Old Trafford cricket ground signs catering deal

02 November 2010 | Posted in Sponsorship, Cricket | By Tom Love

Heathcotes Outside has signed a multi-year contract with Old Trafford cricket ground, the Manchester-based venue which shares its name with Manchester United's all-seater soccer stadium.

Old Trafford's new two-year deal with the Lindley Group division follows the opening of The Point , the ground's prestigious new purpose-built hospitality facility which can accommodate up to 1,000 guests. Under terms of the agreement Heathcotes Outside will assist in developing hospitality and banqueting services at the home of Lancashire Country Cricket Club, which is located just a stone’s throw away from Manchester United's Old Trafford.

Financial details of Heathcote's new deal with the 25,000 capacity cricket ground were not released, however, the new deal is estimated to be worth a low seven-figure sum annually.

Lancashire County Cricket Club's commercial director, Geoff Durbin, said, "We have always focused on providing the very highest standards of food and service for our customers. The Lancashire catering team has established an excellent reputation for the quality of its cuisine, and we saw the opening of The Point as a perfect opportunity to collaborate with Heathcotes Outside. Paul’s input will undoubtedly bring a new dimension to our catering and conference and banqueting operations.”

• Daniel Thwaites extends Lancashire County Cricket deal
  
• Plans submitted for new Old Trafford expansion
  
• Old Trafford set for major redevelopment
  

Gary Bates, managing director of Heathcotes Outside, added, “Our roots are very firmly in the North West and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to work with Lancashire CCC as they embark on an exciting new era which will consolidate Old Trafford’s reputation as a premiere hospitality venue offering an exquisite fine-dining experience.”

• Old Trafford naming rights to be sold
  

In October 2010 Lancashire County Cricket Club announced it was looking to sell the naming rights to the famous venue.

“We will explore all options, it is in our minds to sell the naming rights. But it would have to be right for the ground because Old Trafford is such an iconic name and such a strong brand. Half the world knows it as a football ground and the other half know it as a cricket ground," Lancashire chief executive, Jim Cumbes, said at the time.