Industry Insight: Huddersfield Giants
Objective
Find unique sports teams/clubs around the world with unique Match-day Hospitality Experiences
Manchester United
Red Café: A casual dining experience with views of the pitch, featuring a range of classic British dishes and opportunities for fans to dine among Manchester United memorabilia.
https://www.manutd.com/en/visit-old-trafford/red-cafe
Executive Suites: Private boxes with a luxury setting, gourmet meals, complimentary drinks, and visits from former players.
https://www.manutd.com/en/Matchday-Hospitality/Info-and-FAQs
Bayern Munich
Allianz Arena Tours: VIP packages include guided tours of the stadium, museum visits, and opportunities to meet club legends.
https://allianz-arena.com/en/tours-museum/vip-tour
New York Yankees
Dugout Lounge: Field-level seats with all-inclusive dining, featuring upscale menu options and beverages.
https://www.mlb.com/yankees/tickets/group-tickets/hospitality-areas
Barcelona
"Players' Experience Tour," where fans can walk the path players take on match day.
https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/tickets/camp-nouexperience/847839/players-experience-tour
Dallas Cowboys
"Owner's Club" provides exclusive access to the owner's personal suite, luxury seating, gourmet food, and premium beverages. https://www.starsportstours.com/owners-package/
Real Mallorca
Access Footprint Lounge and bench area terrace pre, during, and post match. Opportunity to meet select players and members of coaching staff
VIP Hospitality 23-24 | RCD Mallorca | Web Oficial
The Padded Seat
Posting content on hospitality packages in all sports all around the world. (So jealous!)
Hypothetical ideas
Creating innovative and unique match-day experiences can greatly enhance the fan experience and set a sports club apart from others. Here are ten hypothetical matchday experiences that could be implemented by sports teams:
1. VR Immersion Experience
• Description: Fans receive VR headsets that provide real-time, 360-degree views of the match from various vantage points, including the players' perspective on the field.
• Features: Interactive stats, player bios, and virtual replays during breaks.
2. Player-Coached Warm-Up Session
• Description: A select group of fans participates in a pre-match warm-up session coached by current or former players.
• Features: Personalized training tips, group photo opportunities, and exclusive access to behind-the-scenes areas.
3. Gourmet Tailgate Experience
• Description: A pre-match gourmet tailgate party featuring top chefs from local restaurants, offering a variety of upscale dishes and beverages.
• Features: Live cooking demonstrations, food tastings, and meet-and-greets with chefs.
4. Matchday Cinema Club
• Description: A luxury cinema experience within the stadium where fans can watch the match on a big screen in a theater setting, complete with reclining seats and highquality sound.
• Features: Premium snacks, drinks, and post-match discussions with sports analysts.
5. Interactive Augmented Reality Tour
• Description: Fans take a guided tour of the stadium using AR glasses that provide historical and contextual information about different areas, along with virtual interactions with past moments and legends.
• Features: Scavenger hunts, trivia games, and collectible AR experiences.
6. Sky High Viewing Platform
• Description: A glass-floored viewing platform suspended above the stadium, providing fans with a unique aerial view of the match.
• Features: Exclusive access to premium beverages and snacks, plus photo opportunities with the stunning backdrop.
7. Sports Science Experience
• Description: An interactive exhibit where fans can learn about the sports science and technology used by the team, including demonstrations of training techniques, fitness tests, and equipment.
• Features: Hands-on activities, personalized fitness reports, and Q&A sessions with team trainers.
8. Fan Manager for a Day
• Description: A fan gets to experience the role of a team manager for a day, including pre-match strategy meetings, sitting on the bench during the game, and participating in post-match press conferences.
• Features: Behind-the-scenes access, team gear, and personalized photo ops.
9. Live Music and Match Fusion
• Description: A live music concert by popular artists held during halftime or prematch, with the music synchronized to match highlights and crowd activities.
• Features: Special light shows, fan interaction with the performers, and exclusive music merchandise.
10. Eco-Friendly Matchday Experience
• Description: A matchday experience focused on sustainability, featuring eco-friendly initiatives such as carbon-neutral transportation options, biodegradable merchandise, and zero-waste catering.
• Features: Educational workshops, interactive exhibits on environmental impact, and rewards for fans who participate in sustainability efforts.