Duncan Hughes, Author at Engage Hospitality

Engage’s December of Sport

Posted on December 4, 2024December 4, 2024 by Duncan Hughes

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us and throughout December Engage Hospitality have a bumper calendar of sporting events coming up. Throughout the festive period Engage are offering something for everyone with football, NFL, F1 and more. In this blog, we will take you through everything you need to know about the events coming up!

December is always renowned for being an action-packed sporting month. Boxing day football, Christmas Day NFL and NBA and the Formula 1 Finale all make for a month to remember as 2024 comes to a close.

Football

Domestic football at Christmas time is one of the most iconic sporting events of the year as teams usually play 3 games across ten days with the famous boxing day fixtures taking place as usual. The highlight for many football fans, boxing day fixtures are expected to have supporters glued as normal. Chelsea take on Fulham at Stamford Bridge in the West London derby whilst Liverpool host Leicester City, and Manchester City take on Everton all on the 26th December. Elsewhere on the 27th, Arsenal will welcome Ipswich Town to the Emirates Stadium.

With some fantastic fixtures for you to enjoy over December and beyond, check out Engage’s fantastic hospitality packages for you to watch the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup live from the best seats in the house.

NFL

The NFL is renowned for having fixtures on Christmas Day. This year there will be two games on the Big Day as the Kansas City Chiefs take on the Pittsburgh Steelers while the Baltimore Ravens take on the Houston Texans. The Chiefs are looking for their third consecutive Super Bowl title in 2025, maintaining their dominance from 2023 and 2024.

Throughout December there are games almost everyday in the NFL with the Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles all looking to cause upsets to the Chiefs in games that will prove pivotal come the Playoffs!

Fancy finding out if the Chiefs can retain their title once again? Engage are offering some brilliant packages for you to watch Superbowl LIX and NFL London with delicious dining experiences on offer!

NBA

Also boasting a Christmas Day showing is the NBA. The World’s most famous basketball league will be back on the best day of the year once again with three games on show. The San Antonio Spurs will welcome the New York Knicks, the Minnesota Timberwolves will host Dallas Mavericks and the champions, Boston Celtics, will travel to the Philadelphia 76ers as they look to defend their title.

There are also games throughout the entire month of December with teams battling it out in order to make the playoffs in Spring. The Celtics are on the hunt for their 19th NBA title as they look to extend their status as the most successful team in America.

Watch your favourite NBA stars in action in December then watch them live at NBA Paris in January. The Spurs will face Indiana Pacers in a double-header in the French capital and you can watch it in style with Engage.

Formula 1

Tempers flared and emotions were high as the penultimate race of the 2024 Formula 1 season took place in Qatar at the weekend. Max Verstappen was victorious once again in Qatar having sealed his fourth Championship a week earlier in Las Vegas. However, the drama wasn’t finished when the drivers crossed the line. Verstappen claimed he had ‘lost all respect’ for George Rusell after the Dutchman was handed a penalty and was upset by Russell’s behaviour in the stewards’ room. Meanwhile, in the race for the Constructors’ Championship there was controversy, with Lando Norris handed a penalty for speeding under yellow flags. As a result of the penalty, McLaren haven’t quite secured the title and it will be all to play for in the final race of the season.

The second week in December marks the finale of the Formula 1 Season as drivers make their way to the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi always makes for a spectacular venue for the final race of the season and 2024 will be no different. McLaren lead the way by just 21 points from Ferrari with the Constructors’ Championship all to play for!

Fancy watching the Formula 1 live? Find out for yourself if McLaren can win their first title since 1998 with Engage offering magnificent hospitality packages for you to watch the F1 finale in style! Can’t make it this year? Don’t worry, Engage are offering hospitality for every Formula 1 race in 2025 so you can celebrate Formula 1’s 75th anniversary wherever you are in the world! Packages will sell out fast so don’t hesitate, enquire with Engage now!

New Zealand vs England Test Preview

Posted on November 27, 2024November 27, 2024 by Duncan Hughes

England kick off their New Zealand Test Series on Wednesday as Brendon McCullum’s side travel to Christchurch in the first game of three on his home nation’s soil. The former Black Caps captain will hope to steer his side to victory after consecutive defeats to Pakistan back in October.

With England nowhere near their best in Asia, they will hope to turn this form around before they take on some more difficult fixtures this summer. Here at Engage we take a look at what to expect in New Zealand and what it could mean for the visit of India in 2025.

