Hobart’s Bellerive Oval will once again be known by its original name, after footwear giant Blundstone Australia decided not to renew its naming rights sponsorship.
Blundstone’s 13-year association with the venue will end on October 1st, paving the way for a new local business to take over.
Cricket Tasmania CEO Dominic Baker thanked Blundstone for their “commitment” to the sport and expressed excitement for the future of the ground’s naming rights.
“Blundstone Arena has been synonymous with Tasmania and Tasmanian cricket, and there have been some tremendous memories at Blundstone.”
Adam Blake, joint CEO of Blundstone Australia, said the company was “very proud” of the partnership and is grateful for the opportunity to support cricket and sport in the state.
“It’s been a really positive partnership with Cricket Tasmania,” he said.
“We have always believed businesses should be active contributors to their community and we are proud that our inaugural arena sponsorship has contributed to establishing a foundation for cricket and sporting events more broadly in Tasmania, for now and for future generations,” he said.
It is understood local home builder Wilson Homes, which already has a partnership with Cricket Tasmania, is a possible candidate to replace Blundstone as the arena’s naming rights sponsor.
Details of a new sponsorship have not yet been confirmed.
In 2011, Bellerive Oval became the first international cricket ground in Australia to offer naming rights to the venue, rebranding itself as Blundstone Arena.
The deal was extended for five more years in 2016 and again for three years in 2021.
