Windsor Park renamed in 'multi-million' sponsorship deal
Windsor Park hosted the Clearer Water Irish Cup final on Saturday
- Published
The Irish Football Association (IFA) has confirmed that Northern Ireland's home ground will be renamed the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park after the agreement of a "multi-million-pound" eight-year sponsorship deal.
Clearer Twist is a product from County Antrim company Clearer Water, who also hold naming rights over the Irish Cup.
The final of that competition, won by Dungannon Swifts for the first time on Saturday, was the most recent game held at Windsor Park.
Northern Ireland's next game at the 18,500-capacity south Belfast venue - which is also the home of Irish Premiership side Linfield - will be a friendly against Iceland on 10 June.
Whilst IFA chief executive Patrick Nelson would not disclose the details of the figures involved, due to "commercial sensitivity", he confirmed it was a "multi-million-pound deal".
Nelson said the association has "sought a naming partner for our beloved home for many years".
"But a partnership which met all the requirements wasn't available until now," he added.
"Our relationship with the Clearer Group is already one of collaboration and teamwork and this new partnership enhances that.
"And, the Irish FA, as a non-profit organisation, will invest these vital funds back into football at all levels of the game in Northern Ireland."
'Football comes first'
Windsor Park also hosted boxer Carl Frampton's world featherweight title fight against Luke Jackson in August 2018.
The stadium has also been under consideration for fellow Belfast fighter Lewis Crocker's IBF title eliminator rematch against Paddy Donovan this summer.
Whilst Nelson is keen to have other sporting events and potentially concerts at the stadium, he believes hosting football matches must remain the priority.
"The Carl Frampton fight a number of years ago was an incredible evening and we would like to do more events, but we need to remember deep down we are a football stadium and football comes first," he said.
"We're open to other sorts of events, the boxing was a very good success, but we have a fairly limited time window where we can do other events because we have so much football that takes place in this stadium."
IFA president Conrad Kirkwood says Wednesday's announcement "marks a new era" for the stadium which was first opened in 1905.
"Our stadium is a place we are proud to call home," said Kirkwood.
"This new naming rights deal marks a new era for it, and will help us maintain it to ensure we continue to strive for a first class experience for fans and guests, not to mention the many teams that play here from right across our footballing community."
'Mixed feelings' about stadium name
Chairman of the Amalgamation of the Northern Ireland Supporters Club Gary McAllister said he had "mixed feelings" on the new name of the stadium and whether it represents a good deal for the association.
"Without knowing the full details, it's difficult to come to an opinion as to whether the IFA has got the best deal they could have," he continued
"The investment in football is welcome, considering the long wait on a naming rights partner, and we shouldn't forget that.
"The important thing from our point of view is that the money is invested properly in continuing to develop the game in Northern Ireland."