Big Red Industries Group is to take over sponsorship of the Fantastic Media Stand at the John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield.
Huddersfield-based Big Red has worked closely with Fantastic Media for several years and the two companies have agreed to swap the title, allowing Big Red to take over the naming rights.
However, the one thing that won’t change is the Big, bold – and Red – branding!
Mike Lomas, chairman and CEO of Big Red, said: “Fantastic Media and Big Red have been close advisors and partners in business for a long time.
“I admired what their managing director Andy Hobson did 15 years ago by sponsoring the stand in his first year of setting up Fantastic Media.
“It was a very brave and bold statement but it certainly cemented them as the big agency in the north and a huge contribution to their brand awareness. I broached the subject of taking on the mantle and we took it from there.”
Fantastic Media took over the North Stand naming rights from Panasonic a few months before Huddersfield Town’s Centenary Game against Arsenal back in 2008, although Mr Hobson had a more inclusive reason for sponsoring the stand.
“I had been a big part of the team who delivered the concept of a new stadium for Huddersfield Town and the Giants and wanted to ensure the people of Kirklees could have a stadium for football, rugby and concerts to be proud of.
“I wanted to support a multi-purpose venue that would benefit our wider community, which has given me great pleasure as someone who lives in the area.
“For the past five years, however, I’ve always said I would be happy to step aside should the right partner want to come in and replace us. I don’t think I could ask for a company better than Big Red.”
The stand has two tiers and 16 hospitality boxes and is all-seater. The lower tier contains temporary seats that can be removed for concerts, or other events, recently demonstrated by the hugely successful Hella Mega tour starring American rock band Green Day.
Huddersfield Town commercial director Ian Birtley said: “I’ve known Andy not only since joining Huddersfield Town but in both our previous roles at other sports clubs.
“It’s fantastic to have so many businesses who work together in the town and who want to work for the greater good of the clubs.
“I’m really looking forward to welcoming Big Red on board but also to our continued support from Fantastic Media.”
Mr Lomas, founder of Big Red, also owns rugby league club Midlands Hurricanes, the former Coventry Bears.
