KCOM shares Hull City birthday celebrations in style
KCOM and Hull City were definitely match of the day when they came together to celebrate their shared 120th anniversaries this week.
The broadband provider and football club are both marking their 120th birthdays in 2024, after being formed in 1904. To mark the occasion, KCOM took over the MKM stadium on Saturday, giving 500 customers free matchday tickets to join in the fun as the Tigers mauled Cardiff City 4-1.
KCOM Managing Director Neil Bartholomew, said: “We were founded 120 years ago, in the same year as City, and we’ve always had a strong, historic, connection to the club.
“We’re both always been pioneering institutions who’ve had to challenge and do things a little bit differently, and that shared history and heritage gives us a real connection. We’re both really community orientated with deep roots in this region.
“We’re proud of what we both bring to the community and now our Community Partnership enables us to combine our strengths to really make a difference to local people.”
As part of the day, attendees could also win ‘Golden Tickets’ hidden under their seats – giving away Tiger Leisure club shop vouchers and tickets for future City games.
Neil added that KCOM and the club have always enjoyed a special relationship as both the original naming partner of the stadium and as main shirt sponsor during the club’s heady Premier League years, sharing history, heritage and community values.
One of the major community projects the two local institutions work together on now is the KCOM Kits scheme.
For every home goal the Tigers score at the MKM Stadium, KCOM donates a full Kappa team kit to a local grassroots youth team. In the past four seasons, 150 local youth teams have won new kits, benefitting more than 2,000 young footballers.
“It’s a double celebration for us whenever the club score a goal,” said Neil. “We get to help the community and Hull City score! We do a lot for the community outside of our partnership and so does Hull City, but I think it’s when we work together that we really add value and amplify both our community initiatives.
As part of the joint celebrations KCOM was also invited to take part in the photo shoot to launch City’s special 120th anniversary team strip.
Neil said: “The kit looks amazing and we’re extremely proud to be a part of its unveiling.
“KCOM has a long history with the club. We both feel we are big pillars of the community with shared values, so to be a part of this and to share our 120th anniversary is a proud moment for everyone at KCOM. A big thank you to the club and here’s to the next 120 years!”
You can watch Neil talking about KCOM's special relationship with Hull City - and the Tiger's fantastic 120th anniversary team kit here.
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