Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) from organisations and businesses for the naming rights and sponsorship of Rarotonga’s National Stadium and Sports Arena.

In a statement, CIIC general manager, asset management Vasie Ngatoko-Poila says the EOIs are being sought that strategically align with CIIC’s and Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee’s vision for the stadium and arena.

“The National Stadium and Sports Arena are exciting and focal venues for

sports and events in the community. Both facilities are capable of accommodating shows, concerts, indoor sporting events and community events that have a positive impact on the local community and provide economic opportunities for any host.”

Benefits for the corporate sponsor include the opportunity to boost brand recognition to remain relevant and visible in prominent, well-travelled areas, as well as special access to the venue, the statement adds.

“Visibility may include signage, mentions in product materials and other marketing elements.”

This Expression of Interest invites submissions for four-tiered investment

sponsorship – Naming Rights/Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Games

Day/Events Sponsors.

Sponsors of the National Stadium and the National Sports Arena will receive

tremendous exposure to the local population throughout the tenure, as well as to

internationally televised events and online media platforms, Ngatoko-Poila says.

“This is your opportunity to have your company name, small business, community group, family group to invest in one or both of our iconic sporting facilities. Leave a lasting legacy to contribute to and promote healthy communities by engaging in a partnership opportunity that suits you.”

Since April 2021 under a signed Memorandum of Understanding, CIIC and Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) co-manage the stadium and the arena (sports facilities).

All bookings are facilitated by CISNOC with CIIC managing the daily operations and maintenance responsibilities.

From April this year, as a “precautionary measure”, CIIC with CISNOC closed the grandstand, or restricted the number of people sitting on the grandstand at Tereora/National Stadium to 75.

The announcement followed a detailed structural assessment of the grandstand at the National Stadium in March this year by Calibre Consulting Ltd.

In an earlier statement, CIIC chief executive officer Allan Jensen said a structural engineering firm was engaged by CIIC to assess the grandstand for developing a longer term plan for required works to future proof the stadium’s infrastructure and facilities and as part of its periodic asset management programme.

The assessment formalised the condition of the grandstand and identified the extent of maintenance and rehabilitation works required, given the age of the grandstand, and better inform decisions on future investments at the stadium.

Targeted remedial work was set to start in May or June, following final design and scoping, and will likely be completed by September 2023.