Planet Swans ArchivesJohn Smith’s has become a front runner in the race to sponsor Swansea’s new £30m soccer and rugby venue.
Brewing giant Scottish & Newcastle confirmed yesterday it is in talks about advertising rights at the arena which is due to open next summer. It could be named John Smith’s Stadium.
Scottish & Newcastle is determined to keep promoting its John Smith’s brand after ending its run of “Ave it” commercials starring Phoenix Nights creator and comedian Peter Kay. The brewers also signed a three-year deal this week which will create the John Smith’s Grand National after Martell Cognac ended its association with the race.
Now Swansea City fans have launched a campaign to have one of the Vetch Field stands transported brick by brick to the Museum of Welsh Life at St Fagans. The Vetch 1912-2005 group want the 91-year-old Centre South Stand to become a museum piece when the ground becomes redundant at the end of this season.
A spokesman said, “The case for inclusion is very strong bearing in mind it’s the oldest stand of its type in Wales and has remained relatively unchanged thanks to the perilous economics of pro-soccer.
“Putting the stand at St Fagans is not as crazy as it might sound because it could double as a viewing gallery for events.”
But Gerallt Nash, the museum’s historic buildings curator, said, “We have five years’ worth of work here as it is. I agree the stand is a fine example of its type but maybe it would be better leaving it where it was.”
Swansea City FC and the Ospreys regional rugby team will move into the new 20,000-seater stadium at Morfa in September.
Swansea City and County Council has insisted the venue should have no name, not even a local nickname, because it wants to sell the naming rights to a big money sponsor. Yesterday, it emerged Scottish & Newcastle was a front runner for a three-year deal thought to be worth around £900,000.
A spokesman for Scottish & Newcastle said yesterday, “We began talks with the council over the new stadium initially about supplying drinks. It turned into talks about advertising rights but it is premature at this stage to think about the John Smith’s Stadium.
“Obviously though we are always looking to promote our brands and have a large base of loyal customers in Wales.”
Swansea City FC director Dave Morgan, said yesterday, “We do have a number of well-known businesses interested.
“It is obviously a good thing that big business wants to be associated with our new ground. There will be a double promotional hit. The stadium will be mentioned in the press and media one day for rugby with the Ospreys, the next for soccer with the Swans.”
Regarding proposals to make the Vetch stand a museum piece, he said, “It’s a wonderful idea.
“We don’t know what will happen to the Vetch yet as the site is council-owned but it would be a shame if this fine stand was lost.”
A Swansea Council spokeswoman said, “The capital budget for the stadium includes assumed income from naming rights. Our agents marketing this opportunity are currently in discussion with prospective firms.”
The council said it could not comment on the south central stand.
SOURCE: WESTERN MAIL
