Stadiums & Venues

14Dec By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Stadiums & Venues

Ontake Distillery: a Japanese whisky distillery with its own golf course

If you’re anything like us – and have a passion for whisky and golf – then you’ll just love Ontake Distillery. Located in Japan’s Kagoshima Mountains, Ontake is the first distillery in the world to feature an on-site 18-hole golf course that is exclusively for cask owners, combining whisky and golf in a way that has never been seen before.  Taking its name from Sakurajima’s three majestic peaks – Kitadake, Nakadake, and Minamidake – Ontake Distillery is perched 400 metres above sea level in the serene mountains of the Satsuma Peninsula.  The golf course  This state-of-the-art distillery not only crafts exceptional award-winning single malt whiskies but also delivers an unparalleled experience for its exclusive cask owners. Ontake has a world-first offering: a private 18-hole...

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2Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Stadiums & Venues

ASM Global and PDC expand Premier League Darts partnership to 2027

Following record-breaking ticket sales for the 2025 BetMGM Premier League Darts season, venue management company ASM Global and the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) have announced a major new partnership.  Five of the UK’s most iconic venues – AO Arena Manchester, Utilita Arena Newcastle, First Direct Arena Leeds, Utilita Arena Sheffield, and P&J Live Aberdeen – will continue to host Premier League Darts until at least 2027. These arenas are renowned for their unique atmosphere and remain firm favourites with fans. Aberdeen first hosted Premier League Darts in 2006, with the new P&J Live venue introduced in 2020. Newcastle and Sheffield joined the circuit in 2007, followed by Manchester in 2008. Leeds made its debut in 2014, setting a record attendance of 11,000 fans. ...

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10Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Stadiums & Venues, Wales

Video: BikePark Wales and NRW to transform 400 acres of mountainside

UK mountain bike venue BikePark Wales, located in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) have announced plans to transform 400 acres of Welsh mountainside. NRW, which manages the Welsh Government Woodland Estate, has worked closely with BikePark Wales since its first breaking trail in 2013, but a new lease has now been signed to rewild the mountain, add trails and accommodation.  As part of the new 33-year lease, revenue from visiting mountain bikers will be invested in a “Future Forest Vision” that will see the vast majority of BikePark Wales’s mountain return to its natural state. The rewilding plan will see the site change in the coming decades from classic commercial forestry management to a regime that promotes biodiversity gains, improves the resilienc...

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3Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

England, Stadiums & Venues

The Hook Club: £400,000 padel venue opens at Mottram Hall in England 

A new era of padel has arrived in north west England with the opening of The Hook Club at Mottram Hall in Cheshire. Set in the landscaped grounds of Mottram Hall Hotel, The Hook Club opened its courts on 25 July offering an unrivalled location to play padel and socialise. Developed and installed by UK Padel Courts, the £400,000 padel venue is set to be a landmark destination for padel players of all abilities. The Hook Club, which is named after the padel shot ‘El Gancho’, instantly adds quality and a new dimension to the UK’s padel scene. The venue is open to anyone with a passion and interest in padel, with bookings via the padel booking app Playtomic. The venue boasts three world-class Superpanoramic padel courts designed and manufactured by Spanish-based Padelgest, provi...

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3Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Stadiums & Venues

New Vilamoura Equestrian Centre set to become the largest in Europe

Situated on Portugal’s Algarve coast, the vibrant resort town of Vilamoura has announced the development of the new Vilamoura Equestrian Centre, cementing the destination as a leading location for horse riding, showjumping, and activity-focused holidays. Benefiting from year-round sunshine and located in the heart of a stunning environmental park, the centre is set to become the largest and best-equipped equestrian facilities in Europe. The new Vilamoura Equestrian Centre will feature in the Winter Tour series organized by GRANDPRIX, a 20-week schedule from October to April of CSI3* and CSI4* and even 5* competitions, joining the likes of the Longines Deauville Classic, Chantilly Classic, Le Touquet Classic and Cabourg Classic, which attract some of the world’s leading showjumping perf...

