English Super League rugby league club Hull Kingston Rovers has agreed a three-year stadium naming rights partnership with Hull College which will also incorporate a “bespoke” educational element.
The contract runs from 2020 to 2022 and will see the stadium named as Hull College Craven Park. The venue’s naming rights have been held by telco KCOM for the past three years.
Hull KR chief executive Mike Smith said: “The partnership that we have with Hull College completes a unique educational and vocational pathway for the club. Education and personal development is a major focal point for the club. 2020 represents the start of a revolution at Hull Kingston Rovers and we believe that Hull College will play an integral role, in collaboration with our existing educational partners in bringing that vision to life.
“Restoring our own academy’s identity is something we’re proud of. What’s important to us is attracting the best local talent driven by a desire to play for Hull Kingston Rovers at the top level. Our promise to them and their families is that if they don’t make it, we will give them a great education and develop their life skills to equip them in the workplace and beyond.
“We want to offer players optional career pathways in education or apprenticeships, and Hull College will be a strong partner for the club in supporting these opportunities.”
Meanwhile, Smith has told the Hull Live website that “negotiations are taking place” with Hull City Council to secure “full control” of the stadium. The 12,000-capacity facility is currently owned by the Council and has been the club’s home since 1989.