Industry news: more on hospitality, development and ticketing

Read more on the stadium plans of Everton FC and Nîmes Olympique, hospitality at FC Metz, an alcohol-free zone at Principality Stadium and more in ESSMA’s weekly industry update.

Construction & Development

• Everton FC revealed the proposed design of their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Deck. The stadium is made up of four stands including a large steep home stand to the south that will house 13,000 Evertonians on matchdays. The design of both North and South stand lower tiers will make it easy to adopt rail seating and, should legislation change in the future, it can also be converted into areas for safe standing. In addition, fans are able to view the new proposed stadium in 360° with The People’s Project app. The app provides an alternative reality version of the stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock and a 360-degree VR tour of both the inside and outside of the ground.

• Nîmes Olympique is planning to build a new 15,100 capacity stadium. The new multifunctionalStade Nemausus will facilitate offices, a hotel, shops, housing, etc. The total cost of the project is estimated around €200 million and should be completed by 2024.

Operations & Ticketing

• An enhanced Alcohol Free Zone (AFZ) will become a permanent fixture at all rugby internationals hosted at Principality Stadium. The AFZ has been extensively trialled during the last two years with success. The Welsh Rugby Union are planning to further invest in infrastructure and resource to enhance the experience even more. Currently, the AFZ offers 4,200 seats.

General News

• FC Metz will integrate the BtB ticketing system of ESSMA Stadium Partner, iXpole. With iXpole’s self-service portal, hospitality guests can directly manage their tickets, invitations and even personalise their experience at Stade Saint-Symphorien by ordering additional personalised services. In addition to improving the on-site experience on matchday, FC Metz is aiming to offer its partners the best possible service before, during and after the match.

• KNVB is trailing a project in order to provide fans in the stadium with more information regarding the VAR decisions. As feedback from the 2018/19 season showed that fans needed more clarity with regards to the decisions. Each VAR decision will be clarified in writing on the video screens in order for the decisions to become more transparent. The KNVB piloted the project during the Johan Cruijff Schaal between AFC Ajax and PSV.