Lancashire Cricket has officially opened its new Farington facility, marking a significant investment in the future of cricket in the North West. The handover from Eric Wright Construction took place earlier this week, completing a project that began in November 2023. The site is designed to serve as both a high-performance centre for elite players and a hub for community cricket development.
The new facility, located in the Farington area of South Ribble, near the intersection of the M6 and M65 motorways, will function as a second home for Lancashire County Cricket Club, complementing its existing base at Emirates Old Trafford. While major matches will continue to be held at Old Trafford, the 5,000-capacity ground is slated to host county championship and T20 games, beginning in July.
Dame Sarah Storey, Interim Chair of Lancashire Cricket, emphasized the facility’s potential to broaden the club’s reach and impact. “We really can work from the very grassroots of the sport, all the way through to the very elite end and it’s an incredible opportunity,” she said. “I’m sure when we first get children through the doors here, we will be able to follow their journeys from that community pitch… to the professional pitch… and, who knows, from here they could go on to represent England one day, too.”
The Farington site features two cricket ovals. One is a professional-grade pitch intended for competitive matches, while the other is dedicated to community, recreational, and youth cricket. A central pavilion houses four changing rooms, fitness facilities, and net areas for training. Lancashire Cricket has expressed its intention to host two men’s Metro Bank One-Day Cup matches at the ground during the 2026 season, pending final preparations.
Beyond the immediate benefits to Lancashire’s cricket programs, the facility is also designed to be inclusive. Storey highlighted the pavilion’s capacity to host indoor events for disability cricket, reinforcing the sport’s commitment to accessibility. “It provides us with the opportunity to reach right to the north of the county and all the way across to the south. We’re a huge county in Lancashire and it’s really important that we get to showcase what’s on offer to all children and all communities.”
The developments in Lancashire are part of a broader wave of activity across the sports industry, as highlighted in recent news. Welsh Fire, a team competing in The Hundred, has launched a new official website developed by Yellow Panther, a UK-based digital agency. The platform, built on Yellow Panther’s Hunt CMS, is designed to enhance fan engagement with features including fixtures, results, live updates, ticketing information, and supporter tools.
Stuart Cope, Founder & COO at Yellow Panther, stated, “Welsh Fire is a bold, modern team with a fanbase that brings serious energy, and their digital platform needed to reflect that. This launch isn’t just a new website, it’s the foundation for how they connect with fans now and as they grow.”
In the world of chess, the FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship 2026 has secured a broadcast deal with DAZN. The tournament, featuring a unique format where pieces begin in semi-random positions to encourage strategic improvisation, will be streamed free-to-view worldwide (excluding Norway) with English commentary. Eight elite players, including Magnus Carlsen, will compete for a total prize fund of $300,000, with $100,000 awarded to the champion.
Shay Segev, CEO of DAZN Group, commented, “Freestyle Chess is growing fast and attracting a new generation of fans, and DAZN is the ideal partner to help drive that growth. Our platform reaches a global audience that is passionate about innovation in sport, and this Championship fits perfectly with that appetite.”
The International Skating Union (ISU) is also undergoing a digital transformation, having partnered with Deloitte Switzerland to strengthen its digital ecosystem and enhance the fan experience. The collaboration, unveiled at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, will leverage Deloitte’s expertise to support the ISU’s Vision 2030 agenda, which aims to make skating more dynamic, engaging, and accessible.
Jae Youl Kim, President of the ISU, said, “Announcing this partnership here at the ISU Home of Skating and during the Olympic Winter Games, underlines the direction we are taking as a federation. Vision 2030 is about transforming how we grow and present our sports, and we are delighted that Deloitte will be joining us on that journey.”
Finally, the Union Jack Classic, set to host the first Division 1 college football game in the UK, has named Passyunk Avenue as its official hospitality and cultural destination. Passyunk Avenue, an Americana hospitality brand with multiple locations in London, will host activations, community events, and serve as team headquarters. They will also offer tour packages for visiting supporters.
Thomas Hensey, COO of the Union Jack Classic, stated, “The Union Jack Classic is about showcasing the best of American college football and the culture that surrounds it to fans in the UK. Partnering with Passyunk is a natural extension of that mission.”
Daniel Baczar, Partner & CCO of Passyunk Avenue, added, “At Passyunk, we’ve always celebrated American sports traditions as a way to bring people together. We’re proud to partner with the Union Jack Classic and create a year-round platform for community, culture, and connection.”
