Hampshire Cricket’s home ground will be renamed as the Utilita Bowl after the venue agreed a multi-year naming-rights deal.
Energy supplier Utilta has also committed to making the Southampton-based stadium ‘the greenest cricket ground in the world.’
As per the deal, the renamed stadium will install over 1,000 solar panels that will create 25% of the stadium’s annual electricity usage.
The venue which hosts, sport, music, and leisure events will save a six figure sum each annum.
The multi-year deal sees Utilita Bowl host 19 international cricket matches from 2025-2031 including the Men’s Ashes Test in 2027 and the Women’s Ashes Test in 2031.
David Mann, Chief Executive Officer at Utilita Bowl, said, “We’re delighted to partner with Utilita, a Hampshire based business who share our values and can now help shape our vision of creating the greenest international cricket venue in the world.
“As two organisations who already play a major role in helping to add value to our local communities through our respective foundations, together we can extend our efforts even further at a time when this help is needed more than ever. This is the dawn of a new era for the venue, and we’re excited by the possibilities this partnership will offer.”
Bill Bullen Chief Executive Officer at Utilita, added, “The cheapest and greenest energy is the energy we don’t use, and that’s exactly what this partnership is designed to do – cut energy usage. This support doesn’t stop at the venue itself but is extended to the over half a million visitors who walk through its doors each year.
“We will work closely with the venue to ensure they lead the way in becoming more sustainable across all aspects of their operations: from travel and match days, to the day-to-day running of the ground and any ancillary developments.
“This truly is a unique, first-of-its-kind partnership in British sport.”
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