News: Rotherham United extend Parkgate partnership

Rotherham United has extended the partnership with Parkgate Shopping for a further two years, with the shopping park to continue as the main sponsor for the club's home shirt.

The announcement was made at the New York Stadium, where Dennis Copeland, manager at Parkgate Shopping, and area operations manager, Billy Smith, were given a guided tour.

Steve Lewis, head of commercial at Rotherham United, said: "It has been a pleasure working with Denis and Billy thus far, and fantastic for both parties that we can tie this deal up so early.

"We now have time to plan a two-year sponsorship with Parkgate, one that we encourage all Millers fans to be part of. The hard, yet fun work starts now.

"The club have an extremely successful history with Parkgate Shopping, and this news can only strengthen the working relationship that we have together."

Tony Stewart, chairman at Rotherham United added: "We're both extremely passionate about promoting the image of Rotherham, so this partnership is perfect for Parkgate Shopping, ourselves and the town as a whole.

"We respect and admire the success of Parkgate Shopping under its able and hard working management and we are delighted to extend our partnership as we begin a new era in our new stadium."

Denis Copeland, manager at Parkgate Shopping, added: "Tony was kind enough to show us around the stadium, and we must say that it looks fantastic.

"It's hard to believe how much it has moved on since our first visit. When we walked onto the pitch we could imagine what it will be like with a full and enthusiastic crowd shouting for its team."

Another recent visit to the stadium site saw representatives of Ben Bennett Jnr take in the family stand as construction continues. The Eastwood-based steel strip manufacturer have had a long association with the football club and signed a deal in December to sponsor the stand for three years.

As the £20m stadium is still on course to be completed in July this year, the club has teamed up with the internationally renowned sports marketing agency, Empire Stadiums to promote the New York Stadium.

The company deals with corporate seating, sponsorship and match day promotion and has worked with Brighton on the AMEX stadium, Coventry on the Ricoh Arena and Doncaster Rovers on the Keepmoat.

Rotherham United website
Parkgate Shopping website

Images: Rotherham United / GMI Construction