Emerald Group snaps up naming rights to Headingley

Professional services company Emerald Group has acquired the naming rights to Headlingley Stadium, the home of English Super League rugby league team Leeds Rhinos and county cricket club Yorkshire.
 
Although the length of the deal was not disclosed, it was confirmed that the venue will be renamed as the Emerald Headlingley Stadium from November 1, 2017. The venue will also be named independently as the Emerald Headingley Cricket Ground and Emerald Headingley Rugby Stadium.
 
Emerald Group will also acquire naming rights for the under-construction north-south stand, which will be known as the Emerald Stand upon its completion in 2019. The new stand forms a major part of an ongoing redevelopment project at the venue.
 
In addition, a 450-seater banqueting suite at the stadium will be renamed as the Emerald Suite.
 
The deal also includes opportunities for Emerald Group to work with charities and to engage with both cricket and rugby for the benefit of the local community.
 
Gary Hetherington, chief executive of Leeds Rhinos, said: “This sponsorship is another vital step in our vision to transform our home once again into an iconic sporting venue with the exciting redevelopment plans set to begin in late summer.”