A series defeat for England in Pakistan raised questions on the quality of an England side who were spun to defeat in Asia. Pakistani spinners Norman Ali and Sajid Khan took 19 of the 20 England wickets in the final match of the series to complete a 2-1 series win, as a disappointing collapse saw England bowled out for 112.

England began the series in dominant style winning by an innings and 47 runs having put on an astonishing 823 runs in a single innings. Harry Brook and Joe Root made 579 between them in what was a magnificent display. However, England couldn’t repeat this thumping victory in the following games, ultimately leading to their downfall. If they are to travel to New Zealand with any chance of a result, they will certainly have to improve.

New Zealand vs England Test Series

Can England turn their fortunes around in New Zealand? New Zealand go into this one with their ‘tails up’. A convincing victory on their tour of India saw the Black Caps come away 3-0 series winners, and they will certainly be keen to do the same to their visitors. England will travel to Christchurch, Wellington and Hamilton as part of their tour in the hope they can cause an upset.

If England can set up well, there is no reason why they can’t claim victory in New Zealand. England make three changes from the team that lost to Pakistan. Jacob Bethell will make his test debut while Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse are introduced into the Eleven. Jamie Smith, Rehan Ahmed and Jack Leach are all left out Down Under with McCullum opting for pace bowling rather than spin. Meanwhile, Harry Brook’s impressive ‘triple-century’ in Pakistan sees him retain his place in the team.

With McCullum and Stokes hoping pace is the answer to their problems, they will be hoping New Zealand are unable to cope. With that said, it was spin-bowler Ravindra Jadeja who caused trouble for the Black Caps against India last time out taking 10 wickets in the final test. Should England have persisted with spin? Or will conditions be different on New Zealand soil?

If England are to beat New Zealand it will certainly bode them well for their future fixtures. The hosts will be seeking vengeance for their defeat to Pakistan with New Zealand expected to bear the brunt of their fury.

With both sides gunning for a result to end 2024 on a high, it’s hard to say who will come out on top. With conditions in New Zealand’s favour, they may go into this series as the favourites, but only just. If Ben Stokes can get his England side fired up, then they will be ruthless against any sides lacking their ‘A game’.

England vs India Test Series 2025

If you fancy watching Ben Stokes and his side live on English soil, why not check out the England vs India 2025 Test Series? Taking place across England at venues such as Edgbaston, Headingley and of course The Home of Cricket, come and watch the cricket with Engage Hospitality.

Engage are offering some wonderful packages for you to enjoy all of the action at Lord’s, Headingley, Edgbaston, the Kia Oval and Emirates Old Trafford. Experience hospitality like no other with magnificent experiences including luxury seating, talks from cricketing legends, beautiful food, afternoon tea and more from our ICON facilities!

Support England next year from the best seats in the house as they prepare for the 2025/26 Ashes Series in Australia!

The End of the 2024 Tennis Season

Posted on November 20, 2024November 20, 2024 by Duncan Hughes

The Nitto ATP Finals 2024 marked the end of the ATP World Tour and the close of the 2024 tennis season. It was Jannik Sinner who came out on top once again, as he beat American Taylor Fritz in straight sets to cement his position as World Number One. The Italian certainly looks poised to become a dominant force in this new era of tennis. Here at Engage we take a look back on the ATP World Finals as well as what we can expect in 2025!

The Nitto ATP Finals 2024

The ATP Finals are the final championship of the ATP Tour marking the completion of the tennis season. Since 2021, the finals have taken place in Turin, Italy and it has quickly become an iconic location. The finals are one of the highlights on the tennis calendar and the most significant behind the four majors. The finals feature the eight best players throughout the ATP season, with the finalists playing five games in total each.

Amongst those competing this year was Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev. Winners of the tournament include a whole host of great players such as Novak Djokovic, Boris Becker, Roger Federer and Pete Sampras to name a few.

Sinner capped off a remarkable year to take victory over Taylor Fritz in the final. Not only was he the first Italian to win the ATP Final, he was also the first player since 1986 to not lose a set on his road to victory, winning every match in straight sets. Sinner, who has had a remarkable year winning two Grand Slams as well, exclaimed that he ‘couldn’t have played better’ as he cemented his position as World Number 1.

Wimbledon winner Carlos Alcaraz, only managed to muster one victory as he was defeated in two group stage games against Casper Ruud and Alexander Zverev. Although he took victory at the China Open, the Spaniard’s end of season form has left room for improvement after less than impressive exits at the US Open and Cincinnati Open.

