The UK’s leading stadium venues have been recognised for excellence in events, hospitality and operational delivery at the Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards 2026, highlighting the growing sophistication of sporting venues as destinations for conferences, corporate events and live experiences.
Held at Everton FC’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium, the sold-out awards brought together more than 500 professionals from over 70 football, rugby, cricket and athletics venues to celebrate innovation across the sector.
A total of 76 clubs were nominated, with 25 venues receiving awards during the evening. One of the night’s highest-profile honours, the Overall Matchday Hospitality Experience Award, was won by West Bromwich Albion FC following a 29% increase in entries compared with last year, reflecting continued investment in premium guest experiences across UK stadiums.
Elsewhere, Newcastle United FC claimed Stadium Event of the Year for hosting a Sam Fender concert, while Brentford FC was recognised for its Non-Matchday Sales & Marketing Team and London Stadium secured both the Non-Matchday Mystery Shopper Award and the Event Agents Choice Award.
The awards underline the increasing versatility of stadium venues, many of which continue to expand their non-matchday business through conferences, exhibitions, corporate hospitality, awards dinners and large-scale entertainment events.
A key feature of the awards is their independent judging process, with categories assessed by industry experts, event agents, hospitality professionals and organisations including The British Culinary Federation.
Commenting on the awards, Stadium Experience Chair Collette Salmon said the event recognised the dedication and innovation taking place behind the scenes across the sector, while highlighting the value of sharing best practice between venues.
As stadiums continue to diversify their event offerings, the 2026 awards demonstrate how investment in hospitality, technology and operational excellence is strengthening their position as some of the UK’s most competitive and flexible venues for corporate and live events.
Image credit: Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards
