THE Bradford End at Valley Parade will be known as the TL Dallas Community Stand this season.
The partnership between the sponsors and City’s community foundation will see the stand behind the goal house match goers from schools, local community groups and junior clubs who capitalise on the foundation’s community ticket scheme.
That scheme allows local organisations to watch games for a discount, encouraging fans young and old from low-income backgrounds or typically non-sporting communities.
The community stand project will run alongside the new Bantams clubhouse, located at BEAP Community Partnership at the foot of Valley Parade, on the corner of Midland Road and Cornwall Road.
The clubhouse acts as a junior fan zone, with sporting and non-sporting activities being held to keep families with children entertained before each game..
The foundation has also installed a new multi-faith and sensory room at its City Hub cafe, in collaboration with Muslim Friendly Employers. The cafe and the room will be open before every City home league game during the season.
TL Dallas have been sponsors of the south stand since 2003 and signed a new three-year deal in 2022.
Group director Mike Martin said: “We are very excited to be part of this, and support the excellent work the foundation does.
“Our business has been in Bradford for over 100 years, with a long-standing involvement with the club, and now this is an excellent step in providing inclusive access to City games.
“We are very proud to see the stand being used for a good cause and hope to see it filled with people following the Bantams this season.”
City’s chief commercial officer, Davide Longo, said: “We are delighted to announce the opening of the TL Dallas Community Stand at the University of Bradford Stadium, ahead of our first home game of the 2024/25 season.
“This project, together with TL Dallas and our community foundation, represents our continued dedication to ensuring Bradford City is accessible for as many different people, from as many different backgrounds across the district, as possible.
“Community is a big part of what we do here, and it makes us proud to be launching initiatives such as this, together with valued and loyal commercial partners such as TL Dallas.
“Mike Martin and his team have been behind all areas of the club, including the academy and community foundation, for over 20 years, and this increased backing is testament to their commitment to continue supporting all things Bradford.”
Bradford City community foundation director of operations and deputy chief executive officer Lizzie Saunderson-Trowell oversaw the setting up of the partnership.
She said: “As the charitable arm of the club, we are dedicated to using the power of the City badge to make a difference in our community.
“The community ticket scheme allows us to engage and build connections with members of our local community by including them in local sport.
“Now, thanks to our exciting partnership with TL Dallas and the opening of the TL Dallas Community Stand, we have further underlined our commitment to bringing the people of Bradford together on matchdays, fostering a love for the club and the game, and providing an inclusive and accessible space for those who may not typically visit Valley Parade.”
