The Italian Job For Gidney

Last updated : 11 April 2011 By Covsupport News Service

Ricoh Arena's CEO Daniel Gidney was in Italy speaking to the Italian Football Federation on how to generate income from your stadium especially on a non-match day.

The seminar was attended by all the top Italian clubs plus sporting executives from across Europe.

Speaking to the CT, Mr Gidney said: "I was honoured to be asked to attend a really worthwhile and interesting event and it was another opportunity to spread the name of the Ricoh Arena to a European audience.

"The FIGC on behalf of clubs in Serie A wanted to find out more on a range of subjects from improving customer services on matchdaya to the finances which can be generated from running a football venue, 24 hours a day,365 days a 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 Arena means we have developed varying business revenues from business, entertainment and other sports as well as building relationships with our sponsors and tenants.

"I was able to discuss the importantance of flexibility, introducing the cashless system on Coventry City matchdays and the growth of our conference business following our recent £3.7m 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 the country but in Europe."