Backing from sponsors means that this year’s Celtic Manor Resort Wales Open from 8th to 11th August will have significantly increased spectator seating and hospitality accommodation.
Representatives from co-presenters and official partners have visited the par 72 Wentwood Hills course to see work start on construction of a 22,000 square feet, two storey ‘Gold Pavilion’, scoreboard and spectator stands.
Mitel Networks and March Networks are co-presenters for the second year running. Barclays, Boddingtons, Coca-Cola, Opco, Toro, Wales Tourist Board and the Welsh Development Agency have signed up as official partners for the third Wales Open. More than 80 other companies are backing the event through a variety of sponsorship packages.
The 2002 tournament will feature a tented village with a range of exhibitions, catering, shops and a media centre. There are stands for 850 spectators and a two tier pavilion will accommodate 750 guests overlooking the 18th hole.
The infrastructure also includes extensive car parking, more than 200 telephone lines, 800 metres of spectator fencing and barriers, extensive signage and a fleet of buggies, cars and shuttle buses.
“We had to expand the gold pavilion at the last minute to cope with extra demand for tables from sponsors and other companies,” said tournament chairman Andy Stanton. “Support from sponsors is vital to finance the infrastructure of a major sporting event such as the Wales Open. The combination of a very strong field of world-class golfers, a challenging and scenic course, large crowds of spectators and international television coverage will capture the attention of the sports world. As it is the first major event tournament at Celtic Manor since the selection of the resort as the venue for the Ryder Cup in 2010, it makes great business sense for companies to get involved.”
Barclays is co-presenter for the second year. Paul Crane, area director for medium businesses, said: “Barclays is delighted to be linked with a tournament of this nature. It is a great marketing platform to promote ourselves in Wales and much further afield.”
Construction company Opco, which has sites across south Wales and the north of England is supporting the tournament for the first time. Opco managing director Nick Kelly said, “As a growing business, we are pleased to be associated with the Wales Open. The tournament and the resort are constantly growing in stature and sponsorship of such a successful event will help us to raise our profile across the UK.”
Dave Stichbury, area manager for Interbrew UK, said, “We have a great relationship with the resort and have done for many years. It’s a pleasure for Boddingtons to support The Wales Open at Celtic Manor for the third time.”
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