As part of its ongoing support for Bradford City AFC, JCT600 has joined forces with the club to undertake a complete redevelopment of the dugouts at the Utilita Energy Stadium. The new sleek, modern design, complete with JCT600 branding, has now been unveiled ahead of the 2021/22 season.
Replacing previous dugouts at the front of Valley Parade’s JCT600 Family Stand (West), the joint project further strengthens the club’s partnership with the Bradford-based automotive business which made a £25,000 contribution as well as providing labour free of charge.
With planning having started last year and been timed to fit in with the end of the season, the project saw a team from JCT600’s property department, led by property director Mark Taylor, design the scheme and undertake a three-week installation to complete the new shelters, ensuring that players and coaches will be kept dry and comfortable during games.
Complete with artificial turf, the new dugouts also reflect the motoring theme, featuring leather race car-style seats in both the home and away sections, and displaying claret and amber JCT600 branding.
JCT00 property director Mark Taylor commented: “Due to the age and quality of the existing dugouts, we decided to rip everything out and start again. Our team really enjoyed working on something a little different, knowing how much it would benefit the players and staff at the club. We are really proud of how it has turned out and it is a great example of the versatility of our talented property team that we have been able to come up with such a stylish and economical solution.”
The Bantams’ chief executive officer, Ryan Sparks, said: “Partnerships are so much more than simply a financial transaction and logos being planted in various places. It about working together, developing brands and sharing resources to deliver a vision.
“We are proud to have built such a close relationship with our main partner. Over the past 12 months, this has become arguably stronger than ever before. JCT600 understands our desire and passion to build a better Bradford City AFC. This piece of work - which is long overdue - is a symbol of the long-term approach, and another piece of the puzzle in our overall strategy to improve and modernise Valley Parade.
“From a performance perspective, we talk a lot about making gains in football. This would not have been possible without the incredible support of our friends at JCT600, and will certainly give our players an extra edge next season. We thank everyone involved for their hard work and dedication to this project over the course of the past 12 months, and cannot wait to see the dugouts in action next month.”
Andy Bateman, customer experience director for JCT600, added: “Having proudly sponsored Bradford City since the 1980s, this is a great example of long-term loyalty and support which is not always seen in the world of football. When Ryan and his team explained their ambition to update the dugouts and technical area, we jumped at the chance to get involved. We’re really pleased with the outcome and we hope the players, coaching staff and supporters also look at this new area with pride.”
