Our History
25 Years of Stadium Experience – Our History & Journey
In 2027, we celebrate 25 years of bringing UK stadium venues together
Founded in 2002 by five football clubs, Stadium Experience has grown into a thriving not-for-profit network of more than 70 football, rugby, cricket and athletics venues across the UK.
For 25 years, we have connected stadium professionals, encouraged collaboration and shared knowledge across the stadium events and hospitality industry. Through industry meetings, networking opportunities and our annual Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards, we continue to support innovation, celebrate excellence and help our member venues thrive.
Explore our timeline to discover the key milestones, achievements and memorable moments that have shaped Stadium Experience and its journey over the past 25 years.
2002 - Stadium Experience is Founded
Stadium Experience is founded as a not-for-profit association by five football clubs deciding to work together and share ideas. The first ever meeting was held at Leeds United FC. The five clubs included; Aston Villa FC, Bolton Wanderers FC, Leeds United FC, Newcastle United FC, and Southampton FC.
Terry Powell becomes the very first voluntary Chair of Stadium Experience, working for Tottenham Hotspur FC.
2004 - The First Football Hospitality Awards
The very first awards evening is held at Aston Villa FC, known then as the Football Hospitality Awards, with 15 awards presented.
2006 - 35 Football Clubs Join Stadium Experience
Membership reaches 35 football clubs.
The Stadium Experience Members Meeting was officially the last meeting held at Highbury the old home of Arsenal FC in July. Chair Terry Powell recalled; “The chairs and tables in the meeting room at Highbury had been auctioned on the morning of the Stadium Experience members meeting and the buyer was patiently waiting for the last meeting at Highbury to end so he could pick these up.”
2008 - New Chair of Stadium Experience
Darren O’Dea at Manchester United FC becomes Chair of Stadium Experience.
2009 - 45 Football Clubs Join Stadium Experience
45 football clubs are now members of Stadium Experience.
Tony Watson at Everton FC becomes Chairman and Kyle De Klerk at Chelsea FC becomes Vice Chair.
2011 - New Chair & Vice-Chair of Stadium Experience
Lisette Maas from Notts County FC becomes Chairman, and Julian Britton from Wolverhampton Wanderers FC elected as Vice Chair.
2013 - Membership Opens To Rugby Clubs
Debbie Rigney joins Stadium Experience as Marketing Manager.
The association expands membership to rugby venues for the first time.
2014 - The Awards Become The Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards
The 10th annual Football Hospitality Awards rebrands to The Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards to reflect the changing membership. 27 awards are presented.
Collette Salmon at Liverpool FC becomes Chair, and David Timms at Chelsea FC becomes Vice Chair.
2017 - New Public Catering Group Created
Stadium Experience marks 15 years at Saracens Rugby Club – Read story.
A new arm is created for Public Catering and Kiosk Managers. Nav Daine from Chelsea FC becomes the first Public Catering Chair to steer this group – Read story.
2018 - 60 Football & Rugby Clubs Join Stadium Experience
Stadium Experience membership reaches 60 clubs.
2022 - Membership Opens To Cricket Clubs
The association expands membership to cricket venues for the first time.
2024 - A Record Breaking Year - 70 Clubs Join Stadium Experience
A record-breaking year with 20 new clubs joining Stadium Experience – an increase of 38%. Membership reaches 72 clubs – Read story.
The Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards (at Leeds United FC) welcomes over 500 guests for the first time.
2025 - Change of Entity & New Events Launched
Following continued growth, Stadium Experience changes entity to become a Limited Company by Guarantee. The groups ethos and not-for-profit status remains embedded in the heart of the company.
Stadium Experience creates a new twice-yearly Industry Meeting, with the first held at Edgbaston Stadium. The events bring venues together with industry experts to learn more on the latest industry trends and new developments.
Henry Crane at Hull City FC becomes Public Catering Chair – Read story.
2026 - Membership Opens To Athletics Venues
Stadium Experience welcomes Alexander Stadium in Birmingham as its first athletics stadium. Membership reaches 75 clubs.
2027 - 20th Awards Event & 25 Years Celebrations
The 20th annual Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards will be held at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol, featuring over 45 awards. Across the 20 awards ceremonies to date, more than 650 awards have been presented, with over 6,500 guests attending and celebrating excellence across the stadium industry.
2027 marks the 25th anniversary year of Stadium Experience with a year of celebrations planned.