From concept to delivery, ADI aligned with Stockport County’s vision, applying its expertise to maximise the value of digital assets and commercial partnerships.
Ambitious, community-led and firmly on the rise, Stockport County are the blueprint for how lower league clubs can modernise their stadium, grow commercial revenues and strengthen local partnerships through investment in their stadium digital infrastructure.
- Stockport County report a 25% increase in revenue thanks to ADI installations
- ADI’s commercial modelling expertise ‘invaluable’ to the club
- Use of ADI’s Live Venue fibre network has streamlined content delivery
Interview held at Stockport County with Olivia Hanvey, Commercial Operations Director and Ryan Green, Commercial Sales Director.
A Full Turnkey Digital Installation at Edgeley Park
Competing in League One and enjoying momentum in recent seasons, the Hatters are backed by strong 10k attendances at their historic ground Edgeley Park. For a 124-year-old stadium, digital modernisation is essential to remain competitive on and off the pitch. This is where ADI stepped in.
The aim? To futureproof Edgeley Park by unlocking new revenue streams and bringing local community investment to the table.
Our ambition was clear - success on the pitch had to be matched off it. Moving from static branding to high-impact digital infrastructure was the natural next step, enhancing fan experience and commercial opportunity for our partners. ADI understood our vision immediately and helped us bring it to life.”
The digital platform ADI has provided:
A new 81.3m² fine pitch LED screen
Four-sided digiBOARD perimeter system
Lounge and internal stadium signage
Access to ADI's Live Venue fibre network
Consultancy Makes the Difference
From the outset, ADI worked closely with the club to develop a sustainable commercial model, advising on how to package, price and sell new digital inventory. This included creating a tiered ‘Business Club’ structure that allows partners of different sizes to engage with the club.
ADI provided insight, planning and practical support that enables Stockport to maximise revenue opportunities, activate its assets effectively and ensure investment delivers measurable value.
ADI's support around commercial modelling was invaluable, and their experience helped us shape a model that works for our club and community. Before the infrastructure was even installed, we were able to pre-sell inventory using visual brochures and concepts making the early groundwork instrumental to ensuring the project was a success.”
Stockport County Stadium Transformation Visual Design Study.
Why Digital Assets Matter in the Lower Leagues
The commercial gap between the Premier League and EFL is well documented, with domestic and international broadcasting deals for the topflight worth billions. By contrast, EFL distributions are a fraction of that figure, meaning clubs must maximise every commercial opportunity in targeting the in-stadium audience.
For lower league clubs, digital assets offer sponsor visibility, flexible and interchangeable advertising space, premium matchday presentation and harness new local partnership opportunities – something the community-driven Stockport County relishes.
We're currently 25% up year-on-year in revenue and we've welcomed an eclectic mix of business from different sectors. The digital packages provided by ADI has given our partners a platform to put themselves at the forefront of Stockport fans and the wider business community.”
A Commercial Engine - digiBOARD
Digital perimeter systems are proven commercial drivers. Across the EFL, LED boards allow clubs to rotate multiple sponsors during any single match which allows for grander opportunities compared to static boards.
In Stockport County’s case, this means the club can promote more local brands per fixture, create tiered sponsorship packages, offer dynamic tailored content for specific moments and activate promotional opportunities that strengthen the club’s ties with local businesses.
Matchdays are about far more than the ninety minutes, and the digital boards allow us to create content that truly connects with our fans. They also help us build atmosphere - from player moments like 'Tanto's on Fire' to marriage proposals and themed celebrations such as Chinese New Year."
End-to-End Support
What sets ADI apart in the lower leagues is the depth of support. Stockport County receive Live Venue management of the digiBOARD system, pre-build playlists and content scheduling, a dedicated matchday technician, remote system support as standard and creative branding support for screen graphics.
It’s the same calibre of technology and service seen higher up the football pyramid and provides a commercial viable lifeline for League One and League Two clubs.
The matchday support gives us real confidence. From production and content creation to technical delivery, ADI provides the safety blanket which allows us to focus on delivering the best possible experience."
Competing with Noisy Neighbours
Based in Greater Manchester, Stockport County operates in arguably the most competitive footballing region in the world. By improving its digital infrastructure, the club has made its own space in elevating matchday experiences to rival higher division clubs.
Supporters now enjoy enhanced pre-match build up and in-bowl content, clearer replays and graphics along with a far more immersive stadium experience. Crucially though, local sponsors benefit from engaging with a Premier League worthy platform without Premier League pricing.
At Edgeley Park, we lean into the fan experience but digital exposure at Stockport County means appearing in front of a passionate local crowd and a growing national audience. It's about meaningful, targeted visibility that really benefits local businesses."
A Design for Lower League Clubs
Stockport County’s journey proves that digital infrastructure drives measurable revenue, community clubs can access a Premier League worthy platform and allow local partnerships to thrive due to better visibility.
By providing a full turnkey solution, an in-depth consultancy journey and end-to-end support, ADI has positioned the club for long-term commercial success.
For lower league clubs looking to beat off competition, attract new partners and modernise ageing infrastructure through digital assets, Stockport County’s story provides a compelling example of what’s possible.
Working with Stockport County show's what's possible when ambition is matched with the right digital strategy. From the outset, we delivered a full turnkey solution to create a commercially sustainable model for a League One club - combining digital infrastructure with consultancy, creative support and matchday delivery."
Read more on how Stadium LED and Perimeter Boards are becoming a necessity for lower league clubs
Interview and Visual Design Study shot, produced and edited by Jim Lynch.
Photography Courtesy of Oliver Brindley.
