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EQ Tickets combines cheaper sports and event tickets with a social network A startup that aims to harvester the ticket-buying acquisition online with a societal network, EQ Tickets, is contiguous emerging retired of stealth to assistance marque discovering shows and different unrecorded events a much societal activity. What’s more, the institution promises to connection summons prices that undercut immoderate of its competitors operating akin secondary summons marketplaces. In addition, EQ Tickets intends to standard its caller superior summons marketplace to assistance make revenue, taking connected the likes of Eventbrite and others successful the process. Founded by brothers Aaron and Ryan Caradonna and hip-hop creator Matt Raposo (Rapta), Aaron explains the thought for EQ Tickets began retired of his idiosyncratic involvement successful sports entertainment. He recalls a puerility wherever helium and his member were ever astatine the tract hours early, trying to get players’ autographs. While helium aboriginal went the instrumentality schoolhouse route, alternatively of being a sports agent, arsenic planned, helium worked extensively with venues during his ineligible career. Meanwhile, his member Ryan ended up moving astatine a ticketing institution aft an earlier stint astatine JP Morgan. Those shared interests combined with Ryan’s knowing of the marketplace — and the margins indispensable to beryllium palmy — led to the founding of EQ Tickets. The brothers besides teamed up with a person they knew done the euphony industry, Raposo, who understood the concern from the performers’ side, bringing a antithetic perspective. Image Credits: EQ Tickets Initially, EQ Tickets focused connected processing a secondary summons marketplace, akin to thing similar StubHub, Vivid Seats, oregon SeatGeek. “We went astir by cutting the aforesaid inventory deals arsenic each the different large competitors, and we conscionable enactment a precise just transparent markup connected our tickets,” Aaron explains. The selling constituent is that tickets connected EQ tin beryllium up to 20-30% little than connected competitors’ sites. “So that got america a batch of attention,” Aaron continues. “But that wasn’t enough, due to the fact that it inactive was precise transactional — we wanted to adhd a societal furniture to it. So we gave radical the quality to bookmark events, arsenic good arsenic travel people,” helium says. Image Credits: EQ Tickets The societal networking features assistance fans of the aforesaid teams, events oregon philharmonic artists find each different and signifier connections. For instance, if you were successful municipality and wanted to spell to the section hockey game, you could usage EQ Tickets to find different instrumentality who besides didn’t privation to spell...

Located in the heart of Phoenix, the Footprint Center stands as a dynamic hub, blending the worlds of sports and entertainment into the urban fabric. This modern facility is known for its wide range of events, appealing to the varied tastes of the Phoenix populace. NBA Home Team:The Phoenix Suns call the Footprint Center home, embodying the city’s spirit and unity through basketball. As a cornerstone of Phoenix’s sports scene, the Suns foster a sense of community and excitement throughout the NBA season. Optimal Hockey Viewing:For hockey fans, the best seats are found in the lower bowl sections around center ice. These spots offer unparalleled views of the action, drawing fans into the heart of the game for an engaging and intense experience. Concert Seating Recommendations:When it comes to concerts, Footprint Center excels with its floor seating options, placing fans in close proximity to the stage. For those looking for a different perspective, the lower and upper tiers boast fantastic sightlines, ensuring an unforgettable audio-visual experience. Club Seating:The venue also boasts premium club seating, merging exceptional views with high-end amenities for a more refined event experience. These seats are designed with luxury and comfort in mind, elevating guests’ enjoyment of any event. Pricing for Hockey:The cost of attending a hockey game at the Footprint Center can vary, influenced by the seat’s location and the game’s importance. Concert Ticketing:Similarly, prices for concert tickets at the venue fluctuate based on the performer, seating selection, and overall demand for the event. Suite Offerings:For an exclusive and intimate event experience, the Footprint Center’s suites provide a private and luxurious setting. Suite pricing is customized, offering a bespoke experience for those seeking sophistication and privacy during events. The Footprint Center continues to play a crucial role in Phoenix’s cultural and sporting life, offering a rich array of programming that enriches the city’s lively community. The post Phoenix Premier Venue: Footprint Center Unites Sports, Entertainment, and Culture appeared first on Travel And Tour World. Source link

