www.stadiaworld.com SPORTS VENUES 2023/24 | 107 EVENTS to host events, this is often the hardest part. To be fair, there aren’t many venues that we can’t work with, and we are even looking at racecourses and cricket grounds at the moment. STADIAWORLD: How difficult was the selection? Were there stadia that actively approached you? Addecott: The selection process has been fun and not hard at all, once we are all on the same page and aligned, it becomes a pretty straightforward process. We have a lot of venues that we couldn’t fit in this year, that we have scheduled to visit with the tour next year. As soon as we announced Twickenham our phone was ringing off the hook and we had a lot of venues reaching out wanting to find out more and to see if we could host an event with them. The interest has been really strong. STADIAWORLD: Could you give us a rough estimate of the costs, expenses of realizing an event like this? Addecott: I can’t divulge actual numbers; however, we do work well with the venues to ensure it is a great revenue earner for them. This is from a combination of rental fees and F&B. The key thing for us is to ensure we create a true partnership with the venues we work with, as we are all in it together and we want everyone involved to benefit. STADIAWORLD: How do you measure the success of the event? Addecott: Smiles on faces … and venues asking us to lock in dates for the next year straight after their event are great indicators that we are doing something right. It’s a business at the end of the day so it will be measured financially but as we are in the infancy right now, it’s more about creating a really compelling and impactful series of events, educating our customer base to what Stadium Golf Tour is, and ensuring we have a full calendar of events in 2024. STADIAWORLD: Are there any differences in your approach compared to the events in the US? If so, what are the biggest differences and how do you address these? Addecott: We do see some anomalies between the UK and the USA, but the fundamentals are very much the same. There are only small tweaks we have made in the UK, and these are things we are learning as we go along and do more events on both sides of the pond. STADIAWORLD: Currently, the Stadium Golf Tour is about fun and easy access for all levels of golfer skills. Could you imagine adapting the concept to a professional level? Addecott: I think it could work well for the Pros. It’s a great way to practice and hone your short iron skills and I see that Tiger and Rory will be launching a Monday night stadium event series next year aimed at the PGA Tour Pro’s, conducting a number of challenges – long drive, short irons etc. – so it looks like they think it’s a great idea, too. And you can’t get a much stronger endorsement than that. STADIAWORLD: Amateur golfers also have Top Golf as a valid alternative. Would you say Top Golf is your biggest competitor and how do you set yourself apart? Addecott: I think we are different enough; Top Golf is about range time and hitting a lot of balls and we are more about combining people’s passion for golf and their passion for their team and stadium. We create something special and give our customers the chance to experience something truly unique. I mean, how many people can say they’ve hit a golf shot from the royal box at Twickenham Stadium? STADIAWORLD: Last but not least: Any “dream“ location you wish to bring the Stadium Golf Tour to? Addecott: Great question! (laughs) All our venues are my dream venue! But as a Welsh Rugby fan I would say the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, or the Camp Nou or the Bernabéu … literally too many to choose from. The idea is well received. Picture: Maverick Sports & Entertainment Golf in a special setting and atmosphere Picture: Maverick Sports & Entertainment
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzU2MjQ=