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7Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Stadiums & Venues

Olympiastadion Berlin: a guide to the Euro 2024 final host stadium

The Olympiastadion Berlin, a symbol of architectural grandeur and historical significance, stands as one of the most iconic sports venues in the world. Situated in the western part of Berlin, Germany, this stadium has witnessed numerous historic events since its inception. Olympiastadion Berlin serves as the home ground for German club Hertha BSC and will host the Uefa Euro 2024 final on Sunday 14 July 2024. The stadium was originally constructed for the 1936 Summer Olympics, an event overshadowed by the political climate of the time. Designed by architect Werner March, the stadium was a masterpiece of its era, showcasing the grandeur and ambition of the time. The opening ceremony, attended by Adolf Hitler, remains one of the most infamous moments in Olympic history. Despite the dark h...

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12May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Stadiums & Venues

Red Sea Global reveals designs for Shura Links golf course

Red Sea Global (RSG), the multi-project developer behind regenerative tourism destinations The Red Sea and AMAALA in Saudi Arabia, has announced the name and designs of its golf course and clubhouse on Shura Island at The Red Sea. Set to open in 2025, Shura Links promises a one-of-a-kind golf experience, offering Saudi Arabia’s first 18-hole island golf course with holes on the water, marina views and spectacular fairways framed by the Red Sea. Developed in partnership with world-leading environmental consultants, Shura Links is guided by the highest sustainability standards, addressing a number of areas in tandem such as water-use reduction and innovative re-use of irrigation for habitat development.  “Shura Links will provide an unparalleled golfing experience, offering a visuall...

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12May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Stadiums & Venues

Lord’s Cricket Ground: plans approved for Tavern and Allen stands redevelopment

Redevelopment plans for Lord’s Cricket Ground's Tavern and Allen stands have been approved by members of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) and Westminster City Council's Planning Committee.  The £61.8m project, which was put to the MCC’s 18,000-strong membership at its AGM, will provide improved catering, hospitality and accessibility, as well as increasing the overall ground capacity by an additional 1,100 seats. MCC Members’ approval comes after Westminster City Council’s Planning Committee unanimously resolved to grant planning consent to the Tavern and Allen project at a meeting on 16 April.  MCC is now ready to enter the construction phase of the redevelopment, due to begin in late September, at the end of the cricket season. The Tavern and Allen stand project follows...

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14Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Stadiums & Venues

A guide to Wembley Stadium and Wembley Park in London

London's Wembley Stadium is one of the most iconic sports and entertainment venues in the world. As well as being the home of English football, the stadium also hosts NFL London Games, major finals and big music concerts.  In 2023 Wembley celebrated 100 years since the original stadium opened and in 2024 the venue will host the Uefa Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid. The district around the stadium, Wembley Park, has seen huge redevelopment in the past few years. There’s now plenty of places to eat and drink, popular attractions and many new residential buildings.  Here we take a look at Wembley Stadium and the Wembley Park neighbourhood. Key details  Official name: Wembley Stadium connected by EE Website: wembleystadium.com...

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10Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Stadiums & Venues

Premier League football club stadium tours, museums and experiences

The 2023-2024 English Premier League season is nearing its conclusion, with teams battling for the title and European spots or trying to avoid relegation. Once again, Manchester City came into a campaign as the reigning champions, while Burnley, Sheffield United and Luton Town were promoted up from the Championship.   In this guide we highlight the fan experiences, stadium tours, museums and days out that football supporters can enjoy at Premier League clubs across England. At the end of the article we also look at stadium helicopter tours across the UK, plus what to see and do at the "home of English football", Wembley Stadium in London.  Editor’s note: Sports Tourism News works with a number of affiliate partners, including Red Letter Days, Buy A Gift, and Headout. Products a...

