Partnership signing unveils University of Bradford Stadium

City’s chief commercial officer, Davide Longo and the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shirley Congdon, signed a four-year agreement that will see the Bantams’ Valley Parade home ground being referred to exclusively as the University of Bradford Stadium until at least the end of the 2025/26. 

Professor Congdon commented: "Bradford City’s values and vision closely align with those of the University of Bradford. Our focus is on making a difference and changing lives through equality of opportunity. We are committed to social inclusion and making a positive impact on society.

"Our partnership with Bradford City is a way to build pride in Bradford and benefit the local community. Bradford City will also be able to harness our strengths in research and innovation. We are excited to see what opportunities for social and economic inclusion in the local community this partnership brings."

The partnership, signed Tuesday 26 July, will see the University of Bradford receive stadium naming rights. The new name will make its maiden appearance when City take on Doncaster Rovers, in their first game of the 2022/23 campaign, on Saturday 30 July. The signing signals a commitment to improving social and economic mobility in the Bradford community.

City’s chief commercial officer, Davide Longo, said: “We are delighted to be announcing the launch of the University of Bradford Stadium, and the beginning of a partnership with the University of Bradford, which is hugely significant on many levels.

“This agreement is one we feel has been a long time in the making, with another of the proud city’s key pillars, and a relationship which we hope will help unlock many doors for people across the district, while strengthening ties and creating further opportunities for both parties in the city.

“With a firm vision to improve social and economic inclusion in Bradford, and changing lives through equal opportunities, the deal represents another huge step in the right direction for us as a club. It will hopefully add to the fantastic work being done by so many people across the city which, after being named 2025 City of Culture, is in a very exciting place.

“There are many layers to this partnership which align with our core values, including the potential to work alongside the University to harness some of its finest young talent, and nurture individuals who will go on to do great things in the city, through a wide variety of different opportunities.

“From its inception, it will form part of a wider strategic approach towards sustainability, with the University assisting us on our journey towards achieving carbon neutrality. 

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Vice-Chancellor Professor Shirley Congdon for her help and ambition in bringing to life a partnership which we still have so much more to see from. 

“We cannot wait to welcome you all into the University of Bradford Stadium against Doncaster on Saturday, and hope the day can be the perfect start to what will hopefully prove a long and successful partnership.”