Worthing set to officially open new main stand

The stand has received extensive upgrades over the summer, with £45,000 invested over the course of six weeks of work.

The newly upgraded stand provides 450 seats for Worthing fans and in addition to the new seating, the re-development of the main stand includes upgraded press box with WIFI connection and power supply; new sound system introduced to the ground; new glass balustrade; new cladding installed on the roof of the stand and additional spot lighting.

Worthing chairman George Dowell said: “The new stand has undergone an amazing transformation over the course of six weeks of hard work. It is the latest step in the growth and ambition of Worthing Football Club and really makes the club feel at home as we kick off the new season in the Ryman Premier League.

“Carrying out the works and making sure the facilities for both our fans and players were up to the standard they deserve was a real local project. We received tremendous support towards the end of last season as we raised £20,000 through crowdfunding and an individual donor. To help get the project off the ground we really needed additional financial support which is where Bibby Financial Services were able to come in.”

Bibby Financial Services, the UK’s largest independent invoice finance provider, helped support Worthing through a three year £25,000 agreement, allowing the re-development to take place. As part of the agreement, the stadium now takes on the name of the “Bibby Financial Services Stadium”.

Commenting on the new stadium name and its support for the club, Nick Carter, head of sales – South London, Bibby Financial Services (BFS) said: “Worthing FC is a club that we have been supporting for a number of years having previously sponsored the north stand. We are delighted to take our support for the club further by sponsoring the whole stadium.

“The club has a great local community spirit, harnessing the support of fans who either own or work for local businesses. Getting the improvement works over the line and finished on time has involved the local business community.”

Dowell added: “The upgraded stand and new stadium sponsorship are both vital steps in the development of Worthing FC and the vision that we have for the football club. Since the installation of the new 3G pitch, we have worked hard building and developing the club to a position where we are able to provide fantastic facilities to the local community. We now have 40 sports teams taking place each week, involving over 550 children and adults of all ages.”

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