Ballymore’s XXXX Hill lives on under extended beverage partnership
The QRU has announced a multi-year extension with three beverage suppliers, meaning the iconic XXXX Hill at Ballymore Stadium will continue to stand proud for years to come as more events return to the venue.
Spectators attending all events at Ballymore will be able to enjoy a range of premium beverages, with the Queensland Rugby Union announcing Lion, Taylors Wines and Asahi Lifestyle Beverages as their venue’s official suppliers and QRU partners.
Lion will retail their renowned range of beers, ciders and ginger beers, including the likes of XXXX and James Squire’s, at Ballymore and all Queensland Reds fixtures at Suncorp Stadium.
Lion State Sales Director Patrick Donohue said, “XXXX has been bringing Queenslanders together for 145 years.
“XXXX and Lion are proud supporters of Rugby Union in this state and to be able to once again partner with this fantastic club and continue our longstanding support of the QRU is very exciting.
“We look forward to fans coming together on the iconic XXXX Hill to enjoy a game over one of our drinks.”
Australian winemaker, Taylors Wines joins the QRU partnership stable for the first time, with the fourth-generation family-owned business set to showcase their exceptional wine in the stands and in corporate hospitality across both Suncorp Stadium and Ballymore.
The three-year deal cements Taylors Wines status as the wine of choice in Australian Rugby, with the business already partnered with Rugby Australia and the Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) for close to a decade.
Taylors Wines’ State Sales Manager Anthony Hicks said, “Taylors Wines is delighted to be extending our Rugby footprint by partnering with the QRU to showcase our award-winning wines on and off the field at Ballymore and Suncorp Stadium.”
“Having partnered with Rugby Australia and RUPA for many years, we’re thrilled to be entering the Queensland market and pleased that the Rugby community will be able to enjoy Taylors Wines wherever they are in both stadiums.”
Asahi is another new partner at Ballymore, with the leading beverage company set to retail their range of non-alcoholic drinks at Ballymore, which include Schweppes, Pepsi, Cool Ridge and Gatorade.
The partnership will see the world’s number-one sports drink, Gatorade, join the Queensland Reds Family. The scientifically formulated beverage will rehydrate and replenish the Queensland Reds, home and away, throughout the Super Rugby season.
In Australia, PepsiCo’s range of drinks are manufactured and distributed by Asahi Lifestyle Beverages.
Asahi Lifestyle Beverages Queensland New Business Manager Vianney Levave said, “Asahi Lifestyle Beverages is proud to partner with Ballymore and the Queensland Rugby Union in what I’m sure will be a longstanding and mutually beneficial partnership.”
“We look forward to working together with the team at QRU and also opportunities to support the wider rugby community here in Queensland.”
QRU CEO David Hanham said, “Our vision for Ballymore is to create a festival-like atmosphere for our patrons and having globally recognised beverage partners like Lion, Taylors Wines and Asahi Lifestyle Beverages is critical to that.
“Suncorp Stadium is a world class stadium that demands first class beverage options, and our group of beverage partners will provide just that.
“We look forward to working alongside all three brands next season and into the future.”
Ballymore has returned to hosting competitive fixtures following the opening of the new McLean Stand, while further works are planned for the future including replacing the eastern grandstand.
The Queensland Reds return to Ballymore for the first time since 2010 on Saturday to host the Saitama Panasonic Wild Knights in the Queensland-Saitama Shield, while the Brisbane Roar are playing most of their A-League Women’s matches at the venue, with one Men’s game to be played in March next year.
