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Ulster agree 10-year naming rights deal for redeveloped Ravenhill

Welcome to ‘Kingspan Stadium’.

JUST OVER A month on from the official opening of the redeveloped Ravenhill, Ulster Rugby have today confirmed that the ground will be renamed Kingspan Stadium.

The Co. Cavan based building materials company have been involved in some level of sponsorship with the province for 15 years and last year agreed a two-year deal to have their logo printed on the back of the Ulster jersey.

The naming rights to Ravenhill have been signed over with a 10-year agreement that today’s statement from the province says represents a “significant investment”, though no exact figure has been disclosed.

“We are delighted to have extended our partnership with Kingspan, one of Ulster’s most successful international companies,” says Ulster CEO Shane Logan, ”and to have secured a stadium naming rights partner for the first time.

“This is a landmark deal and one that will have considerable benefits for all of rugby in Ulster.”

Ulster Rugby agrees stadium naming rights deal with Kingspan 5/6/2014 (L to R) Shane Logan, Kingspan's Pat Freeman, Ulster Rugby president John Robinson and Tommy Bowe. William Cherry William Cherry

The deal is the first time an Irish province has sold the naming rights of its main stadium to a sponsor. However, there are comparable figures to be found at other rugby venues.

The Aviva Stadium naming rights are believed to be worth up to €45 million for the 10-year deal. The Scottish Rugby Union have recently agreed a four-year partnership to rename their ground BT Murrayfield for a reputed €24 million.

Perhaps the closest parallel for Ulster are their rivals of the past two years, Saracens. The Premiership club’s purpose built venue has been named Allianz Park on a six-year contract at a cost of €9.8 million for the financial services group.

So, who’s up for a Friday night in Kingspan Park?

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