Wasps, the rugby and netball teams based at the RICOH Arena in Coventry, have announced an agreement with Vodafone to extend their Official Partnership until the end of the 2023/24 season.
Vodafone and Wasps have enjoyed a successful partnership since the start of the 2019/20 season. The extension of the agreement will see the Vodafone brand continue to feature on the front of the Men’s and Women’s rugby shirts, as well as on the dresses of the Club’s netball team.
“This new long-term agreement demonstrates the strength of our relationship,” commented Adam Benson, Wasps Chief Commercial Officer.
“The last 12 months have been extremely challenging for so many of us, which is why the support Vodafone has given the Club has been priceless, and underlines just how much we both value this partnership.
“Everyone at the Club is extremely proud to wear the Vodafone name on our kits and we look forward to continuing to work closely with the Vodafone team over the coming years.”
Hi-tech sport
The partnership also reflects Vodafone and Wasps’ shared commitment to promoting the role that technology can play in sports and business.
In 2019, Vodafone unveiled its Vodafone Business Lounge at the Ricoh Arena, an innovation space designed for businesses in the West Midlands to experience the latest emerging technologies including 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT) and high-speed fibre.
Vodafone also conducted the world’s first 5G haptic rugby tackle at its Reinvent conference in 2019. While wearing a haptic suit, Wasps Centre Juan De Jongh, who was at the Sky Garden in London, was able to feel a physical tackle made by team mate Will Rowlands who was at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.
Wasps also installed a Vodafone Heat Detection Camera at its training ground to help safeguard staff and players as they returned to training following the outbreak of COVID-19.
‘Drive and tenacity’
The announcement comes at a significant time for Vodafone as the company continues to invest in the West Midlands to support the development of new products and services as part of its deployment of 5G in the region.
“We are delighted to be renewing our partnership with Wasps for a further three years,” said Anne Sheehan, Business Director, Vodafone UK.
“The pandemic has brought so many challenges, and the drive and tenacity Wasps have shown has been remarkable.
“This partnership continues on our promise to invest in the West Midlands region. We can’t wait to unveil new and exciting case studies bringing 5G and IoT to life, demonstrating the key role these technologies will play in transforming the worlds of sport and business.
“We look forward to welcoming businesses back to the Vodafone Business Lounge at the RICOH Arena soon.”
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