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29Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Stadiums & Venues

Inter Miami and Messi’s new home: Miami Freedom Park stadium to open in 2025 

There’s big things happening on and off the pitch at Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise Inter Miami CF. As well as star signing Lionel Messi banging in the goals and the team winning the 2023 MLS Leagues Cup, the MLS club co-owned by David Beckham has announced that construction has now started on its new 25,000-seater stadium.  The Miami Freedom Park & Soccer Village, located near Miami International Airport, will be a 131-acre mixed-use development featuring the football-specific stadium, a public park and entertainment district. Scheduled to open in 2025, the timeline “aligns with the last year” of Messi’s current Inter Miami contract, which he signed in mid-July, MLS.com said.  Alongside football and athletic fields and a 58-acre public park, which will be the lar...

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24May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business, Stadiums & Venues

49ers’ Levi’s Stadium to host NFL Super Bowl LX in 2026 

Levi's Stadium, the home of the San Francisco 49ers, will host Super Bowl LX in 2026, the NFL has confirmed. Located in Santa Clara, in the San Francisco Bay Area, the stadium opened in 2014 and previously hosted Super Bowl 50 in 2016.  According to an independent study, Super Bowl 50 generated almost $250m for the Bay Area economy and the NFL is “thrilled to bring the Super Bowl back”, said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. “We look forward to working with the 49ers and the Bay Area Host Committee to create an impactful Super Bowl LX in 2026 that showcases all the great things the region has to offer.” Al Guido, president of the San Francisco 49ers, added: “We are honoured to host the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium once again, and to be stewards of one of the biggest sporting even...

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14May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel, Stadiums & Venues

Wrexham to welcome new Football Museum for Wales in 2026

Football fans in Wrexham have been celebrating the team’s promotion back to the Football League – and soon they will be celebrating a major new football attraction in the north Wales city. Currently in its development stage and scheduled to open in 2026, the Football Museum for Wales (Amgueddfa Bêl-droed Cymru in the Welsh language) will be located in Wrexham and will “celebrate Welsh football, past and present, in all its diversity”, said VisitWales.com. From grassroots clubs to the national teams, it will also highlight Wrexham’s “historic achievements in the sport”.  ‘Museum of Two Halves’ Nicknamed the “Museum of Two Halves”, the project won’t just see the development of the Football Museum for Wales, but also a new Wrexham Museum in the current museum building on Regent...

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28Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Sports Business, Stadiums & Venues

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to host EPCR rugby finals in 2024

European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) has confirmed that the 2024 Heineken Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup finals will be held at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. The 2024 EPCR Finals Weekend will take place on Friday 24 May and Saturday 25 May. Home to Premier League football club Spurs, the multi-purpose venue, which was opened in April 2019, has become a prime destination for a wide range of major events including NFL, boxing and music concerts. The stadium has previously hosted major rugby fixtures including two Saracens Gallagher Premiership ties and a Barbarian FC vs. All Blacks XV match.  Dominic McKay, EPCR chairman, said: “It is quite simply one of the most exciting venues in the world and an incredibly appropriate stage for next year’s showpiec...

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19Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel, Stadiums & Venues

‘Entertainment destination’: Man City’s big plans for the Etihad Stadium

Manchester City FC have submitted a planning application to create a year-round “entertainment and leisure destination” at the Etihad Stadium. The Premier League club’s proposals would see their home ground’s capacity increase to more than 60,000 as well as new facilities including a covered fan zone, club shop and museum, and 400-room hotel.  The planning application submitted to Manchester City Council comes after the club held a consultation with fans and the local community over the concepts and designs.  In a statement Man City said that the proposals represent more than “£300m investment into east Manchester through a major construction project that would take up to three years to complete, offering 2,600 jobs prioritised for people from Greater Manchester”. What’s inc...

