Aviva Extends Naming Rights Sponsorship Of Lansdowne Road

Insurance firm Aviva announced a multi-year extension of its naming rights deal with Lansdowne Road, according to Steve O'Rourke of THE 42. Aviva bought the naming rights to the stadium eight years ago for a reported €40M. The firm has been a partner of the Irish Rugby Football Union and FA of Ireland since '10 and, in addition to the Aviva Stadium, "also sponsors the latter’s Soccer Sisters" program and the former’s mini-rugby festivals. When the naming rights "first came up for tender, up to 20 other bidders were reported to be in the mix," including Allied Irish Banks, with Aviva "coming on top in what was expected to be a 10-year deal." This extension will see Aviva retain naming rights until '25 (THE 42, 1/17). Since it opened on May 14, 2010, the Aviva Stadium has hosted more than 140 major events attended by more than 7 million people, while the Aviva Stadium's Community Fund has given out over €1M ($1.2M) in grants to more than 70 community groups in the local area (IRFU).