Sky Blues secure their stadium
Coventry City FC has completed the purchase of the Coventry Building Society Arena from Frasers Group, the first time since moving from Highfield Road that it has owned its home ground.
The announcement was made in August, in the week of the 20th anniversary of the venue’s opening as the Ricoh Arena.
Taking chare of the CBS Arena brings to a conclusion a two-decade long situation of changing ownerships and troubled relationships, leading to spells in exile at Northanpton’s Sixfields and Birmingham City’s St Andrews. With Frank Lampard’s team looking feisty on the pitch, the club is looking ahead.
Doug King, chairman and owner of CCFC, said: “Today is a defining day for Coventry City Football Club. For too long the question of stadium ownership has cast uncertainty over our future. By bringing the Arena under the Club’s ownership, we are safeguarding not only the present but for future generations. This is our home, and it now belongs to the football club and its supporters.
“This is more than a transaction. It is a statement of ambition and belief in Coventry. The Arena will always be a symbol of our city’s strength and creativity, and as owners we can invest in facilities, fan experience, and wider opportunities for our community. We are proud to finally call this stadium our own.
“On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to thank our supporters. Through years of uncertainty including times when we had to play in other cities and towns, your loyalty has been unwavering. This moment is as much yours as it is ours.
“I am also grateful to Frasers Group who have negotiated this agreement in good faith and I wish them well for the future.”
Frasers Group Owner Mike Ashley – formerly owner of Newcastle United FC – said: “Doug King has been a pleasure to work with and he is a fantastic custodian of the club. With him at the helm, I am sure Coventry City FC has every chance of becoming a Premier League club soon.”
Lampard’s team walloped Queens Parks Rangers 7-1 at the ground in the first game following the ownership deal.
The former Chelsea and England star said: “This is a club with a great history and tradition that’s been through so many things and to make this our home was a really special announcement.
“I’m delighted for everybody. Congratulations to Doug himself, but mainly to the fans of the club, they come and support every week and follow us.”
