Man. United Up for 4 Awards

Manchester United has been shortlisted for four awards in recognition of its work in sustainability, product development and venue marketing.

The first three nominations are for the Stadium Business Awards, which take place in Turin, Italy on 15 May. The awards, established in 2010, recognise achievement, innovation and fresh thinking in the world of stadium, arena and sports venue management.

Manchester United has been shortlisted for the Project of the Year award for the redevelopment of its West Stand boxes. The objective of the project was to modernise and update the private box facilities offered to fans and create a new luxury Executive Box environment. The project overcame many obstacles and resulted in all the facilities selling out before the start of the 2011/12 season. The response from Executive Club Members and guests has been extremely positive.

The club has also been shortlisted for the Sustainability Award, which recognises achievement, success or leadership in the pursuit of sustainable venue and event management. Manchester United is striving to achieve a treble in this field and become the first major stadium in the UK to hold three major sustainability standards: The Carbon Trust Standard for carbon reduction, the Environmental Management System standard ISO 14001 and ISO20121, the Sustainable Events Management standard (due to be launched later in 2012).

Manchester United legend Gary Neville, who recently took up the role of Environmental Ambassador for the club, said: “It’s fantastic to see Manchester United has been recognised for its efforts in environmental management. I know the club is extremely committed to improving sustainability and this nomination proves we’re heading in the right direction.”

The third Stadium Business Award shortlist is the Sponsorship, Sales and Marketing Award for the club’s Matchday VIP Campaign, created to increase awareness of the match-by-match hospitality product at Old Trafford. The award is for a stadium-related sales, marketing or sponsorship campaign, deal or activity that delivered outstanding results for a venue, team or major event. The Matchday VIP project resulted in 50 per cent of fixtures exceeding the revenue target by between 10 and 70 per cent. The other 50 per cent achieved more than 70 per cent of the revenue target.

The Matchday VIP campaign has also been shortlisted for The How-Do Awards' Best Integrated Communications Campaign. That dinner, presented by journalist Jim Hancock and Radio 5 Live's Victoria Derbyshire, will take place at Lancashire County Cricket Club on 26 April.

Manchester United director of venue Karl Evans says: "We are very proud to have been shortlisted for all four awards and I think the nominations alone are testament to the hard work and dedication given to each of these projects. A lot of different departments were involved and, as we do on the pitch, we worked as a team to deliver the best possible outcome. Old Trafford is a world famous venue that welcomes millions of visitors each year. To be recognised for our dedication in making the stadium the best it can be is a great achievement."