I cannot stress enough how deep and diverse the sports market is as an asset class - case in point with 2 recent deals in indoor/outdoor venues in France 👇 ⚽🎾 Investments in sports teams and leagues usually get the most media coverage. Two Circles recently highlighted that the professional sports market (i.e., total revenues generated by sports IP owners - teams, leagues, events) was expected to grow from c.$160 billion in 2023 to $260 billion in 2033 (+5% CAGR). Yet there is another sports market beyond professional sports organizations. Many segments and sub-segments are also showing strong growth outlook and value creation potential, including sportswear/equipment, sports marketing and talent representation agencies, sports venues and infrastructure, mass participation events, sportech and sports-focused tech platforms - and I'm forgetting a lot. In France, 2 deals (1 corporate, 1 PE) were closed in less than 6 months with the two market leaders in indoor/outdoor sports venues (football/padel), UrbanSoccer and PLAYERS. ➡️ UrbanSoccer & Compagnie des Alpes (March 2024) In March 2024, the leisure and entertainment group Compagnie des Alpes acquired a majority stake in UrbanSoccer to strengthen their Leisure Parks division with urban sports activities practiced year-round. UrbanSoccer operates 33 5-a-side centers in France for football and/or the fast-growing sport of padel (+1 in Portugal), for a total of 268 playing fields - reaching 3.75 million players a year. FY24 financials: €48 million sales €21.5 million EBITDA (post-IFRS 16 and unaudited - ending June 2024) In the official press release, CDA also noted that the business required a "relatively low level of capital expenditure" (less than 9% of annual sales), enabling them to generate substantial free cash flows from operations. ➡️ PLAYERS x Vendis Capital (July 2024) Vendis Capital announced today their acquisition of a majority stake in PLAYERS alongside its founders Tony Jalinier, Guillaume DEBELMAS, and Joseph Viéville, as well as the management team. Founded in 2009, Vendis Capital is an independent private equity firm specializing in the consumer goods sector in Europe covering France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy and Scandinavia. PLAYERS was born in 2008 and reinforced in 2016 by the merger of Soccer Park and Le Five - they now operate 35 indoor venues (23 owned centers and 12 franchises) in France dedicated to 5-a-side football and padel, including 144 five-a-side football fields and 128 padel courts. Brands include LE FIVE, 4padel (which they launched in 2018), ZIDANE FIVE CLUB, and PLAYERS Events. Great to see corporate and institutional investors getting involved to develop and grow sports participation!

Planning under way for Strawberry Place fan zone Newcastle United Football Club have commenced the planning application process for a brand new fan zone at Strawberry Place in partnership with STACK and the club’s front-of-shirt partner, Sela. An initial planning application has now been lodged with Newcastle City Council, with a proposed fan zone to be constructed in two phases to extend the site over a ground floor and first floor. The fan zone will not only introduce a thriving food, drink and entertainment option for supporters visiting matches at St. James’ Park, it will also create a bustling midweek leisure and social destination that has become synonymous with the STACK brand. Built using repurposed shipping containers around a central plaza and main stage area, the new site will attract people of all ages, with carefully curated events and attractions designed for families. Delivering an immersive experience The main stage, complete with a big screen, will be designed to deliver an immersive experience for live entertainment and broadcasting sporting events, while there will be six bars and ten street food units. Newcastle United Football Club is continuing to work with STACK through the planning process, with Sela | صلة – the club’s front-of-shirt partner and a world-class events and experiences company – providing expert guidance. Subject to planning and licensing being granted, it is hoped the fan zone will be open before the end of the year, with an initial lifespan of three years as the club explores potential uses for the site. Neill Winch, CEO of STACK, said: "The joint venture with Newcastle United to create a fan zone in the city centre is exciting for many reasons, not least of which is the coming together of two great North East brands. We believe this development is going to be a huge asset, not just to the club and its amazing fans, but to the city as a whole. "While STACK is now growing to become a national chain, the fact that our very first venture was in Newcastle means it has a special place in our affections. We are delighted to be working with the club and Sela to provide a ‘best in class’ experience for fans and the community, not only on match days, but every day of the week." For the full story, go to: https://lnkd.in/ebAE8Z78 Newcastle United’s Head of Supporter Services, Sarah Medcalf, is one of 40+ industry executives sitting on the ALSD International Advisory Board and will be joining us for the event this October. #fanexperience #football #matchday #nufc #sportsbiz #sportsindustry #stadia #SportsVenueBusiness #sportsvenuebiz Sports Venue Business