World Number 2 Alexander Zverev, looked strong in his first three games but saw defeat in the semi-final to a ruthless Taylor Fritz. Fritz beat the German 2 sets to 1 as he continued to the final. Zverev has two ATP Final wins to his name, however, no majors leaves him hungry for success in 2025.

What to expect in 2025?

After Jannik Sinner took victory in the Australian Open and US Open in 2024, to win his first major titles, as well as the ATP Finals at the weekend, can anyone stop the Italian in 2025?

Carlos Alcaraz will certainly try as he looks to defend his Wimbledon and French Open titles. The Spaniard shared the major honours with Sinner this year and there is no doubt they are set for another exciting battle once again in 2025.

World Number 2, Alexander Zverev will be keen to cause an upset amongst the two next season as he still hunts for his first major, while Taylor Fritz’s breakthrough season saw him climb the world rankings to number 4. Fritz was runner-up in the 2024 US Open to Sinner on home soil; the American will be keen to get revenge in front of his home fans in 2025.

Although not a feature in the ATP Final, Novak Djokovic will still be keen to add to his illustrious career. Arguably the greatest of all time, the 24-time Grand Slam title winner will be looking to add to his honours in 2025. For the first time since 2017, the Serbian failed to win a Grand Slam, however, he proved he still has what it takes with his Olympic Gold in Paris, and will still be in contention alongside the youngsters.

So can anyone stop Alcaraz and Sinner? It’s clear the pair plan to dominate tennis for years to come, but they’re not necessarily untouchable just yet. With Djokovic still an avid contender amongst others, the 2025 Grand Slams are all to play for!

Fancy finding out for yourself how the 2025 season will pan out? Check out Engage Hospitality’s fantastic packages for you to watch the tennis including the four Grand Slams: Wimbledon, the US Open, the French Open and the Australian Open! Watch from the best seats in the house with Engage to see who can take the honours next season!

Will Thomas Tuchel be England’s Saviour?

Posted on November 13, 2024November 13, 2024 by Duncan Hughes

The end of Gameweek 11 in the 2024/25 Premier League Season marks the beginning of the third International Break as teams from across Europe will take part in their last group stage fixtures of the UEFA Nations League. England will look to finish their League campaign with two victories against Greece and Ireland, having announced the appointment of new manager Thomas Tuchel, set to start in January. Here at Engage, we take a look at how England might set up under the new head coach.

Thomas Tuchel’s appointment came as a shock to many as the German man’s appointment brought a mixed reception from England fans. The former Chelsea manager who won the Champions League with the Blues, will not take charge until January, however, his appointment has brought a lot of controversy with it. Questions surrounding how good of a fit he will be for England have been raised with the coach’s managerial spells often being cut short.

With that said, Tuchel has won numerous trophies including Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and the Champions League. Can he steer England to their first trophy since 1966?

What has Tuchel won?

As mentioned, Tuchel’s CV is quite extraordinary with a great list of honours. Tuchel’s first trophy came at Borussia Dortmund when he won the DFB-Pokal in 2017 before being dismissed 3 days later after a difficult relationship with the board.

In 2018, he was appointed as PSG manager, winning the league in his first season at the club. The following season he won the domestic quadruple and took the French giants to the Champions League final where they were beaten by Bayern Munich. Another poor relationship with the club’s hierarchy saw him depart PSG in December 2020 with the highest win percentage in Ligue 1 history (75.6%).

Tuchel joined Chelsea signing an 18 month contract in January 2021, leading the Blues to Champions League glory in the same season with an unlikely victory over Manchester City in the final. He was dismissed from the club in 2023 after yet another disagreement over the club’s transfer strategies, with Chelsea Chairman Tedd Boehly describing Tuchel as a ‘nightmare’.

Tuchel’s final job before being announced as England manager was back in Germany at Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga title in 2023 and a Champions League semi-final was all that he could muster when he was dismissed just over a year after his appointment.

With an illustrious trophy cabinet and plenty of experience at some of the biggest clubs in Europe, can Tuchel deliver silverware for the Three Lions?

How might Tuchel set up?

Thomas Tuchel will begin his tenure in charge of England on 1st January 2025, signing an 18 month contract, which will see him in charge until after the 2026 World Cup. However, seeing how Tuchel will set up for the games leading up to 2026 will certainly be interesting.

