SUPPORTING ACT: Bringing colour to sporting and entertainment events

Supporters have been providing football fans and clubs with flags, banners and Tifo display materials since 2002. Everyone involved in the company comes from a background of working with and organising fan groups in stadiums all over Europe.

 

Stephen McCormick, UK Operations Director and Head of Sales & Marketing for the US, Canada and Australia regions for Supporters Event Manufactory said:

We have a wealth of experience working around the world at big events including the [FIFA] World Cup finals, European Championships, Champions League, Europa League and in the leagues across Europe. 

 

At Supporters, we think every game should be a spectacle for the fans. We help create a fantastic atmosphere at big matches, giving fans and players a real lift. We have an extensive and very well priced range of materials to provide a stunning visual to transform your Stadium or Arena. Our materials and service enhance the match day experience and atmosphere, creating lasting memories for supporters and players alike. 

 

Supporters GmbH were founded in Mannheim, Germany, in 2002 and has developed into a European market leader in Event and Stadium Ceremonies, with bases in the UK, US and Germany.

 

Since the last time we spoke with Stephen, back in January 2018, when Sports Venue Business (SVB) covered Supporters’ work with Bristol City Football Club for the Carabao Cup semi final clash with Manchester City, the company has experienced exponential growth in the UK market, working with Clubs, International Associations and Supporters groups at some of the biggest showpiece events on the football calendar.
The arrival of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has had a huge impact on everyone, but especially the sports and entertainment market, as Stephen explained:
The world went into lockdown just as we were looking forward to our busiest period of the year. In the months leading up to Christmas, we stepped up production to ensure we had plenty of stock to cover the months ahead for all domestic club competitions in Europe and the US, as well as the UEFA European championships in the summer. There is going to be a huge buzz when the fans are finally allowed back in the stadiums and we are very well prepared for when that time comes.
As more countries are looking to bring back games, albeit mostly without fans at this time, we have been talking with a lot of clubs to discuss how we can help them add some colour in the stands. Nobody wants to see empty stands and we have a lot of seat cover options to provide a colourful backdrop for the Live TV games without fans. This is also a fantastic opportunity for sponsors to get their brand on show and again this is something we have been discussing with clubs and the relevant partners.
In 2018, the company set up Supporters US office and now have a production plant in Cartersville, Georgia. From the US base, Supporters have provided several MLS clubs and supporters groups with its materials.
His recent appointment as the Head of Sales & Marketing for the US, Canada and Australia, in addition to his current role as UK Operations Director, highlights both the company’s success and particularly Stephen’s, as he outlined:
After three very successful years looking after the UK and Ireland market, I am pleased to announce that, on top of my current role, I have been appointed Head of Sales and Marketing for the US, Canada and Australia regions.
Our products have added colour and spectacle to major soccer and rugby showcase events such as the FA Cup Final, Champions League, Europa League, Rugby League, FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the UK’s major stadia.
We already have some fantastic clients in the US (MLS), Canada (CPL) and Australia (A-League), and I look forward to introducing our comprehensive range of Tifo display materials, flags and banners into new fields such as American Football (NFL), Basketball (NBA), Baseball (MLB), Ice Hockey (NHL), Cricket (BBL), Australian rules football (AFL) and Rugby (NRL).

#arena #FIFAWorldCup #football #MLS #PremierLeague #rugby #soccer #UEFAEURO2021 #SportsBiz #Stadia 

 

ALSD International – Europe’s leading event for the Premium Seat & Sports Hospitality sector – is taking place at Liverpool FC’s Anfield Stadium this October, 12-13, and will examine how to increase revenue through new builds, renovations, service expansions and the latest technology.

 

 

The next edition of ALSD International – organised by the Association of Luxury Suite Directors and Sports Venue Business – will feature a high-level conference, an exhibition hall showcasing the latest products, services & solutions, tours of Anfield, Everton’s Goodison Park and M&S Bank Arena, and numerous networking events, ensuring optimised opportunities to knowledge-share, network and do business.

 

#ALSDInternational – Europe’s leading event for the Premium Seat & Sports Hospitality sector

 

#ALSD – Leading the Premium Seat sector for the last 30 years

 

#sportsvenuebiz

 

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