Bradford City AFC and JCT600 are delighted to unveil new dugouts at the Utilita Energy Stadium - which have been installed ahead of the 2021/22 season.
Replacing previous dugouts at the front of Valley Parade’s JCT600 Family Stand (West), this new concept sees the club’s partnership with the Bradford-based car dealer continue to grow.
The sleek, modern design displays the result of a project for which planning first began last year, and involved a five-week installation period.
Dugouts feature an artificial grass surface and leather race car-style seats in both home and away sections, with Perspex shelters coated in claret and amber JCT600 branding.
JCT600 - the driving force behind the Bantams - celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, having established in 1946. It has been a proud partner of Bradford City for over 40 years.
The dugouts will first feature at the Utilita Energy Stadium in front of 2,000 supporters next month, when Derek Adams’ City side hosts Doncaster Rovers in the club’s first 2021/22 pre-season friendly (Saturday July 17, 3.00pm).
The Bantams’ chief executive officer, Ryan Sparks, said: “Partnerships are so much more than simply a financial transaction and logos being planted in various places.
“It about working together, developing brands and sharing resources to deliver a vision.
“We are proud to have built such a close relationship with our main partner. Over the past 12 months, this has become arguably stronger than ever before.
“JCT600 understands our desire and passion to build a better Bradford City AFC. This piece of work - which is long overdue - is a symbol of the long-term approach, and another piece of the puzzle in our overall strategy to improve and modernise Valley Parade.
“From a performance perspective, we talk a lot about making gains in football. This would not have been possible without the incredible support of our friends at JCT600, and will certainly give our players an extra edge next season.
“We thank everyone involved for their hard work and dedication to this project over the course of the past 12 months, and cannot wait to see the dugouts in action next month.”
JCT600 property director, Mark Taylor, said: “Due to the age and quality of the existing dugouts, we decided to rip everything out and start again.
“Our team really enjoyed working on something a little different, knowing how much it would benefit the players and staff at the club.
“We are really proud of how it has turned out and it is a great example of the versatility of our talented property team that we have been able to come up with such a stylish and economical solution.”
Andy Bateman, customer experience director for JCT600, added: “Having proudly sponsored Bradford City AFC since the 1980s, this is a great example of long-term loyalty and support which is not always seen in the world of football.
“When Ryan and his team explained their ambition to upgrade the dugouts and technical area, we jumped at the chance to get involved.
“We are really pleased with the outcome and hope the players, coaching staff and supporters also look at this new area with pride.”
Elements of Valley Parade’s previous dugouts are now exclusively available to purchase - via the club’s official eBay store - by CLICKING HERE.