Tuchel’s relationship with Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane may be one that benefits England with reports that the pair are happy to be ‘reunited’. The Englishman has proved pivotal in England’s success in recent tournaments and has excelled since making the move to Bayern Munich scoring 44 goals in 45 games under Tuchel. Fans will be keen to see how this relationship gels while in charge of England.

Tuchel’s tactics are characterised by flexibility and he is often described as a good ‘tournament manager’ which could help England when faced with major competitions. He is also not afraid to alter the lineup drastically, a refreshing change perhaps for some England fans, with many frustrated at Gareth Southgate’s stubborn team selections.

However, the worrying thing for England fans will be Tuchel’s tendency to cause fallouts in the setup. Southgate was credited for bringing a sense of togetherness to the England team, something which many England managers have struggled to do in the past. Will Tuchel’s past disagreements affect the England camp?

Furthermore, Tuchel’s nationality has also been debated by fans and pundits with the question raised about whether a non-English manager understands the desire for the Three Lions to win a trophy and what it means to be England manager. He is only the third non-English manager to take control of England, however, his time in England at Chelsea will bode him well as he takes the reins at one of football’s most difficult managerial jobs.

So can Tuchel change England’s misfortune? Two European final defeats and a World Cup semi-final, Southgate couldn’t quite get England over the line. However, with a new man at the helm, can he steer England to their first trophy since 1966? Find out with Engage Hospitality! Check out their brilliant packages to watch England vs Republic of Ireland as well as all of their games at Wembley Stadium in the build up to the 2026 World Cup!

Can Ruben Amorim turn Manchester Red again?

Posted on November 6, 2024November 6, 2024 by Duncan Hughes

A disappointing start to the season for Manchester United sees the Premier League giants on 12 points in 10 games as they sit 13th in the league, while their Europa League form doesn’t boast many positives either. The woeful start is their worst since the inception of the Premier League and it has led to the departure of manager Erik Ten Hag. The Dutchman was appointed in June 2022 and won both the League Cup and FA Cup before being sacked, with his league form leaving much to be desired.

Replacing Ten Hag on the 11th November will be former Portuguese international, Ruben Amorim. Here at Engage we take a look at what Amorim’s appointment could mean for the Red Devils and their hunt for a trophy this campaign.

What trophies has Amorim won?

Amorim spent the majority of his career at Belenenses and Benfica making 237 appearances throughout his club career, alongside 14 caps at senior international level with Portugal. The midfielder won Liga Portugal three times as a player with Benfica and the Portuguese League Cup 6 times with both Benfica and Braga; United will be eager that he can carry his title winning mentality into the club’s dressing room.

Currently manager at Sporting CP, Amorim has quite the record there as well. Since becoming manager of the Portuguese giants in March 2020, he has won the League Cup and Liga Portugal twice as well as the Portuguese Super Cup. Amorim’s side are unbeaten in all competitions this season, with two wins in the Champions League to match their 100% win record in Liga Portugal. Since his appointment he has won 71% of his games at Sporting.

Amorim will be hoping he can transfer his perfect start to the league campaign across to Manchester with the Red Devils only on three victories all season. His first game in charge will be away to newly promoted Ipswich Town with The Tractor Boys still hunting for their first win of the Premier League 2024/25 season.

Can Amorim turn United’s fortunes around?

Amorim’s 71% win record at Sporting certainly suggests a sign of a positive appointment for Manchester United fans, however, defeats to a struggling West Ham side as well as 3-0 thumpings at home to Liverpool and Tottenham, it certainly isn’t looking good.

Although the title race may be out of the question, they have progressed to the quarter finals of the League Cup and are still very much competitive in the Europa League. If Amorim can turn their form around, then United could still be in the hunt for three trophies this year as they look to regain their League Cup title from 2023 and defend their FA Cup title having beaten their neighbours, Manchester City, in the final last year.

A brilliant 4-1 win for Sporting over City on Tuesday night in the Champions League, also brings a lot of hope at the prospect of Amorim being able to propel the Reds back to their best. Can he replicate this historic victory at Old Trafford with United?

If Amorim is to continue his impressive managerial record in Manchester, can we see Manchester United back to their very best? Between 1993 and 2013, the red side of Manchester won an astonishing 13 top flight titles dominating English football, is there any possibility they can repeat this feat under Amorim?