🎯 Sponsorship deals have become integral to the financial landscape of professional darts. Recognizable players, known for their distinctive styles and performances, often take on the role of brand ambassadors for various companies. These partnerships not only provide crucial financial support to the players but also contribute significantly to the overall growth of the sport. A notable example is the rising 16-year-old Luke Littler, who, following his performance in a PDC World Darts Championship final, has attracted interest from notable brands such as food establishments, Under Armour clothing, and the renowned watch brand Rolex. 📺 The advent of television and online streaming has become pivotal for the sport, with major tournaments securing lucrative international broadcasting deals with platforms like Dazn, Viaplay, Fox, complementing domestic contracts with Sky to cater to a substantial German and Dutch fanbase. Organizations like the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) have successfully negotiated agreements with broadcasters, allowing a growing audience worldwide to enjoy high-quality coverage of their favorite players and events. In 2024, the World Championship Final set a record TV audience of 4,8 million viewers. This consequently elevated the value of broadcasting rights and caused a fourfold revenue increase up to £500,000. 🏟 Live events remain at the core of the darts experience, with major tournaments, including the PDC World Darts Championship, creating an electrifying atmosphere as fans passionately cheer for their favorite players. Ticket sales, along with revenue from concessions and merchandise, significantly contribute to the economic success of these events. To meet the increasing demand, organizers continually seek larger venues and explore opportunities to host events in new markets, thereby enhancing the live experience for fans and opening additional revenue streams. This causes the American and Asian markets to experience significant growth. The PDC, with its renowned year-end event at Alexandra Palace and sold-out shows across Eastern Europe, Australia, Asia, and America, sells half a million tickets annually and generates a turnover of £52 million. 💷 In 2018, the PDC World Championship set a record for prize money, including a staggering £500,000 for the winner. Since 1994, the total prize money for the PDC World Darts Championship has seen a remarkable increase from £64,000 to £2.5 million today. The higher stakes of each game has attracted the attention from private equity, with recent talks over a significant minority investment from CVC Capital Partners, a former owner of Formula 1, ultimately ceasing this month. CVC Capital Partners' sports properties include stakes in events such as the Six Nations Rugby and Premiership Rugby.   By Amaury Périnel

🥇🎖🏆Sports ticketing 🥇🎖🏆faces several challenges and problems, which can affect both fans and the sports industry. Some of the common issues with sports ticketing include: 🥇🎖🏆Ticket Scalping and Price Gouging: Ticket scalpers buy tickets in bulk and resell them at much higher prices, making it difficult for genuine fans to purchase tickets at face value. This practice can lead to price gouging and negatively impact the affordability of attending sporting events. 🎪Limited Availability: High-demand sports events often sell out quickly, leaving many fans unable to secure tickets. Scalpers and reselling platforms exacerbate this issue by buying up tickets in bulk. 🛑💵Secondary Market Confusion: Fans can find it challenging to distinguish between legitimate resale platforms and fraudulent ticket sellers. This can lead to people buying counterfeit or invalid tickets, resulting in disappointment and financial loss. 🚨📢Ticket Fraud: Counterfeit tickets are a significant issue in the sports ticketing industry. Fans may unknowingly purchase fake tickets, only to be denied entry at the venue. 👑🛫Dynamic Pricing: Some teams and venues use dynamic pricing models that adjust ticket prices based on factors like demand, opponent, and timing. While this can maximize revenue for the team, it can make ticket prices unpredictable for fans. ♘♞Hidden Fees: Ticket prices often do not include additional fees, such as service charges, facility fees, and convenience fees. These extra costs can significantly increase the overall price of a ticket. 📆🎊Accessibility: Sports venues may not always be accessible to individuals with disabilities, which can exclude a portion of the fan base from attending games. 🎁🎅🏻Season Ticket Holder Benefits: Some season ticket holders may feel that the benefits they receive, such as exclusive access or discounts, have been eroded due to the availability of single-game tickets through resale markets. ☠️🤖👻Reselling Restrictions: Teams and venues may impose restrictions on ticket resale, preventing fans from reselling their tickets or limiting their options. ㊗️👑Technology and Scalper Advances: Scalpers and ticket resellers have adapted to technology, making it harder for teams and venues to combat scalping and control ticket distribution. 🚀Ticket Transfer Issues: Transferring or gifting tickets to friends or family members can be cumbersome due to restrictions or security measures, making it less convenient for fans. 💭🌈 ☀️Season Ticket Holder Churn: Some teams struggle with retaining season ticket holders as fans seek more flexible and cost-effective ways to attend games. 🌐 🌏Identity Verification: Efforts to combat fraud, scalping, and ticket bots sometimes involve identity verification processes, which can be inconvenient for legitimate ticket purchasers. 🔴🔵Unsold Tickets: Some teams and venues face the challenge of unsold tickets, which can lead to empty seats and reduced atmosphere at games. Kapil Rathi Turnkeytix

