Coventry Building Society Arena backs bid to bring more major sporting events to the city

Coventry is ramping up its bid to attract more major national and international sporting events to the city following a strong presence at one of Europe’s leading industry gatherings.

Sports in Coventry, a partnership representing the city, launched ahead of TEAMS Europe to showcase Coventry’s credentials as a leading destination and host city for high-profile sporting competitions.

TEAMS Europe brings together destinations and event rights holders from across Europe and beyond, offering a platform for meetings, knowledge sharing and the development of future event partnerships.

The partnership, including Coventry City Council, Destination Coventry, Warwick Conferences (University of Warwick) and Coventry Building Society Arena, met with international event organisers and rights holders throughout the three-day event.

The partners held more than 30 meetings with delegates to highlight the city’s track record in hosting major sport events, its diverse range of venues and the collaborative approach that underpins successful event delivery across Coventry.

TEAMS Europe, hosted at The Belfry Hotel & Resort, also provided valuable insight into trends across the sector and learnings from other destinations on successful approaches to attracting and delivering events.

Delegates were invited to visit Warwick Conferences and Coventry Building Society Arena, helping the partnership to bring the city’s offer to life and showcase its facilities first-hand.

Councillor Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport at Coventry City Council, said: “It’s been brilliant to be part of the Sports in Coventry partnership, highlighting everything our unique city has to offer when it comes to hosting major sporting events.

“We have an outstanding track record in this area, and this year we’re building on that again with the World Corporate Games, European Youth Touch Championships and British Junior Chess Championships coming to the University of Warwick.

“Not only does hosting these tournaments give our residents a chance to attend spectacular events and allow them to get involved in related activities held in the community and through the schools games partnership, it also has a huge impact on our local economy and benefits businesses in our city.”

Paul Michael, Managing Director of Coventry Building Society Arena, added: “TEAMS Europe provided a platform to showcase everything the city has to offer to an international audience.

“The Sports in Coventry partnership represents a significant step forward in bringing together the education sector, private sector and local authority to present a unified, compelling offer to national and international organisers.

“This is the start of a journey where we will continue to amplify our presence at UK and international trade shows and conferences, working collaboratively to attract more major sporting events to the city.”

Paul Bartlett, Director of Warwick Conferences, added: “Being part of Sports in Coventry allows us to collectively demonstrate why the city is fast becoming a go-to destination for high-profile sporting and major events. Warwick Conferences is proud to stand alongside key partners in showcasing Coventry’s capability, connectivity, and commitment to delivering exceptional event experiences.

“Our region has already demonstrated its strength on the international stage, including hosting elements of major sporting events such as the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, reinforcing our ability to support world-class activity.

“What’s powerful is the ability to come together with a shared message. Highlighting not just what we’ve already delivered, but where we’re going next. Joining forces at TEAMS Europe is a great platform to demonstrate that Coventry and Warwickshire are a collaborative, forward-thinking host city, ready to deliver and exceed expectations.”

Destination Coventry is the destination management organisation for Coventry. It includes Visit Coventry and Coventry & Warwickshire Convention Bureau.

Paul McMahon, Managing Director of Destination Coventry, said: “The strength of Sports in Coventry is in its partnership approach. We are all working toward a common goal, with each partner bringing their own expertise to create a strong offer for event organisers.

“Attracting major sporting events to the city is hugely important to future growth of our visitor economy. The aim is to build strong relationships and ultimately secure events that will bring new visitors to the area, driving a positive impact on businesses across the city.” To find out more about Sports in Coventry visit www.visitcoventry.co.uk/sports-in-coventry/