Lisa Hust, Commercial Operations Manager at Oxford Stadium, discusses the latest developments at Sandy Lane and how you can be involved with our regeneration!
Months have turned into weeks and now the weeks are turning to days with just 49 of them remaining until our launch night on Wednesday, April 13.
When the tapes rise that evening in what will be Oxford Cheetahs’ first competitive meeting for 15 years, it will signal the end of the hardship, heartache and despair many thousands of people have experience since our facility last opened in 2012.
Our regeneration project has captured the imagination of local businesses, charities and individuals and the excitement we receive from our partners when they step through our doors is truly palpable.
Of course, part of the reason behind our return is to bring back the much-missed sports of greyhound racing and speedway to Oxford – two sports our stadium depended on since before World War II.
But our regeneration is about much more than simply opening our doors several times a week to accommodate these provisions. How we live our lives has changed significantly in the last decade, with our own personal health and wellbeing perhaps more important than ever before.
It’s why last week we were thrilled to confirm a multi-year agreement with mental health and wellbeing charity The Frank Bruno Foundation to provide its range of wellness services.
Partnering with the Frank Bruno Foundation will transform Oxford Stadium into a seven-day-a-week multi-purpose inclusive community hub where everyone can benefit from the charity’s complementary support services and programmes designed to support those suffering with mental health challenges.
READ MORE: The Frank Bruno Foundations sets up a new wellness hub at Oxford Stadium
The wellness hub will be managed exclusively by the Frank Bruno Foundation with other on-site facilities including the OXS Sports Bar, Grandstand Restaurant and Executive Suites.
Building work to restore the interior features of Oxford Stadium hasn’t been without its challenges. As you can imagine, almost a decade of total neglect left a serious amount of clearing up and restoration work to complete.
Our team of tradesmen and full-time track staff are continuing to work tirelessly with a view to having all facilities open for the Cheetahs’ first British Speedway Championship fixture.
The first interior project ticked off the list was the redevelopment of our three trackside executive suites, each capable of hosting 24 guests on race nights and small to medium sized events and conferences during the week.
Last week, we were pleased to partner with Oxford-based Collaborative Engineering Services who will sponsor the three executive suites plus Oxford Speedway and setup a new office headquarters at the stadium as part of a wider commercial agreement.
READ MORE: Collaborative Engineering Services sets up new HQ at Oxford Stadium
With all the development happening on site, we of course require a team of enthusiastic, friendly and approachable staff to work with us in the future.
The response to our recruitment drive has been very positive with scores of applicants showing interest in our hospitality, admission and customer experience roles while positions are being filled for chef and betting staff vacancies too.
While interviews started the week beginning February 14, we envisage roles being available right up until opening night simply due to the volume of vacancies we are filling. So, if you want to be part of our team – you haven’t missed any deadlines! We’d love to hear from you.
VACANCIES: View the current vacancies at Oxford Stadium
We’ve also received a number of enquiries about parking at the stadium on evenings where we’re likely to experience high demand. Due to the low number of parking spaces available onsite, this is an issue we are taking very seriously.
We are in constant communication with several parking sites close to our entrance so we can provide visitors with a smooth, stress-free, journey to our facility. As soon as we can confirm parking arrangements and ticketing, news will be communicated via our website and social media channels which we recommend you follow for frequent updates:
Twitter – @Oxford_Stadium
Facebook – ‘Oxford Stadium’
Instagram – @Oxford_Stadium
On a final note, we’d like to offer a message of appreciation to everyone who has supported our regeneration programme to date. It’s already been quite a journey, but the reality is we are yet to scratch the surface of the potential Oxford Stadium has to positively impact local people, the community and organisations.
Being part of this journey could not be simpler, with a range of sponsorship packages available to suit all budgets. For further information, please email commercial@oxford-stadium.co.uk.
We look forward to welcoming you through our turnstiles very soon!
Lisa Hust, Commercial Operations Manager at Oxford Stadium.
