Ricoh Arena name to be changed
It's going to be called the Coventry Building Society Arena from the summer.
Last updated 5th May 2021
A naming rights deal has been struck for the Ricoh Arena in Coventry, meaning the stadium will change it's name for the first time.
It will be known as the Coventry Building Society Arena for the next ten years from this summer, after Coventry Building Society agreed a long-term deal with the venue owners Wasps Group.
As part of the first change of name to the venue since it opened in 2005, the Coventry Building Society brand will be prominent inside and outside the venue, and the agreement will see the two organisations working together to develop and deliver programmes for the benefit of the wider local community.
The Ricoh is the home of Wasps Rugby and Wasps Netball – and the major sponsorship agreement comes as the venue prepares to welcome back Coventry City Football Club in August.
That's before hosting a Rugby League World Cup clash in October, as well as being part of Coventry UK City of Culture and next year’s Commonwealth Games.
Stephen Vaughan, Wasps Group Chief Executive said:
“We are thrilled to be joining forces with Coventry Building Society as we embark on a hugely exciting period for the venue with the imminent return of Wasps and Coventry City supporters, along with the reopening of our conferencing, event facilities and hotel.
“This is far more than simply a naming rights deal – we absolutely had to ensure that we united with an organisation that shares our vision for the arena and our values around what we want to deliver in the wider community.
“On behalf of the venue I’d also like to place on record my sincere thanks to Ricoh, who have been a brilliant sponsor and partner over the years, and we look forward to continue working with them in the future.”
Steve Hughes, CEO of Coventry Building Society, added:
“This is a fantastic partnership for us, for Wasps and for the city of Coventry. Two of the biggest brands in the area joining forces shows our commitment to the city and it comes at an exciting time when UK City of Culture and the Commonwealth Games brings Coventry into the international spotlight.
“The Coventry Building Society Arena puts our name on the map and will raise our profile across the UK.
"We already have more than two million members, but this is a statement of intent that shows we want to grow further and help many more people achieve their financial aspirations.
“The arena is not only a top class venue for sport, music and business events, it’s also a Coventry landmark.
“Many of our members and our colleagues are proud Wasps and Coventry City supporters. I hope that they’ll be excited to see our name on the stadium and see this partnership develop over the next ten years.”
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