Utilita Bowl Renews Partnership with Seat Unique Backed by Ben Stokes
Funding | Jan 22, 2025 | Business Cloud
Utilita Bowl, home to Hampshire Cricket, Hampshire Hawks, and Southern Brave, has renewed its partnership with London-based firm Seat Unique through 2029. This renewal is founded on an investment made by the cricket ground into Seat Unique, which has significantly powered the online premium and hospitality sales for cricket events at Utilita Bowl since 2020. As a result, the year 2024 saw a notable 65% increase in online hospitality sales. The partnership extension not only solidifies their collaboration but also introduces the Seat Unique Roof Terrace, enhancing premium cricket spectator experiences. This accord reflects the strong relationship and mutual benefits between the organizations. Moreover, Seat Unique appoints Matt Dawson as a business advisor and opens a new office in Manchester, alongside receiving an investment from 4CAST, a media group established by England cricket celebrities like Ben Stokes. The innovations coincide with Utilita Bowl's preparations for hosting its first-ever men's Ashes Test Match in 2027.
Sectors
- Sports and Entertainment
- Hospitality
- Technology
Geography
- United Kingdom – The activities and investments discussed in the article occur in the UK, involving entities such as Utilita Bowl, Hampshire Cricket, and the Manchester office of Seat Unique.
Industry
- Sports and Entertainment – The article involves investments in a ticket sales platform focused on enhancing the spectator experience in cricket events, thus falling under the sports and entertainment industry.
- Hospitality – Utilita Bowl is enhancing hospitality offerings through its partnership with Seat Unique, indicating the relevance of the hospitality industry.
- Technology – Seat Unique employs technology to power online sales and deliver unique spectator experiences, placing it firmly within the technology sector.
Financials
- 65% – Increase in online hospitality sales at Utilita Bowl via Seat Unique in 2024.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utilita Bowl | Investor and Partner | Company | The home of Hampshire Cricket, investing and partnering with Seat Unique to improve hospitality and spectator experience. |
| Seat Unique | Target | Company | A ticket sales and event platform focusing on premium experiences, partnered and invested in by Utilita Bowl. |
| 4CAST | Investor | Company | A media and investment group founded by cricketers Ben Stokes and others, investing in Seat Unique. |
| Ben Stokes | Investor | Person | An England cricket star and part of the investment group 4CAST backing Seat Unique. |
| Matt Dawson | Business Advisor | Person | Appointed as a business advisor for Seat Unique. |
| Hampshire Cricket | Partner | Company | A key stakeholder in Utilita Bowl and partner with Seat Unique. |