Sunderlands Stadium of Light shortlisted for tourism award
SUNDERLAND’S Stadium of Light has been shortlisted for a tourism award after hosting nearly a quarter of a million guests in just eight weeks.
The venue is in with a chance of winning the Business Tourism of the Year Award, part of the North East Tourism Awards.
In addition to a number of corporate events and private functions, the home of Sunderland AFC played host to two of the biggest music acts in the world this summer.
Take That kicked off the start of their ‘The Circus’ tour to huge acclaim, while Oasis rolled into town with Kasabian and The Enemy to entertain sell-out crowds.
The stadium, the first in the country to host graduation ceremonies, also accommodated more than 12,000 University guests and graduates over the summer months.
Meanwhile, the funfair came to town in June and July offering a range of attractions and fairground rides for just £1 each.
Gary Hutchinson, group catering and events manager at Sunderland AFC, said: “The Stadium of Light has proven to be an immensely versatile and accessible venue and a highly regarded business tourism destination. This award is fantastic recognition for what is a fantastic setting.
“The whole ethos at the Stadium of Light is to go the extra mile and to enrich any event we host, whether that be adding value to business meetings with exceptional facilities and service, enhancing a special wedding day or providing a safe, purpose-built venue for live events.
“It’s important to appreciate that it is not just the venue that makes events a success. There is a very positive culture amongst the people who make these events happen from top to bottom at the Club, both in the careful planning and skilled execution of the event management process.
“Events are tailor-made, ensuring our clients and their guests get the most of their time at the Stadium of Light. To be considered for the award is great and we are thrilled that our hard work is being rewarded with this recognition.”
The Business Tourism of the Year Award, part of the North East England Tourism Awards 2009, will be announced in a glitzy ceremony at the Hilton in Gateshead in October.
The Stadium of Light is up against Gisborough Hall hotel in Tees Valley and the Hilton hotel in Newcastle for the title. In the best ever year for entries, 150 businesses put themselves forward in categories ranging from outstanding customer service, business tourism of the year and taste of North East England, recognising the region’s restaurants and eateries.
Regional winners will go to represent the North East in the national Enjoy England Awards for Excellence next year.
The Stadium of light is currently playing its part in a bid to bring FIFA World Cup 2018 fixtures to the North East.
Category: Event Awards, Event Venues
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