CLOSE UP: Interview with Michael Lloyd, Deputy Stadium Manager, Arsenal FC

In its latest interview with an Association member, the European Stadium & Safety Management Association (ESSMA) chats with Michael Lloyd, Deputy Stadium Manager at Arsenal FC, who is a speaker on the first day of the ESSMA-BASIS Smart & Sustainable Stadium Workshop, which is being held at the club’s Emirates Stadium and also at Twickenham, both in London later this week, June 7 and 8.

What are your day-to-day duties on match days and on non-match days?

As the Deputy Stadium Manager, my day-to-day role is very flexible. One day is never the same as the next, and that makes the job even more fascinating. I cover a wide range of roles, going from energy efficiency and cleaning to stadium maintenance and waste management.

Could you explain your role at BASIS (British Association for Sustainable Sport)?

I am proud to say that I am a part of BASIS since the beginning, as one of the founding members. Now I have my position on the Steering Committee to help and to progress the Association.

Why does sustainability play such an important role in the future of stadiums?

Sustainability and making the club sustainable is the right thing to do. Sustainability isn’t just about being “green”. The environmental side of sustainability is obviously important and is being talked about more and more. But sustainability doesn’t have to be about the planet. Running your building efficiently is good business sense as well as good for the planet. Cutting energy use and recycling more benefits both. 

You will be delivering a case study on ‘Creating value from the waste process’ during this week’s Workshop, which will obviously focus on Arsenal FC’s experiences. Which story will you be bringing to the delegates attention?

You will have to wait and see!

What can delegates expect from attending the technical stadium tour of Emirates Stadium?

I hope people will see how we do things and take the good parts back to their stadia. But I also hope people learn from things that haven’t worked. I want to learn and improve as much as any other delegate. We aren’t perfect and we are know there is always different ways to approach problems.

Why is cooperation between ESSMA and BASIS so important?

Both organisations can benefit from this cooperation, because we can all help each other. BASIS want to reach clubs, venues and leagues and help improve the sustainability of all sport. ESSMA has the links to the clubs and the expertise to get the positive messages of BASIS into professional sport. Sport is a fantastic way to make a really positive impact across the sustainability field.

Which elements make a stadium SMART according to you?

A SMART stadium covers both front and back of house. Reaching out to those who watch and those who work.

Main image (top): Mike Lloyd (Stadium Management). Arsenal 2:1 Southampton. Premier League. Emirates Stadium, 10/9/16. Credit: Arsenal Football Club / David Price.

The ESSMA-BASIS Smart & Sustainable Stadium Workshop: 7-8 June, London (UK)

Locations: Emirates Stadium (Arsenal FC) and Twickenham Stadium (home to England Rugby/The RFU)

Goals: Share valuable content, organise discussions on future (smart) stadiums, seek peer-to-peer solutions, ensure strong industry networking

Topics: Energy efficiency, waste management, fan & sponsor management, innovative ticketing, hospitality in smart stadiums, and more…

Find out more about the ESSMA-BASIS Smart & Sustainable Stadium Workshop, as well as the other events delivered by ESSMA, by simply clicking here.

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