Is the E-sports industry profitable in the long-term? 💰 While E-sports events keep bringing more and more packed arenas, record-breaking audiences and growing attention on the media, the scenario for this market on the rise still face many problems and may not be as stable as it seems. As traditional sports rely their income on tickets sales, sponsorships and broadcast rights, the E-sports market profits almost entirely from its sponsors. The broadcasting of these events is made through platforms, such as Youtube and Twitch, mainly for free, and the prices charged on its tickets are considerably lower. The teams present in traditional sports usually have their fan base located in specific cities, where its events take place, making it easy for companies to focus their efforts. At the same time sealing lucrative deals with television companies. For an E-sports team, none of them are happening yet, so, even with tournament prizes going up, record-breaking audiences, and crowded events, it is hard for every kind business to rely its income entirely on sponsorships On the meantime, companies involved in the market try to find revenue through other sources, such as partnerships with content creators, microtransactions and merchandise, proving that the competitive scenario needs casual players in order to survive The future is still uncertain for this market, depending entirely on the behaviour of its consumers, which is composed mainly by young people, and whether they will migrate to more traditional type of media, or platforms, like Youtube and Twitch will become the main media. The future is promising for the market, but still has a long way to ride, and every digital-related business can undergo a change of tides at any time, and the hurry brought by investors that already put so much money may not be beneficial for the sustainable growth and long-life of the scenario.

Investors and team owners are pouring big dollars into sports venues, arenas, and new technology. Here's a quick rundown of some of the recent news: • Legends is set to acquire ASM Global for $2.4 billion • Populous received an undisclosed investment from Providence Equity Partners • Monumental Sports & Entertainment asks the city for $600 million to renovate Capital One arena • Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury owner Mat Ishbia will spend $100 million on a new practice facility, and employee campus • New York Mets owner Steve Cohen will invest $8 billion into a casino and park near Citi Field Why is this happening? A few main reasons come to mind: 1) 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: New stadiums and arenas can significantly increase revenue streams for teams. This means increased ticket sales, premium seating, luxury suites, and corporate sponsorships. These arenas are also designed to host other events, such as concerts, conventions, and other entertainment options that drive revenue. 2) 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: Brand new venues are developed with fan experience in mind. This includes new amenities, better sightlines, better seating, and state-of-the-art technology. With these enhancements, fans are more likely to attend games and spend money on concessions and merchandise. 3) 𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐚 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Most owners view their teams and venues as long-term investments. With a brand new facility, they can potentially increase the value of the franchise over time. It can also create a sense of permanence and stability, which can be appealing to fans and sponsors. 4) 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭: New sports venues can have a positive impact on the local economy. They create jobs during construction and operation, stimulate local businesses, and bring in out-of-town visitors which leads to increased tourism and spending. Overall, they drastically help revitalize neighborhoods which helps increase property value and drive growth. 5) 𝐀𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: A lot of these older stadiums and arenas may be outdated. They need significant maintenance and renovation to stay competitive. Owners and investors obviously need to invest a ton of money to manage the upkeep. #sportsbusiness #sportsbiz #sportsindustry #sportstechnology

