English Premier League (EPL) soccer side Everton have added to the partnership portfolio centered on their under-construction stadium with the announcement of software company Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s (HPE) network infrastructure arm Aruba as an official supplier of the ground.
HPE Aruba’s comprehensive solution will be installed across the Bramley-Moore Dock venue, tentatively titled Everton Stadium, a move that will include the addition of Wi-Fi connectivity to the stadium, as well as network management and security software utilized to support this.
This Wi-Fi will not only aid club operations but also be available for fans to enhance their experience at the ground, which Everton hope to move into by the start of the 2025-26 campaign and which will have a capacity close to 53,000.
Speaking on the partnership, Everton chief commercial officer Richard Kenyon said: “[HPE Aruba’s] expertise in networking some of the biggest venues in the UK, Europe, and North America will be important as we develop the digital infrastructure and potential of Everton Stadium.”
Mark Weeks, HPE Aruba director of UK and Ireland, added: “At HPE Aruba Networking, we know that technology is a key element to every fan experience, from the point when they enter the stadium, at times when they want to share their excitement with loved ones outside of the stadium, at half-time, when leveraging local services like restaurants and bars, and even after the match has ended.
“HPE Aruba Networking’s custom-designed and reliable network infrastructure enables Everton to stay connected with their fans throughout their matchday experience and beyond, helping the club create a modern, interactive matchday experience.”
The announcement comes days after sportswear brand Castore was announced as a technical partner of the stadium, and of the various Everton teams.
Other major Everton sponsors include front-of-shirt partner Stake.com, while last season the sleeve sponsor was Kick, the community-driven live-streaming platform.
Elsewhere in the EPL, Aston Villa has announced UK brewery Carlsberg Marston Brewing Company (CMBC) as its official lager and cider partner.
CMBC brands including Carlsberg Pilsner, Somersby Cider, and Brooklyn Pislner, will be among the selection of alcoholic drinks on tap at Aston Villa’s Villa Park home ground courtesy of the tie-up. Those brands will have pouring rights across the 42,640-capacity venue, including in hospitality suites.
Aston Villa and CMBC will also collaborate to open new bars and facilities at the stadium to expand the club’s range of offerings to fans from the 2024-25 season onward.
Chris Heck, Aston Villa's president of business operations, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with a truly iconic brewer that is not only aligned with our vision but will also give supporters more choice than ever before from their first-class, globally recognizable line of products."
At the end of May, Villa extended their commercial deal with Trade Nation - the club's sleeve sponsor - until the end of 2025-26.
For the next two seasons, the club will have Betano as their main shirt sponsor, meanwhile.
At the end of 2023, the Birmingham club put plans to significantly redevelop Villa Park on hold.
Villa finished fourth in the 2023-24 EPL table, while Everton (whom current owner Farhad Moshiri is desperately trying to sell) finished in 15th.
