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Wildcats target ‘best practice’ with a visit to Stadium Business Summit

Thursday, May 20, 2010 ~ 13:16pm

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats' new stadium is the latest project to be represented at this year’s Stadium Business Summit.

The Wildcats – who will move into their new £19 million, 12,000-seat stadium (pictured above) in early 2012 – are sending a high-level delegation to Dublin in order to help develop the club’s commercial and marketing practices ahead of the club’s next Super League license application.

In 2005 the Rugby Football League (RFL) announced that it was scrapping automatic promotion and relegation, and instead would introduce a three-year licensing system as the determinant of the Super League competition's participants from 2009. According to the RFL, license applications are assessed across four main areas: stadium facilities, finance and business performance, commercial and marketing, and playing strength and development.

Wakefield is one of 14 clubs currently licensed for the 2009-2011 period, after their successful application in 2008. But, with the next round of applications due in 2011, Wildcats are keen to refine their off-field operations and pick-up new ideas at Stadium Business Summit 2010.

“We identified the Stadium Business Summit as being a key event for us to attend ahead of taking occupancy of our new stadium in January 2012,” says Francis Stephenson, Wildcats’ General Manager, Wakefield Trinity Wildcats. “Ensuring we deliver the targets set out in our business plan will be key to the venue's success and as such I am especially looking forward to the Marketing Masterclass. Identifying and emulating industry best practice in this area will go a long way in helping us achieve these aims and I am certain this session will provide a valuable insight into the lessons learnt by my colleagues from within the stadium management field.”

“Finally we also saw it as a great opportunity to network and share experiences with like-minded professionals and hopefully form friendships and partnerships that will continue to be of value to us in the years ahead, long after the Stadium Business Summit has concluded.”

"We are delighted to have a Super League club joining our international gathering in Dublin next month,” comments Ian Nuttall, co-organiser of Stadium Business Summit. “The RFL's licensing system stresses the importance of good stadium facilities, sound commercial planning and a focus on the rugby fan's visitor experience. The international speakers, knowledge transfer and networking available at Stadium Business Summit 2010 will provide invaluable lessons and information for RFL clubs – and all major sports venues.”

Join a world of stadiums at Stadium Business Summit. Network with over 180 delegates, tour Croke Park Stadium and The O2, Dublin and attend the Stadium Business Awards – by registering today.