New Survey Finds “Atmosphere” Most Important In Pub Sports A new survey has revealed that the atmosphere in a pub or bar on game day is the most important element for choosing to watch sport out of home. In a new survey, music licensing company PPL PRS found that almost three in five (57%) people are regular sports fans, with one in five (21%) Britons saying they will only tune into the big sports games, like the World Cup. When asked which sports fans regularly followed, almost two-thirds (63%) of all respondents shared that football is the favourite, with rugby (18%), tennis (16%) and formula one (15%) following. When asked, 61% of respondents revealed home is the most favoured venue for watching sports games, and when asked why, 80% ranked comfort overall, but having control over the environment was ranked next by 46% of respondents. But there is one thing that can encourage sports fans to leave their homes to watch a game or a race – even if they’re not the big games. Other than an exciting game, across the fans who said they would like to watch sports in pubs, stadiums and dedicated sports bars, there was one thing they all looked for when choosing to watch a game or race outside of their home—a good atmosphere. The top reasons fans will watch sports outside of home: - Stadium fans look for atmosphere (81%) ranked second by wanting to be present at the game (42%) - Pubgoers also love the atmosphere (66%), but also like that they can order food and drinks whilst they watch (52%) - Sports bar fans love the atmosphere too (75%) and ranked the ability to order food and drinks second (45%) The survey also revealed that sports watchers are not fans of disruptive behaviour from other viewers (71%), ranking it top of their sports viewing ‘icks’. Followed by a tense atmosphere (34%) and a disengaged crowd (31%). This just reinforces viewers want a good audience and a good time when they choose to watch sports out. Music therapist for PPL PRS, Marianne Rizkallah, shares these tips for retaining a loyal sports customer base in your venue.  “If a business knows a big event is coming up, choose music that heightens excitement – look for a BPM that’s slightly faster than average heart rate, moderate to loud volume, with rises and falls in the music to build anticipation (like when you’re waiting for the drop in an EDM track). As well as this, familiar music that promotes a sense of community will help cohere a crowd around a moment - one obvious example is Sweet Caroline before a big football match, adopted as the fan’s song that everyone can sing along to and feel a part of an experience. “When emotions are riding high, I think it’s important to acknowledge how patrons are feeling, meeting them where they are before attempting to influence mood to something different. If you have a pub full of supporters of a team who have just lost a match, something like “Why Does it Always Rain on Me” by Travis acknowledges disappointment but perhaps …

Football 🏟️ stadiums are evolving beyond mere venues for watching matches. They are transforming into hubs of immersive and luxurious experiences. 🌟⚽ Eager to find out more about the top trends reshaping hospitality in European football stadiums❓ Here you go! 👇 🔹 Luxury Suites and Skyboxes More clubs are investing in high-end hospitality offerings. For instance, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club’s new stadium features over 160 luxury suites with private dining and exclusive views of the pitch, creating an unparalleled matchday experience. Clubs like Real Madrid C.F. and Manchester City Football Club have also revamped their VIP areas to include state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring every game is a lavish affair. 🥂🏅 🔹 Tech-Integrated Experiences Technology is at the forefront of enhancing fan engagement. FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou is implementing 5G to provide seamless connectivity, while Juventus Football Club Stadium offers augmented reality (AR) experiences, allowing fans to interact with historical moments of the club. Mobile apps for ticketing, food orders, and instant replays are becoming standard, as seen with FC Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena, where fans can enjoy a fully connected experience. 📱🤖 🔹 Sustainable Practices Sustainability is a key focus for modern stadiums. The Amsterdam ArenA International, home to AFC Ajax, is a leader in eco-friendly practices, utilizing 4,200 solar panels and a wind turbine to generate renewable energy. Similarly, Arsenal F.C’s Emirates Stadium has introduced a zero-to-landfill policy and extensive recycling programs. These initiatives are not just beneficial for the environment but also resonate well with eco-conscious fans. 🌱🏟️ 🔹 Themed Food and Beverages Clubs are elevating their culinary game to offer unique and localized food experiences. For example, West Ham United FC’s London Stadium features a variety of gourmet food stalls offering everything from traditional British pies to international cuisines, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Borussia Dortmund has introduced local favorites like currywurst and pretzels, giving fans a taste of the local culture. 🍔🍻 🔹 Fan Zones and Social Spaces Creating vibrant social spaces is becoming essential. Liverpool Football Club’s Anfield has developed fan zones with live music, interactive games, and food trucks, creating a festive atmosphere before and after matches. Similarly, Paris Saint-Germain’s Parc des Princes offers dedicated areas where fans can gather, socialize, and celebrate, enhancing the sense of community. 🎉👥 These trends are not only enhancing the matchday experience for fans but also driving significant revenue growth for clubs. For example, Tottenham Hotspur reported a 17% increase in matchday revenue following the opening of their new stadium, highlighting the financial benefits of investing in hospitality. ⚽🌟 #Football #StadiumTrends #SportsHospitality