Durham Cricket have been shortlisted for four awards at the annual Business of Cricket Awards (BOCA) which takes place on Thursday at the Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol.
The awards recognise and reward First Class Counties and MCC personnel who work tirelessly to show influence, insight, and innovation, taking the experience of cricket for its fans beyond expected standards.
Awards celebrate, delivery of high-quality services and commitment to excellence, measurable improvement in the fan experience to create a welcoming venue for all, outstanding & effective leadership and personal contribution the introduction of forward-thinking ideas.
Durham are shortlisted in the below categories:
Best Development or New Facility (under 500K)
Durham are shortlisted in this category for the various improvements in the ground to make Seat Unique Riverside more accessible to a wider audience and that tied in with the ECB’s Welcoming Environments agenda.
A number of projects were undertaken including the installation of a Changing Places module, a new Fan Zone and an upgraded Family Zone. However, the most significant development was the installation of a Sensory Room.
The Sensory Room has been active throughout the season, opening up the sport to an audience which have previously been unable to enjoy watching live professional domestic and international cricket in the area due to their inability to deal with crowds, noise and other things that resulted in over stimulation of their senses.
Customer Retention Initiative
Durham Cricket are also shortlisted in the Customer Retention Initiative category which for a county initiative that drives year-on-year customer retention, of either members or ticket buyers. Durham make the shortlist in this category for its work with Durham Members in bringing a community approach with members offering a number of members events throughout the season and working closer with members through a newly appointed Membership Manager.
Most Welcoming & Inclusive Stadia
This award celebrates excellent projects that have opened venues to new spectators /audiences particularly those projects based on access, family, gender, religion, ethnicity and identity
After a number of years of successfully developing our T20 Blast product by introducing a Family Zone and a better retail experience we wanted to take the next step to both enhance the entertainment aspect of our matches but to also introduce better facilities to improve accessibility and make the venue more welcoming for a broader spectrum of people.
The objective of the project was to become a more welcoming and inclusive environment to a broader range of people whilst providing a more entertaining matchday experience.
Rising Star
Durham’s Media and Communications Manager, Sam Blacklock is a Finalist in the ECB Rising Star Category which celebrates the achievements, performance and excellent work of a staff member who is making a valuable contribution to the club they work for.