‘I’m not calling it that’ – Hull City unveil new name for their stadium

‘I’m not calling it that’ was one of the things said by fans after Hull City unveil a new name for their stadium ahead of the 2021/22 season.

Just weeks after Crewe Alexandra were mocked for what they renamed their ground to, the same has happened for the newly promoted Tigers.

The stadium was previously called the KC Stadium, but was renamed as part of a major rebrand by the stadium’s sponsors, telecommunications provider KCOM, on the 4th of April 2016.

But on the 25th of July 2021, it will now be known as the MKM Stadium, and instantly, everyone has said they won’t be saying that anytime soon, but instead will always see it known as the KC.

🏟️ Introducing… 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐊𝐌 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐮𝐦!#hcafc | #theTigers pic.twitter.com/BXWgZgLVEX

— Hull City (@HullCity) June 25, 2021

CLUB STATEMENT:

The Superstadium Management Company and MKM Building Supplies Ltd are excited to announce a new long-term sponsorship deal, part of which includes the exclusive naming rights for the stadium.

It means that, from today, the home of Hull City and Hull FC will be renamed The MKM Stadium which, in turn, will lead to an increased visual presence for the UK’s largest independent builders’ merchant.

MKM have been long-standing supporters of the stadium, and fans of both Hull City and Hull FC will no doubt be familiar with their distinctive branding, most notably from their previous sponsorship of the stadium’s South Stand.

Their branding will now be seen all around the ground as part of this new five-year agreement that both parties are delighted to confirm.

Speaking about the new sponsorship deal, Joe Clutterbrook, Head of Commercial & Marketing for Hull City & SMC, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome MKM as the stadium’s new principal sponsor. MKM have been great supporters of the stadium ever since it opened and their continued development as a company over the last couple of decades has mirrored the success that has been enjoyed by the stadium during that time.

“MKM have a strong community ethos and we very much look forward to working together in the coming years at a venue that is at the heart of the local community.”

Founded in Hull in 1995 and with its central support office still based in the city alongside its flagship branch, MKM has expanded greatly and continues to grow with more than 80 branches nationwide. However, their roots remain in Hull and they are delighted to further their relationship with the city’s premier sports facility.

MKM Founder and Hull City Honorary President, David Kilburn, said: “MKM are proud to have been associated with our local stadium ever since it opened in 2002 and we are delighted to take what we feel is this natural next step in our partnership.

“We were very conscious that the stadium is home to two clubs, so it is important that the signage we install reflects their identities, whilst also promoting the MKM brand. With that in mind we will step away from our traditional yellow and blue colours in some parts of the stadium, the inner bowl particularly, and hopefully give both clubs and sets of fans a stadium that they can be proud of.

“One of the visions for the stadium when it was built was for it to be the catalyst for sporting success in this city, which it has for both Hull City and Hull FC. It has also provided so much more than that and has developed a reputation for hosting top international sporting events and some of the biggest names in world music. We look forward to working with the Superstadium Management Company at a facility that remains at the heart of Hull.”

To find out more about MKM, please visit www.mkmbs.co.uk

As we welcome MKM, SMC would also like to place on record its sincere gratitude to KCOM for their incredible support and backing as sponsors since the stadium first opened its doors in December 2002. We look forward to continuing to work closely together in the future.

As mentioned, fans have reacted as Championship club Hull City unveil the new name for their stadium and boy was it mixed…

@loopylalaxx: I like it. MKM has a history with the stadium, so why not?

@GibbinsJordan: It will always be the KC

@OneRyanMason: Will probably take some getting use to the new name. But, hey, at least another local business is sponsoring the stadium.

@grant_phil: KC, KCOM, MKM. Can’t we just call it The Circle?

@Speed_RedMatt: Gonna take some getting used to…

@david_weston4: Will never be the same as the KCOM and the KC 😭

@harrisonh2104: Kcom has a better ring to it

@HCAFCBrad03: Don’t like this

@Fanofvalentina3: Kcom >

@Wazz123: It’s the KC 🙄

@BenMullaney1: Think B&M Stadia would’ve worked better #hcafc

@Alex11___: Not sure about this #hcafc #TheTigers

@RMiddo96: I like it, probably gonna still call it KC though 😂

@hcafcLiam: No no no no absolutely fucking not

@annielnkw: Bring back the KC 🥲

@cfcnathan26: MKM 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

@Rich_93: Nahh not happy with this! Will always be the kc or kcom stadium to me!!

@BenMullaney1: The what sorry? #hcafc

@RyseHamilton: KC till I die!

@NathanPickerin4: KC/KCOM > MKM

@YorkshireTeaFC: It’s always gonna be the KC though isn’t it

@Haydyn1903: KC Stadium will always be what it’s called to me

@MattyHC5: Always was and always will be the KC Stadium i’m afraid. #hcafc

@MikeHull84: Not sure I’ll ever refer to it as ‘The MKM’ tbh. Thought the KCOM deal was 20 years so had another 18 months to run? #hcafc

@flareypwns: Cant say i was expecting a stadium name change, i still call it KC stadium tbh lol

@JackCross2711: All my life being used to The KC or The KCOM this is going to be some getting used to

@hundredhcafc: Personally, not keen on this. Sounds like a league two ground

@ThatjamieT: What’s gonna happen to the name of the MKM south stand?

@dannie_newlove: I’m still on KC can’t keep up

@Circle_87: Great, we are now a builders yard. #hcafc

@sorwin74: Stadium MK, oh wait a minute 🤔

@sambo190413: That’s awful

@HoneymanMatty: The Mackam Stadium?!

@ElliCressey: ITS NOT APRIL FOOLS DAY IS IT?? 🤔🤔🤨🤨 #hcafc

@Charlotte_Tyson: I’ve tried saying this out loud multiple times and it feels so strange 😂 Great move though 🙌🏼

@KDCLegitHD:
KC Stadium 🔥
KCOM Stadium 🔥
MKM Stadium 💩

My expression reading that.

Will always be the KC to me, doesn’t matter who’s sponsoring it. #hcafc https://t.co/KMmWWZKgaA pic.twitter.com/IpvGX1dGrx

— Aaron Irwin (@AaronIrwin7) June 25, 2021