Fancy finding out for yourself how Ruben Amorim will get on at Old Trafford? Check out Engage Hospitality’s fantastic packages for you to watch Manchester United in action in the Premier League, live from the Theatre of Dreams. Discover hospitality packages like no other including Hotel Football and Evolution, and dine in luxury surrounded by footballing legends! Enquire now!

Can McLaren pull off an upset?

Posted on October 31, 2024October 31, 2024 by Duncan Hughes

The Mexican Grand Prix on Sunday saw Carlos Sainz take his second victory of the season marking the 20th race of the 2024 Formula 1 Campaign. The Spaniard took the win over McLaren’s Lando Norris to win vital points for Ferrari in the Constructors’ title race. The result means with only four races to go, it is all to play for. Here at Engage we take a look at how the rest of the season may pan out.

A great race and a vital win for Ferrari saw them close the gap on McLaren but Mexico certainly wasn’t without its drama. Three-time World Champion, Max Verstappen, finished in 6th place after he was awarded a 10-second time penalty for two separate incidents involving Lando Norris.

It was the second consecutive week the pair had clashed after an incident the week prior in the US when Norris tried to overtake Verstappen and both ended up off the track. The incident in Mexico only added fuel to the fire for an already bubbling rivalry, with Damon Hill describing Verstappen’s racing as like Wacky Races’ character ‘Dick Dastardly’. The spat saw Verstappen’s lead in the Drivers’ Championship over Norris go down to 47 points with four races to go.

Who will win the Drivers’ Championship?

Max Verstappen’s dominance from last season seems to be a thing of the past this year, however, he still leads the way with seven victories. There have been seven different winners this year across 20 races this season, suggesting the playing field is levelling out compared to his 19 wins last year, an astonishing record.

Lando Norris is in hot pursuit of the Dutchman as the Brit tries to claim his first ever World Championship, however, with at least 12 points per race more needed to surpass Verstappen, is it just out of his reach?

Norris is closely followed by Charles Leclerc with the pair tied on 3 wins while Norris’ teammate Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz round up the top 5 with two victories.

The title race is certainly closer than last year and it’s safe to say if Norris can get substantial points this weekend in Brazil, the last three races will be gripping.

Who will win the Constructors’
Championship?

There is a three-way battle for the Constructors’ Championship with Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull all in the race for the title. Red Bull find themselves in third place on 512 points, a far cry from their comfortable victory in 2023 where they won by an astonishing margin of 451 points. With seven wins in 2024, all courtesy of Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez risks his future in the team as the Mexican has only 4 podiums in 2024. Perez, who finished 17th in his home race on Sunday, may see his Red Bull career coming to an end.

After Carlos Sainz took victory on Sunday and Charles Leclerc finished third, Ferrari saw both drivers take to the podium finding themselves in 2nd place with four races to go. The team in red have been quietly consistent this year with 5 victories and 18 podiums in 2024. For their efforts they have gained 537 points and certainly hold a good position going into the last four. Could they win their first title since 2008?

However, leading the way is McLaren. The team consisting of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, lead the Constructors’ with 566 points. McLaren haven’t won the title since 1998 and after a 26 year absence at the top, they will be looking to change that narrative. With 5 wins and 19 podiums, they are certainly looking likely to do it, but can they hold on with only four races to go?

Next Up

So will Verstappen defend his title? This weekend the F1 heads to Brazil as drivers will battle it out to gain points for themselves and their team. Will we see more drama as Norris and Verstappen go head-to-head? Or will their rivalry prove too much for the pair to handle, opening up the opportunity for Ferrari to snatch the Constructors’ title?

It’s safe to say all three teams will be cautious of a possible upset if Verstappen and Norris carry their spat into the final four races, something Ferrari will definitely be looking to take advantage of.

Fancy finding out for yourself how the final races will pan out? Check out Engage Hospitality’s brilliant Formula 1 packages to watch the rest of the season live from Brazil, Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi! Don’t worry if you can’t make the rest of the 2024 campaign, after the battles of this season, Formula 1 in 2025 is about to be a cracker. Next year marks the 75th anniversary of Formula 1 and Engage have you covered for every single race! Don’t miss it!

Engage’s Premier League Hospitality Options

Posted on October 23, 2024October 23, 2024 by Duncan Hughes

With the International Break coming to a close and the Premier League returning, the action was back like it has never been away. Shock results, great goals and some freak moments made for a fantastic Premier League Gameweek with plenty of action on show. Want to see it for yourself? Here at Engage we take a look at all of your options to watch the Premier League live at a whole host of venues including some of the best sides in World Football!

