Emirates is a long established, global brand, with a strong record of sponsorship in a wide range of sports, including an existing presence in cricket. This sponsorship reaffirms the airline’s long-term commitment to North East England that began in September 2007. Emirates operates a daily non-stop flight from Newcastle to Dubai, where passengers can connect to services in a network that spans six continents and 100 destinations worldwide.
Durham CCC identified Emirates as an ideal partner and has been nurturing the relationship in recent years. The airline has already assisted the club in its ambitions to win the LV= County Championship for the third consecutive year by supporting the pre-season tour to Abu Dhabi, and by bringing in overseas stars Ross Taylor and Albie Morkel for this year’s Friends Provident twenty20.
Durham CCC can build on its growth plans, with the stability and prestige that is provided by Emirates as main club sponsor. The club will continue to strengthen its playing squad so that it is competitive in all forms of cricket, and will press ahead with the ongoing development of the club’s stadium in the build up to Ashes series in 2013, when Durham will host one of England’s Tests against Australia.
Along with branding on the Durham Friends Provident twenty20 shirt, and around the Chester le Street ground, the partnership between Durham CCC and Emirates includes stadium naming rights. The home of Durham CCC is widely regarded as one of the best in cricket – it is also one of the few international sporting venues in North East England, while the club itself truly represents the whole region.
Although often referred to as Riverside, the stadium’s official name is the County Ground. Durham CCC and Emirates have decided to take the innovative step of giving the region’s cricket fans the opportunity to help name the stadium. The competition, which goes live today, is open to everyone in the North East, via http://www.durhamccc.co.uk/pages/emirates-ground-naming-competition, and the winner will receive a very special prize, courtesy of the club and Emirates Airline. Full details will be released later today.
David Harker, Chief Executive of Durham CCC, comments:
“This is a hugely significant moment in the history of Durham County Cricket Club. In Emirates, we have found a perfect partner – an organisation that shares our passion for sport, has strong links to this region through Newcastle International Airport, and is committed to working with us toward achieving shared goals. We have made it clear here that we want Durham CCC to be the most respected and admired club in world cricket. Emirates has a reputation that reflects that ambition and we’re very excited by the potential of this partnership.”
Laurie Berryman, Emirates’ Area Manager UK North, comments:
“We are very excited to be able to announce a new sponsorship of Durham County Cricket Club which will include the renaming of their stadium as part of a deal which reaffirms our commitment to the North East region since our operation began here in 2007. Durham is the newest of the first class counties and Emirates is very proud to have agreed such a long term association with a club which we feel fits so well with our brand values.”
Emirates joins a portfolio of sponsors of Durham CCC – the club’s LV= County Championship partner is Brewin Dolphin and Eaga is the Clydesdale Bank 40 partner.