September 27, 2022
We're delighted to announce that our insurance broker, 1st CENTRAL, are renewing their title sponsorship of Sussex Cricket for an additional three years. The new deal will see the partnership celebrate ten years together in 2026.
As well as extending naming rights for The 1st CENTRAL County Ground, Hove, which has been home to Sussex since the 19th century, the deal sees 1st CENTRAL take on back-of-shirt sponsorship of Sussex’s D40 and visually impaired teams.
Based fewer than 20 miles away in Haywards Heath, 1st CENTRAL's sponsorship will ensure that the ground continues to offer a modern and thriving space for business conferences and events, attracting some of the world’s most popular music artists. The partnership extension also provides continued support for annual charitable events such as Sussex Cricket Foundation’s DIScoverABILITY Day.
Mark Judges, Sussex Cricket Commercial Director, said: “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with 1st CENTRAL for another three years, which in turn means the ground will have been known as The 1st CENTRAL County Ground, Hove, for ten seasons!
“Working in partnership with a local Sussex business, as a major sponsor, is incredibly rewarding. During our partnership we have helped generate brand awareness for 1st CENTRAL, which has contributed to their growth to over 1 million policyholders. In turn, their investment helps us invest in the future of Sussex Cricket and our infrastructure. This means generations to come will be able to enjoy the fantastic facilities and cricket on show in the heart of our county, whilst also safeguarding the commercial integrity of the oldest professional sports club in the world."
Speaking on the extension, Ben Tomasetti, 1st CENTRAL's Managing Director, said: “Over the past seven years our partnership has delivered so much to the local area so I am proud we can continue supporting our community and now, through our work with the D40 and visually impaired teams, accessibility in cricket.”
“The 1st CENTRAL County Ground remains a venue of choice and we are excited to take our seat for at least three more years, watching with excitement all the club’s teams and some of the biggest music artists from around the world!”
During the past few seasons phase one of the ground redevelopment has seen the Southwest corner of The 1st CENTRAL County Ground undergo significant redevelopment, with a new pub, commercial offices and 37 apartments being constructed.
This phase of the development will open at the end of Q1 in 2023. The ongoing support 1st CENTRAL provide the club will help ensure plans to delivery phase two can progress over the seasons ahead, which in turn will enhance the hospitality and county ground experience for both local and national level events.
Within phase two, Sussex Cricket aim to enhance the hospitality facilities with renovations including the development of new private boxes and a roof terrace - creating the perfect environment to watch the matches and celebrate the latest Sussex victory.
Rob Andrew, Sussex Cricket CEO added, “The extension is amazing news that will support our work to continue producing exciting young cricketers for both Sussex and England. 1st CENTRAL's investment has been a huge benefit to the cricket ground and players at all levels.”
Whether it is hosting the England Women’s cricket team, local events or giving a stage to world-famous stars, including Elton John and Michael Bublé, the ground is set to continue thriving at the heart of the Sussex community for years to come.
As well as extending naming rights for The 1st CENTRAL County Ground, Hove, which has been home to Sussex since the 19th century, the deal sees 1st CENTRAL take on back-of-shirt sponsorship of Sussex’s D40 and visually impaired teams.
Based fewer than 20 miles away in Haywards Heath, 1st CENTRAL's sponsorship will ensure that the ground continues to offer a modern and thriving space for business conferences and events, attracting some of the world’s most popular music artists. The partnership extension also provides continued support for annual charitable events such as Sussex Cricket Foundation’s DIScoverABILITY Day.
Mark Judges, Sussex Cricket Commercial Director, said: “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with 1st CENTRAL for another three years, which in turn means the ground will have been known as The 1st CENTRAL County Ground, Hove, for ten seasons!
“Working in partnership with a local Sussex business, as a major sponsor, is incredibly rewarding. During our partnership we have helped generate brand awareness for 1st CENTRAL, which has contributed to their growth to over 1 million policyholders. In turn, their investment helps us invest in the future of Sussex Cricket and our infrastructure. This means generations to come will be able to enjoy the fantastic facilities and cricket on show in the heart of our county, whilst also safeguarding the commercial integrity of the oldest professional sports club in the world."
Speaking on the extension, Ben Tomasetti, 1st CENTRAL's Managing Director, said: “Over the past seven years our partnership has delivered so much to the local area so I am proud we can continue supporting our community and now, through our work with the D40 and visually impaired teams, accessibility in cricket.”
“The 1st CENTRAL County Ground remains a venue of choice and we are excited to take our seat for at least three more years, watching with excitement all the club’s teams and some of the biggest music artists from around the world!”
During the past few seasons phase one of the ground redevelopment has seen the Southwest corner of The 1st CENTRAL County Ground undergo significant redevelopment, with a new pub, commercial offices and 37 apartments being constructed.
This phase of the development will open at the end of Q1 in 2023. The ongoing support 1st CENTRAL provide the club will help ensure plans to delivery phase two can progress over the seasons ahead, which in turn will enhance the hospitality and county ground experience for both local and national level events.
Within phase two, Sussex Cricket aim to enhance the hospitality facilities with renovations including the development of new private boxes and a roof terrace - creating the perfect environment to watch the matches and celebrate the latest Sussex victory.
Rob Andrew, Sussex Cricket CEO added, “The extension is amazing news that will support our work to continue producing exciting young cricketers for both Sussex and England. 1st CENTRAL's investment has been a huge benefit to the cricket ground and players at all levels.”
Whether it is hosting the England Women’s cricket team, local events or giving a stage to world-famous stars, including Elton John and Michael Bublé, the ground is set to continue thriving at the heart of the Sussex community for years to come.