For regular readers of our monthly Commercial Corner column, it won’t be news to you that one of our objectives is to place Oxford Stadium back in the hands of the local community.
Even two months after our reopening – and almost a year after Kevin Boothby secured our 10-year lease – it still astounds us that this now fully functional, multi-purpose, facility stood empty for so long.
The requirement for a seven-day-a-week community hub serving local people was clear when we provided Blackbird Leys ABC – Oxford’s oldest boxing club – with a new home.
Due to major refurbishment plans at Blackbird Leys Community Centre, the club faced closure after 62 years of supporting people of all ages, backgrounds and cultures in developing new skills and confidence through the power of boxing.
In partnership with ourselves and the Frank Bruno Foundation, Blackbird Leys ABC now has 24/7 access to its own bespoke gym complete with a permanent ring, gym equipment and showering and changing facilities.
It’s the only facility of its kind locally, and already more than 60 participants are entering the club’s doors each week. What’s exciting for us is that this is only the beginning.
Soon, our state-of-the-art health and wellbeing centre managed exclusively by the Frank Bruno Foundation will open its doors with a view to engaging two thousand people per month via non-contact boxing and mental health support programmes.
Not only do we want to provide people experiencing mental health issues with a platform to have positive aspirations for their futures, but also be part of our talented and friendly team.
The return of greyhound racing has facilitated Oxford Stadium’s regeneration, and behind the scenes we’re working hard with a view to hosting our first meeting in July.
To ensure fixtures operate within the GBGB’s Rules of Racing and that greyhound welfare, care and integrity is of the highest standards, we are actively recruiting bright, friendly, and talented individuals to join our dedicated racing team.
Vacancies in the racing office, the paddock and on track are open to everyone. No previous experience or knowledge is necessary as we have already invested in developing an experienced and qualified team committed to providing full training and career progression opportunities.
We had hoped to host our first fixture in June, but ensuring Oxford Stadium is home to the best care and medical facilities is our foremost priority and we appreciate everyone’s patience.
Between now and July, we have several exciting speedway fixtures to look forward to – starting tonight as Newcastle Diamonds visit in the British Speedway Championship.
We’re really pleased with the continued support for speedway and we’re expecting more packed terraces this month. With Father’s Day on the horizon, why not give the gift of VIP treatment for your dad on June 22 when Oxford Cheetahs host Glasgow Tigers.
For £50, you can gain admission, enjoy a two-course buffet and drink on arrival, receive a programme, have a pit lane tour and photo with your favourite rider. If you’re yet to attend speedway at Oxford, why not check out our five top reasons why you should get yourself trackside in 2022 by clicking here.
Our executive suites – sponsored by Collaborative Engineering Services – are also available to hire through the week for small to medium sized conferences and meetings. Each of our three suites has capacity to host 24 guests and include their own food and drink areas.
Our sliding doors enable visitors to lengthen or shorten the area they host in too. Bookings can be made by contacting commercial@oxford-stadium.co.uk.
If you have entered our doors since April 13, you would’ve noticed our downstairs areas within the main grandstand have so far been closed off to the public while essential works are carried out.
We’re pleased to confirm this area will be open to the public from Thursday, June 23, with our Sports Bar being named in memory of the late, great, Joey Beauchamp. Joey’s family have kindly agreed to cut the ribbon for the bar and we’ll be confirming more details closer to the time.
On a final note, we’d like to apologise to everyone who purchased tickets for our Platinum Jubilee Concert which sadly had to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. All ticket buyers will receive a full refund.
Be assured, concerts are still very much part of our ongoing plans at Oxford Stadium and our team are working hard to add to our venue’s wow factor very soon!
Thank you to everyone for their continued support plus our sponsors and key partners who hold an important role in our project.
The Oxford Stadium Commercial team.
