Intercity extends technology partnership with Warwickshire

Birmingham technology company Intercity has extended its partnership with Warwickshire County Cricket Club for another three years, continuing a relationship that began in 2023.

The deal covers managed IT services, communications infrastructure and cyber security at Edgbaston Stadium, as well as the club's growing use of artificial intelligence.

About Intercity

Intercity is a Birmingham-based technology firm with its headquarters on Holloway Head, on the edge of the city centre. It employs hundreds of people and provides IT, cloud, communications and security services to businesses and organisations.

Mike Osborne, executive director at Intercity, said the renewal built on the original agreement made in 2023.

Technology at a stadium

A modern stadium depends heavily on technology. Edgbaston hosts international cricket, county matches, concerts, conferences, dinners and awards ceremonies, and each event relies on reliable networks for ticketing, payments, broadcasting, security and communications with staff and visitors.

Wi-fi and mobile connectivity are increasingly important for spectators, who expect to be able to use their phones to show tickets, buy food and drink, and share their experience on social media. Broadcasters and journalists also need fast, reliable connections.

Cyber security matters

Sports clubs, like other organisations, have become targets for cyber criminals, who may try to steal customer data, payment details or ticket information, or disrupt events. The UK's National Cyber Security Centre has published guidance specifically for sports organisations, warning about threats such as phishing emails and ransomware.

A busy year at Edgbaston

The extension comes at the end of a memorable season for Warwickshire, who won the County Championship for the ninth time by beating Leicestershire by an innings at Edgbaston last month. The ground also hosted England's Test against Pakistan in September.

Edgbaston regularly hosts major international matches, and this summer it staged games in the Women's T20 World Cup.

Sponsorship and partnerships

Commercial partnerships are an important source of income for county cricket clubs, which rely on more than match-day ticket sales. Partnerships with local companies also help clubs strengthen their links with the business community.

For businesses, sponsorship can raise their profile and provide opportunities to host clients at events. Technology partnerships can also act as a showcase for a company's work.

Birmingham's tech sector

Birmingham's technology sector has grown strongly over the past decade, with companies ranging from start-ups to large employers. The city has been named the UK's leading location for growth potential among foreign investors, and a new study found it has more young company founders than almost anywhere else in the country.

Skills

Technology companies in the city say they need more people with skills in areas such as cyber security, cloud computing and data. Universities and colleges in Birmingham offer courses and apprenticeships in these fields, and many employers run their own training programmes.

AI at the cricket

Sports venues are starting to use artificial intelligence in many ways, from analysing ticket sales and predicting crowd numbers to managing catering stock and helping staff answer customer questions. Clubs say the technology can help them run events more efficiently, though they must take care with how they use supporters' personal data.

A home for big occasions

Edgbaston has been Warwickshire's home since 1886 and has hosted Test cricket since 1902. It holds around 25,000 spectators and is known for the noisy atmosphere created by its Eric Hollies Stand, especially during Ashes matches against Australia.