The team at Northampton Saints prides itself on the quality of hospitality guests enjoy on matchdays. In June, with restrictions partially lifted, thousands of loyal supporters safely returned to Franklin’s Gardens for the first time in 2021 – and hearing the roar of the crowd again inside the ground made the return to ‘normal’ with a full stadium expected in September, an even more exciting prospect.
All eyes are turning towards what is set to be a sensational 2021/22 campaign, with seasonal hospitality now on sale and a range of flexible offerings available for groups of all sizes and budgets.
Franklin’s Gardens offers the ultimate experience of ground-breaking rugby hospitality – the Tunnel Club – allowing guests the chance to enter the inner sanctum of the stadium in a private suite next to the changing rooms, while also enjoying a sumptuous five-course meal cooked by the players’ chef.
Saints’ Executive Boxes and Director’s Experience also provide a high-end opportunity to take in live rugby and fine dining, with outstanding views of the pitch and drinks service coming as standard.
And for those seeking informal hospitality at its very best, private tables within the Champions Suite, Legends Lounge or Heroes Restaurant can provide the ultimate backdrop for a day out – whether entertaining family, friends, staff or clients, guests will make memories to last a lifetime.
“Hosting great events, as well as rugby matches, is a huge part of what we do at Franklin’s Gardens,”
said Head of Sales at Northampton Saints, Ed Turnham.
“We hope we can welcome some new faces to our hospitality spaces, as well as some familiar ones, as we all look to try to get back to normal together.
“While our guests have not been able to attend matches during the pandemic, we’ve taken the time to improve our award-winning matchday and seasonal hospitality offerings even further. Based on direct feedback from our clients, we’ve placed our focus for 2021/22 on providing local and seasonal food options, guaranteeing a unique, fresh and (of course) delicious dining experience, whenever and wherever you’re enjoying a matchday at the Gardens.
“We hope we can meet a real need for individuals and businesses alike at the end of this season and the beginning of next – live sport brings people together, and after a year apart, there is no better way to re-engage with clients, re-vitalise staff, or catch up with family and friends, than by sampling the one-of-a-kind atmosphere at Northampton Saints.”
Case study: executive boxes
The focus will always be on delivering unbeatable rugby experiences at Franklin’s Gardens, but its also important to recognise the importance of creating valuable bonds between guests.
Many customers already use the diverse range of one-off or seasonal packages to entertain current or prospective clients, as well as business partners, and increasingly, that inventive approach to hospitality delivers a return on investment for them.
With an ultra-exclusive space for 12 to 18 guests, the Executive Boxes present a unique opportunity for high-level networking, while enjoying a superb locally-sourced meal and waiter service throughout.
Guests will take in the action on the pitch from premium padded seats with the very best view in the house, and can expect a first-class pre and post-match experience – including visits from Saints players, personalised and signed memorabilia, complimentary matchday teamsheets and programmes, and VIP parking spaces.
Moreover, with a range of other benefits for box holders to enjoy, such as use of the space for meetings on non-matchdays, access to home international tickets at Twickenham, priority event booking at Franklin’s Gardens, and stadium-facing advertising, the stage is set for a successful day before a ball is even kicked.
Ensafe Consultants (a national provider of environmental compliance) have forged a strong partnership over 15 years with Northampton Saints, retaining an Executive Box, sponsoring several first-team players, and attending club events and functions.
“People often ask why we spend such a large proportion of our annual marketing and entertainment budget on our Executive Box,”
said Jon Clements, a partner at Ensafe.
“The answer is simple; people never forget the first time they look out over Franklin’s Gardens from our box, the noise and excitement of the crowd, and the truly fabulous experience they get on a matchday watching Northampton Saints.
“Our longest and strongest business relationships have been nurtured and cemented in this environment, and with the hospitality team consistently improving their offering year on year, we’re excited for what the future holds at the Gardens.”
Only two Executive Boxes remain available for the 2021/22 season – to register your interest, or receive more information on any of Northampton Saints’ hospitality packages, contact sales@northamptonsaints.co.uk
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