- Admin
- #1
Swans in a flap over stadium name (29 July 2004)
English League Division 2 side, Swansea City FC, are currently facing the wrath of club supporters over the naming-rights to its, soon to be completed, £27million stadium.
Originally, Swansea City Council gave the project a working name of the ‘White Rock’ stadium. However, last week this seemingly popular choice of name was dropped, while stadium officials attempt to find a legitimate sponsor for a naming-rights deal.
This move resulted in the majority of ‘Swans’ fans refusing to remain mute any longer. They are now vociferously protesting that the name has become completely synonymous with the new stadium, having really grown on both the local community and beyond.
A Swansea CC spokesman has hit back saying, "It has always been made clear from the outset, that ‘White Rock’ was only a temporary working title and that the title would need to be sold to complete the capital funding package for the structure.
"Our marketing experts have advised us that a ‘clean’ stadium is more attractive to potential sponsors and so the name change has the full support of both the clubs and the council.
"We have received widespread support in our efforts to generate the best possible deal, to the benefit of both the football and rugby clubs and their respective supporters."
The 20,000-seat stadium is due to open early next year and will become home to the local ‘Ospreys’ Rugby Union side, as well as the ‘Swans’ football league team.
English League Division 2 side, Swansea City FC, are currently facing the wrath of club supporters over the naming-rights to its, soon to be completed, £27million stadium.
Originally, Swansea City Council gave the project a working name of the ‘White Rock’ stadium. However, last week this seemingly popular choice of name was dropped, while stadium officials attempt to find a legitimate sponsor for a naming-rights deal.
This move resulted in the majority of ‘Swans’ fans refusing to remain mute any longer. They are now vociferously protesting that the name has become completely synonymous with the new stadium, having really grown on both the local community and beyond.
A Swansea CC spokesman has hit back saying, "It has always been made clear from the outset, that ‘White Rock’ was only a temporary working title and that the title would need to be sold to complete the capital funding package for the structure.
"Our marketing experts have advised us that a ‘clean’ stadium is more attractive to potential sponsors and so the name change has the full support of both the clubs and the council.
"We have received widespread support in our efforts to generate the best possible deal, to the benefit of both the football and rugby clubs and their respective supporters."
The 20,000-seat stadium is due to open early next year and will become home to the local ‘Ospreys’ Rugby Union side, as well as the ‘Swans’ football league team.
