Five-figure Riviera deal for Terras
By Adam Summers
Saturday 26th May 2012
WEYMOUTH Football Club has pulled off a lucrative five-figure
sponsorship deal with the Riviera Hotel at Bowleaze Cove.
The one-year deal, which includes an option for a second
year, has provided a huge boost for the Terras as they continue
to look to rebuild their reputation in the area following
four years of decline.
Since Nigel Biddlecombe’s take-over back at the end
of February, the Evo-Stik Southern Premier Division outfit
has been working around the clock to build bridges in the
local community and the lifelong fan has branded this latest
breakthrough as a major step in the club’s ongoing recovery.
Club chairman Biddlecombe told Echosport: “We are all
absolutely delighted with this link-up but Glenn Taylor has
been the driving force on this particular agreement with the
Riviera Hotel and he deserves full credit for his efforts,
as does Iain Stone who works with him.
“It is a fantastic tie up, not only for Weymouth FC
and the Riviera but for the whole town as well as it benefits
our community ethos moving forward.
“The provision of training facilities such as the gym
and the pool obviously adds another arrow to our bow but there
are other ideas in the pipeline too where both businesses
can work in conjunction to provide more community offers and
events.
“It is also a deal that shows we are moving forward
as a club and trying to put the dark days behind us.
“There is a bright future ahead of us and hopefully
this latest link-up will enable other businesses in the town
to see that is not just words but it is factual.”
First-team manager Brendon King has also welcomed the support
and is looking forward to having a long and fruitful partnership
with the three-star hotel.
He added: “The Riviera has undergone a massive refurbishment
and is looking fantastic, and this link-up is ideal for both
parties.
“The fact the squad will be able to use the newly-refurbished
leisure centre facilities is a huge bonus, particularly in
the winter months, and I would like to thank Kevin Bungay,
the manager over there, for all his support and help in making
this happen.
“The fact that such a big local business like the Riviera
is now supporting the club is fantastic news and hopefully
many more will now follow.”
Following a £4 million refurbishment, the Riviera reopened
last month and now boasts newly-decorated rooms with en-suite
bathrooms and the brand new Bowleaze Restaurant, which can
seat up to 200 people and is open to both residents and the
general public.
Current owners the Dhiafah Group, which now own more than
18 hotels worldwide, funded the project and Riviera general
manager Bungay is looking forward to a blossoming relationship
with the Terras.
He said: “It is really important for both the Riviera
and Weymouth FC to re-establish ourselves in the community
and this link-up will hopefully help both businesses do that.
“We are both up and coming and we both want local people
to come and take advantage of what we have on offer and it
is that shared goal that has brought us together.
“We are very proud to be in partnership and hopefully
it will prove a fruitful one for a long time to come.”
Another encouraging sign for the Terras has come in the form
of season-ticket sales. Biddlecombe added: “On last count
we had already sold 118 season tickets and as I understand
it that number is continuing to rise.
“That number includes the £99 people, many of
which have purchased shares to make up their contribution
to the Early Bird Price.
“Not only does season-ticket sales help us get through
the summer but it also gives supporters value for money and
allows them to see first-team and reserve-team football for
a really good price.
“The fact we have sold 118-plus already is absolutely
fantastic.”
The Terras are also looking to start an under-18s side next
season. Biddlecombe said: “It will be an academy-type
team with games every two or three weeks, and we are already
talking with Dorset FA representatives who are proposing a
league for this particular purpose.
“We feel this would provide an ideal stepping stone
for the best under-18s in the district towards the reserves
and the first team.”
For further information about sponsorship opportunities and
season tickets at the Terras contact the club on 785558.
More details about the Riviera Hotel can be found at rivierahotel
lweymouth.co.uk
* Terras season-ticket prices 2012/13 – Purchased before
5pm on May 31: Adult £170, concessions £130, car
park pass £20.
Purchased before 5pm on June 30: Adult £190, concessions
£140, car park pass £20.
Purchased from July 1 to start of the season: Adult £200,
concessions £150, car park pass £20.
