Over 370 guests from football and rugby stadia across the country have celebrated their ‘off the pitch’ successes at The Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards 2016 last night.
The overall winner of the evening was Hull City Tigers, who scooped the top gong for Overall Matchday Hospitality Experience 2016, fighting off tough competition from a record 28 participating stadia across the leagues. This is the second year running the Yorkshire venue has taken the title.
Dan Coulson, General Manager at Hull City Tigers, commented: “To win in 2015 was amazing, but to win again in 2016 is just incredible.
“This award belongs not only to Hull City Tigers and Venue Catering Partner, but all the wonderful staff and suppliers who work passionate and tirelessly to deliver the best service we can, every time!”
The prestigious event was the 12th annual awards organised by Stadium Experience, and recognise the efforts and dedication shown by the catering, conference and events teams at every football and rugby stadium across the UK. 71 football and rugby clubs were nominated for awards, with 20 different stadium venues scooping at least one of 33 gongs (across 11 categories).
Recognition was given to Sunderland AFC’s innovative Sensory Room at the Stadium of Light, developed for supporters who are affected by the noise levels in seating areas.
The Premier League club won the award for Best Marketing Initiative after impressing the judging panel with the Nathan Shippey Sensory Room, the first of its kind opened in August 2015.
Sunderland AFC’s supporter liaison officer, Chris Waters, said: “The Sensory Room has been a fantastic addition to the stadium and is allowing supporters to attend games who may have previously been unable to do so.”
The Operations Team of the Year Award, sponsored by fcbsuiness was won by Newcastle Falcons rugby club in recognition of their efforts throughout the year. Melissa Mallen, Conference & Events Manager for Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club, said: “RWC Fanzone was a rare opportunity, we gave 110% to show the North East and those travelling from afar what Rugby is all about. We are very proud and delighted to pick up this award.”
The full list of 2016 award winners includes:
Media Choice Award – Sponsored by Conference News
The Media Choice Award category is voted for by visiting local and national media. This audience voted for a warm welcome, friendly service and top class food.
WINNER – Manchester City Football Club
SILVER – Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club
BRONZE – Everton Football Club
Non-Matchday Mystery Shopper Award – Sponsored by Hospitality Gem
The Non-Matchday Mystery Shopper Award category will be judged by Hospitality Gem in a mystery shopper style sales call.
WINNER – Sheffield United Football Club
SILVER – Leicester City Football Club
BRONZE – Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club
Star For The Future Award – Sponsored by Sodexo Prestige
The Star For the Future Award category recognises those individuals who shine daily and will one day be leading a team of their own.
WINNER – Sophie Standen – MK Dons Football Club
SILVER – Melissa Mallen – Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club
BRONZE – Hettie Barker – Leicester Tigers Rugby Club
Operations Team of the Year Award – Sponsored by FC Business
The Operations Team of the Year Award recognises the often unseen behind-the-scenes teams that make stadium events run so smoothly. Judges looked for teams which go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the very best service to customers.
WINNER – Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club
SILVER – Chelsea Football Club
BRONZE – Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club
NEW for 2016 – Best Sales or Marketing Initiative Award – Sponsored by Stadia Connect
The Best Sales or Marketing Initiative Award category highlights the very best sales and marketing ideas created and introduced within any stadium team. Judges specifically looked for brave new ideas which have led to increased support for stadium activities.
WINNER – Sunderland Association Football Club
SILVER – Leicester City Football Club
BRONZE – Wigan Athletic Football Club
Chef Team of the Year Award – Sponsored by Hotelympia
The Chef Team of the Year Award is judged as part of the live kitchen event at Hotelympia, ExCel Centre in London. Chefs teams had one hour to prepare, cook and present a three-course menu suitable for their Club Chairman to entertain the Head of the FA or RFU to dinner.
WINNER – Everton Football Club
SILVER – Southampton Football Club
BRONZE – BT Murrayfield Stadium
Directors Choice Award – Sponsored by Verteda
The Directors Choice Award category is voted for by Directors at each club. They nominated the club where they had the best away experience when travelling with their team. They are specifically asked to consider the welcome, service and catering.
WINNER – Reading Football Club
SILVER – Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club
BRONZE – Chelsea Football Club
Matchday Hospitality Award – Sponsored by Salon Culinaire
Reported by professional Salon Culinaire chef judges who experience hospitality at UK clubs this season using strict criteria.
Matchday Hospitality Award – Small Stadium (up to 1000 hospitality seats)
WINNER – Morecambe Football Club
SILVER – Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club
BRONZE – Dundee United Football Club
Matchday Hospitality Award – Medium Stadium (1001 – 2000 hospitality seats)
WINNER – Hull City Tigers
SILVER – Bolton Wanderers Football Club
BRONZE – Everton Football Club
Matchday Hospitality Award – Large Stadium (2001+ hospitality seats)
WINNER – Manchester City Football Club
SILVER – Tottenham Hotspur Football Club
BRONZE – Hampden Park Stadium
The Big One – Overall Matchday Hospitality Award
This award pitches all sized clubs against all, to announce the overall winning UK stadium.
WINNER – Hull City Tigers
SILVER – Morecambe Football Club
BRONZE – Manchester City Football Club
