The Ospreys will launch a brand new student friendly match day zone at the Liberty Stadium in conjunction with Swansea University at this month’s Guinness PRO12 Welsh derby against the Dragons.
The eagerly awaited clash will mark the start of a new initiative aimed at bringing the region, its long-term commercial partner Swansea University, and the students, closer than ever before, creating a specially tailored, unique match day experience like never before.
The University and the Ospreys already enjoy close commercial, research and sporting ties, while West Stand at the Liberty Stadium is now known as the Swansea University Stand following a landmark agreement between the two organisations.
With the University’s stadium sponsorship enabling it to provide a special season-ticket and match day deal for its students, the new student zone will kick off at the Dragons match and operate for five key games across the season, providing a vibrant, fun packed match day experience for the large student community, already with strong links to Ospreys Rugby.
Huw Warren, Commercial Manager, Ospreys Rugby, said:
“This new student zone is an exciting development, unlike anything tried in Welsh rugby before, which is only possible through Swansea University’s substantial investment into the Liberty Stadium and into the Ospreys.
“We have a long-term strategic vision for our partnership with the University and this activation is a key part of that, with the added bonus for all supporters of improving the match day atmosphere.
“Everybody is really excited about kicking off this initiative and the potential that it has to really develop into something special, not only this season but over the long term, and we are extremely grateful to Swansea University and the Liberty Stadium for enabling us to make this happen.”
The Student Zone will have a full schedule of entertainment focused on the student demographic which will create a sense of occasion on each of the six selected match days, which will, in turn, enhance the overall match day experience for all attendees.
Richard Lancaster, Head of Sport and Corporate Engagement, Swansea University, commented:
“The launch of the student zone later this month is the result of a considerable amount of hard work from all parties to get to this stage. It has only been made possible because of the strong relationship the University has, not only with the Ospreys but with both the Stadium and Swansea City Football Club, without whose support we couldn’t have got this initiative to where it is.
“The Liberty Stadium is a fantastic venue and when there is a big crowd in there the atmosphere is transformed, making it one of the best sporting theatres around. We have certainly enjoyed using the stadium for University events such as the Welsh Varsity which stands out for the atmosphere created. The student zone will certainly give the place a different feel and atmosphere on the five games where it will be operating. Not only will it be fantastic for our students to feel a part of the Ospreys, we are sure that Ospreys supporters will enjoy what they bring to the party.”
Warren added that the student zones were just one way that the Ospreys are looking into how they can improve the match day experience at the Liberty:
“We are always striving to improve in everything we do” he said. “We are currently reviewing our entire match day programme and will implementing a number of initiatives and ideas to ensure that Ospreys supporters of all ages can enjoy a fantastic day out from the moment they arrive at the Liberty Stadium until they leave.”
