Cusack Park in Ennis in the Republic of Ireland is to be renamed Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg following a sponsorship deal between Clare GAA and the American firm Zimmer Biomet.
The Irish Times said the agreement is for the stadium to take on the new name for the next three years, and it is understood there is an option to extend the partnership for another two years.
It is the first time that a title sponsor has been secured for the historic stadium, which up to now has been known simply as Cusack Park.
Zimmer Biomet, which has a significant presence in Shannon, has been a major employer in Clare for nearly 20 years. The medical devices company, which is headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana in the United States also has a facility in Galway and employs around 1,100 people in Ireland.
Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg is a GAA stadium in Ennis, County Clare, Ireland. It is the primary home of the Clare Hurling, Gaelic Football, Camogie and Peil na mBan teams at all grades.
Named after the founder of the GAA, Michael Cusack, the ground had an original capacity of about 28,000 (mostly terraced), but following a 2011 safety review, the certified capacity was reduced to 14,864.
Three sides of the ground are terraced – the two areas behind the goals and one terraced length of the pitch which is also covered.
Clare GAA head of operations Deirdre Murphy said: “The Zimmer Biomet philosophy is a perfect fit with that of Clare GAA, as we are building and fostering the love of Gaelic games in Clare.
“Páirc Chíosóg is our home, there is no venue like it for atmosphere, the proximity of the crowd to the pitch helps create that incredible connection between our teams and supporters. We have had some fantastic days here in recent times and long may that continue.”
Chíosóg is the Irish spelling of Cusack, with Michael Cusack being one of the founders of the GAA in Thurles in 1884, and a native of Co Clare.
Michael O’Malley, head of manufacturing at Zimmer Biomet in Shannon, said: “The Zimmer Biomet ethos is steeped in the values of community support, grassroots involvement and active healthy living.
“We are extremely proud to partner with Clare GAA in assuming the naming rights to Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg and of the benefits this association will bring to both organisations,” he added.
He added that the vast majority of the company’s workers in Ireland are involved in the GAA and that there is great banter and rivalry among its staff.
Continue to follow Coliseum for latest updates on venues business news. Coliseum is dedicated towards building the best global community of sports and entertainment venue executives and professionals creating better and more profitable venues.
Become a member of the only Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums, arenas and experts from around the world. Apply for membership at www.coliseum-online.com/alliance and make use of the 365Coliseum Business.