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1Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

England, Events, London, Sports Travel, Stadiums & Venues

Watching the Lionesses win at Wembley: ‘the best atmosphere I’ve ever experienced’

In this blog post, Sports Tourism Media co-editor Mike Starling looks back on a glorious day out at Wembley Stadium for the Uefa Women’s Euro final between England and Germany... Just before she scored her winning goal, England hero Chloe Kelly looked towards us in the stands and urged the fans to roar the Lionesses on for the last minutes of the Uefa Women’s Euro final.  There was 110 minutes on the clock and seconds later Lauren Hemp swung in a corner which, after a goalmouth scramble, found Kelly who toe poked the ball home from close range. It may have been scrappy, but like Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick strike in 1966 and Gazza’s stunner against Scotland in 1996, Kelly’s Wembley goal is one that will go down in English football folklore. The forward’s now-iconic “taking-her-s...

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31May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

England, Holidays & Trips, Sports Travel, Stadiums & Venues

Review: National Football Museum in Manchester

One of the UK’s most popular sporting attractions is the National Football Museum in Manchester, England. This is definitely one turnstile worth passing through, for both lovers of the beautiful game and those who just love sport.  Located in Manchester’s city centre, within the modernist “Urbis” building, visitors will find four floors of permanent and temporary exhibitions, dedicated to the birthplace of the modern game. Sports Tourism Media were lucky to have a tour of one of the world's best sports museums, here’s what co-editor Ramy James Salameh had to say… What can you see at the National Football Museum? The museum showcases 2,500 items of memorabilia taking the visitor from the earliest origins of the game through to the present day. It also strives to reflect ...

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3Jan By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Guides, Stadiums & Venues

A guide to the Silverstone Interactive Museum

Located in a huge 4,000m2 hangar at the home of British motor racing, the Silverstone Interactive Museum is a popular attraction for motorsport fans old and new.  Prince Harry and Sir Lewis Hamilton officially opened the Silverstone Interactive Museum in October 2019 and since then it has welcomed more than 120,000 visitors, including the Royal family, Formula 1 stars and A List celebrity guests.  What are the things to see and do? The Silverstone Interactive Museum is packed full of interactive shows, hands-on displays and unique cars and racing memorabilia. The indoor all-weather attraction features ten unique zones and more than 12 displays. Visitors can go behind-the-scenes in an interactive race day experience and finish with “The Ultimate Lap” in the museum’s spec...

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27Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Sports Travel, Stadiums & Venues

Accor Stadium: hotel group wins naming rights for Sydney’s Stadium Australia

Hotel and hospitality group Accor has signed a seven-year naming rights deal for Stadium Australia – the iconic venue in Sydney’s Olympic Park.   Now named the Accor Stadium, it was the centrepiece of the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games and has a capacity of 100,000 spectators for concerts and more than 80,000 for seated sporting events. The stadium has previously hosted major sporting events such as rugby league’s State of Origin, National Rugby League Grand Finals, Fifa World Cup qualifiers, rugby union’s Bledisloe Cup, and British & Irish Lions rugby Test matches. Natalie Ward, minister for sport of the New South Wales (NSW) Government, said: “NSW is open for business and we are thrilled our local fans, along with interstate and international visitors, will be able t...

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26Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Holidays & Trips, Sports Business, Sports Travel, Stadiums & Venues

Founding the esports ecosystem in Iceland

Sports Tourism Media jumped at the opportunity to interview Ólafur Steinarsson, founder of the Icelandic Esports Association. He has built the country’s esports industry from scratch in a sustainable and progressive way and Iceland has now become a global stage for world renowned esports events. This has been instrumental to Meet in Reykjavik’s growth strategy of attracting large scale global events to Iceland’s capital city. How do you aim to build esports sustainably, when your goal is for Iceland to be a top-five esports nation by 2025?When we talk about building a sustainable esports ecosystem in Iceland, we mean that it is self-sustained from a revenue standpoint and is able to generate talent and populate the local ecosystem with players willing and able to compete at the to...

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