Ricoh Arena: Now owned 100 per cent by Coventry

Wasps have completed their takeover of the Ricoh Arena.

The Aviva Premiership side have purchased the remaining 50 per cent stake from the Alan Edward Higgs Charity, which owned half of the Ricoh Arena operating firm Arena Coventry Limited.

The club's first match at their new Coventry home will be their Aviva Premiership Rugby clash against London Irish on Sunday, December 21.

Wasps have also announced that they will rename the ‘North Stand’ of the Ricoh Arena ‘The Higgs Charity Stand.’

For every ticket sold they will donate 50p to the Alan Edward Higgs Charity, which benefits the inhabitants of a 25-mile radius from the centre of Coventry.

Nick Eastwood, Wasps’ Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to confirm our acquisition of the remaining 50% shareholding in the Ricoh Arena.

“Since the news was first announced of our move, we have been overwhelmed by the warm welcome we have received from the local community. We are looking forward to embedding ourselves in the region and helping promote rugby – something we have already committed to by making over 12,000 free tickets available to Coventry schools and rugby clubs.

“The Alan Edward Higgs Charity is a hugely important charity for Coventry and Warwickshire and it was important for Wasps to continue to support their work in the local community and preserve their legacy at the Ricoh Arena.

“We are delighted to rename the ‘North Stand’ as ‘The Higgs Charity Stand’ and donate 50p to the Charity for every Wasps match ticket sold in that stand.

“We recognise that this announcement might raise concerns amongst the fans of Coventry City Football Club. Wasps remain committed to building a long term and mutually productive relationship with the club and its supporters.

“Everyone at Wasps is very much looking forward to playing our first game at the Ricoh Arena on 21st December against London Irish.”