Ricoh Arena Chief Executive addresses Italian Football Federation
11th April 2011
Ricoh Arena Chief Executive addresses Italian Football Federation
THE chief executive of the Ricoh Arena was invited to address the Italian Football Federation on generating stadium revenue to a host of Serie A clubs including AC Milan, Juventus and Sampdoria to name but a few.
Daniel Gidney travelled to Rome to deliver a presentation to the FIGC (Italian Football Federation) on stadium management and the importance of maximising non-matchday income. One surprising statistic is that the Ricoh Arena currently generates more non matchday revenue than Chelsea!
He was invited to the seminar along with leading sports executives from across Europe including representatives from Le Havre FC, Commerzbank Arena and the leading stadium architect in the world, David Manica.
Daniel gave a talk centred on focusing on customers and partners to generate non-matchday revenue.
“I was honoured to be asked to attend a really interesting and worthwhile event and was another opportunity to spread the name of the Ricoh Arena to a European audience,” he said.
“The FIGC on behalf of clubs in Serie A wanted to find out more on a range of subjects from improving customer service on matchdays to the finances which can be generated from running a football venue 24 hours a day 365 days of the year through other events.
“The days of a football ground opening once a fortnight are gone and stadiums need to look at different ways of attracting different types of visitors when there isn’t a match taking place.
“The multi-purpose nature of the Ricoh means we have developed varying revenue sources from business, entertainment and other sports as well as building relationships with our sponsors and tenants.
“I was able to discuss the importance of flexibility, introducing the cashless system on Coventry City matchdays and the growth of our conference business following our recent £3.7 million investment.
“It was also a great opportunity to network with officials from the Italian Football Federation and other stadiums in Germany and France and it made me feel quite proud.
“I was really grateful for the invitation to speak at such a high-profile event which also underlined the high esteem the Ricoh Arena is held not just in this country but in Europe.”
Michele Uva, chief development officer at the FIGC, added: “Throughout the Stadium Management Course, the Italian Football Association has been able to give an important signal for growth and strong commitment related to the development of key aspects of Italian stadia.
“Thanks to Daniel’s lecture, all the participants involved in the session had the opportunity to increase and develop their knowledge of specific aspects of strategy and management for a modern day stadium.”
