberty Stadium in Swansea.

With plans for 700,000 redeveloped spectating capacity, the London 2012 Olympics and Glasgow 2014 and England bidding to host the 2018 World Cup, sports infrastructure redevelopment in the UK is gaining momentum.

However, developers of stadia are increasingly targeting non event day revenues, such as conference and banqueting, hotels, small offices and educational use, which helps create a stable income stream. The emerging trend for two tenants to share a stadium is also a positive sign.

Notes to Editor:

1. For additional information, please contact Vera Totskaya, PR Senior Manager, or Anna Kogosova, PR Assistant Manager.
2. Download a copy of ‘From Dressing Rooms to Conference Rooms: the risks and rewards in funding sports stadia’, PricewaterhouseCoopers 2008.