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OVO Energy takes on Wembley Arena’s naming rights
By Andy Malt | Published on Wednesday 16 February 2022
Wembley Arena is now the OVO Arena Wembley. No, Drake hasn’t renamed another venue, it’s OVO Energy that’s bought the naming rights for the North London arena. I’m not sure it’s a great look for an energy company to pointlessly throw a load of money around so to give a venue a name that no one outside of that company will ever use while we are in the middle of an energy crisis, but whatever, that’s what’s happened.
OVO takes over as sponsor of the arena from another energy company, SSE. You all knew it’s been called The SSE Arena, Wembley for the last nine years, right? Though, in a way, it’s taking over from itself, given that OVO acquired the consumer facing bit of SSE back in 2019.
The good news is that OVO likes to talk up its green energy credentials, and that’s formally part of the new tie up with the Wembley Arena. As a result, OVO and venue operator ASM Global will work towards getting Wembley Arena sufficiently sustainable in eco-terms to secure Greener Arena Certification from live industry climate action organisation A Greener Festival.
“ASM Global is committed to providing sustainable solutions and initiatives across our portfolio of venues around the world”, says ASM Global’s EVP Europe, Chris Bray. “Our social responsibility platform, ASM Global Acts, pledges our longstanding commitment to protecting the environment as we work towards Greener Arena Certification in all ASM Global venues. We are pleased, therefore, to continue our relationship with OVO Energy, a brand which shares our vision for greener strategies in the live events industry”.
“Alongside the OVO Energy team at Wembley, we are excited to see how we can continue to work together to develop and collaborate on our ongoing sustainability strategies”, he adds. “Together, we aim to continue to ensure this iconic London concert and events venue remains a world class experience whilst developing it into one of the most sustainable arenas in the world”.
OVO’s Head Of Sponsorship & Partnerships, Colin Banks, comments: “At OVO, we’re committed to establishing purposeful partnerships which reflect our commitment to make zero carbon living a reality – not just in the home, but in the things we love doing too, whether that be going to a gig or comedy show. That’s why we share in the OVO Arena Wembley’s ambition to help live entertainment in becoming more sustainable”.
“It’ll take time, but together, we want to identify meaningful ways through which to make lower-impact live events a headline act in their own right and working with A Greener Festival represents a very positive step on that journey”, he goes on.
“But we know that’s just the beginning, and we want to continue to support the venue in identifying practical ways in which we can help to further reduce its environmental impact, without detracting from OVO Arena Wembley’s first-class visitor experience. We look forward to releasing more detail around some of the initiatives already being considered in the very near future”.
Wembley Arena’s first event with OVO sponsorship in place will be KSI’s headline show on 25 Feb, tickets for which are still available.
