Aviva has announced the extension of the naming rights to the Aviva Stadium, for another five years. The deal will now run through to 2025, coming on top of the original ten-year deal costing €40 million back in 2010.
The Aviva name took hold quickly among all but the most die-hard of supporters of the old Lansdowne Road and the continuity that the new deal brings about will be a welcome boost for both the FAI and the IRFU who suffered the setbacks of failing to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and came up just short in a bid to stage the Rugby World Cup in 2023 last November.
No financial value has been revealed thus far as the news breaks but it will regardless give a degree of financial certainty at a time when some of the bigger global sponsorship deals are proving trickier to realise than was previously the case.
“The Aviva Stadium is an Irish icon, one of the world’s great stadiums,” said Mark Wilson, Group CEO of Aviva.
“It is the home of many Irish victories and wonderful sporting drama, and we are delighted to extend our sponsorship for a further five years and continue our successful association with the FAI and IRFU in support of Irish Football and Rugby.”
“We have witnessed some truly memorable moments – we look forward to being a part of many more on the hallowed turf,” added John Quinlan, Aviva Ireland CEO.
“As a company with a strong Irish heritage, we are committed to investing in Irish sport across all levels. Our announcement today is not just about the naming rights of the Aviva Stadium, it is also about ensuring that we support the development of rugby and soccer in Ireland.”
“Inspiring young children and nurturing future sporting heroes is at the heart and soul of the sponsorship. Both the IRFU and the FAI have been great to work with over the past eight years.”
The brand is an active supporter of the Soccer Sisters programme with the FAI and Mini Rugby with the IRFU.
“It is fantastic for the Football Association of Ireland to extend our partnership with Aviva Ireland and maintain that connection with the home of Irish sport,” said FAI CEO John Delaney.
“Since the Aviva Stadium was redeveloped, we have enjoyed some terrific days there with our Republic of Ireland teams, men’s and women’s domestic Cup Finals, international club games, and numerous grassroots events.”
“This shows that our national stadium caters for all levels of Irish football.”
“Aviva has been a great supporter of Irish Rugby over the past eight years and we look forward to further developing our partnership in the years to come,” said Philip Browne, CEO of Irish Rugby
“Aviva continues to make a significant investment in the grassroots of our game supporting the growth of our minis programme, as well as supporting the national team and of course the home of Irish Rugby, the Aviva Stadium.”
Join over 80 agency, brand and rights holder influencers and opinion formers this Thursday morning at the Marker Hotel for a look ahead to the Sporting Year with Paraic Duffy of the GAA, Pat Keogh of Leopardstown Racecourse, Sue Ronan of the FAI, Diarmaid Murphy of the GAA and with Kelli O’Keeffe of Teneo PSG delivering insight on the relationship between sport and the Irish public. Reserve your place here.
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