Chelsea

First up on the list of Engage’s Premier League hospitality is at Stamford Bridge, the home of Chelsea FC. The London side are one of the biggest clubs in England with 5 Premier League titles, 8 FA Cups and 2 Champions League trophies.

Fancy watching the famous club live? Engage have some magnificent hospitality options for you to indulge in! The Champions’ Club is a wonderful place to start offering East Stand Middle Tier padded seating as well as a three course buffet and more! It is also the only hospitality in the ground offering East Stand seating while the Tambling Suite, Under The Bridge and Museum hospitality are all situated in the West Stand. Each hospitality option offers delicious food and drink while the Museum features a stunning pre-match stadium tour with table dining and a complimentary bar for a more luxurious choice!

Stamford Bridge hospitality suite prepared for matchday

Arsenal FC

Having been so close to Premier League glory in the previous two seasons, Arsenal look to be enthralled in yet another exciting title race. Mikel Arteta’s side have been in amongst it right until the very end in the last couple of seasons, only to be pipped by Manchester City. Can they finally do it this season?

Fancy finding out if they can do it live from the Emirates Stadium? Engage are providing Premium Hospitality at the North London stadium that will cater to everyone’s hospitality needs. Hospitality at the Emirates Stadium includes premium match seats, fantastic onsite hospitality and a complimentary matchday programme to keep as a souvenir! For more information, enquire with us!

Tottenham Hotspur

Staying in North London, and the Gunners’ noisy neighbours, Tottenham are another Premier League club that Engage offer hospitality for. Ange Postecoglou’s Lilywhites finished in 5th place last season to secure Europa League football for the first time in two years and they will be hoping to secure a top four spot this season.

Spurs’ new home, The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, was opened in 2019 as a replacement for the iconic White Hart Lane and this stunning new venue has certainly delivered since its introduction. This state of the art sports theatre sees Spurs play all of their home games here, as well as hosting concerts and American Football. Want to see inside this incredible stadium’s modern hospitality? Here at Engage we offer a magnificent opportunity for you to experience the Travel Club, Tottenham’s famous hospitality suite, with VIP seating in the North-East Corner, complimentary food and drink and even a talk from Spurs legends!

Manchester United

One of the biggest clubs in the world, Manchester United have won everything there is to win. With 20 First Division/Premier League titles, 13 FA Cups and 3 Champions League trophies, the Red Devils are one of the most renowned names in world football. They won their 13th FA Cup last season, although their league form has left room for improvement in recent years. Old Trafford, also known as The Theatre of Dreams, is perhaps one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world and you can be there to experience the phenomenal atmosphere yourself!

Here at Engage we have two brilliant packages for you, Hotel Football and Evolution. Hotel Football includes a delicious menu provided by our talented chefs with the mouth-watering ingredients sure to suit your appetite, complimentary drinks, a Q&A with a Manchester United legend and more! Meanwhile Evolution includes Champagne and Canapés upon arrival, VIP seating in the North East Quadrant and a three-course á la carte menu!

Manchester City

The other side of Manchester, Manchester City, have enjoyed rich success in recent years. Treble winners in 2023 and four consecutive Premier League titles make City one of the best clubs in the world at the moment and they don’t look like stopping. Attending a game at the Etihad to see Pep Guardiola’s side is a must visit!

Come along to The Tunnel Club, a hospitality package like no other! Enjoy the unique experience of watching the first team arrive as well as VIP heated seats just metres away from your favourite players in the dugout! Not to mention, the beautiful 11 course bowl food menu offered before and after the game as well as a complimentary bar! Feel like a winner while you watch the Champions with Engage!

Liverpool FC

Last, but certainly not least, Liverpool are the final team that Engage offer hospitality for. Boasting impressive honours, the Merseyside Reds are a team steeped in history from multiple Champions League trophies to 19 Top Flight title wins, they have won everything! Step into Anfield with Engage and watch one of England’s most successful sides!

Check out Anfield’s Premium Hospitality with Engage including brilliant fine-dining options, VIP seating and more. Enquire now to find out more about your dream matchday!

With a magnificent range of hospitality available throughout the Premier League 2024/2025 season, here at Engage we have something for everyone! Come and watch the stars in action this season from the best seats in the house!

NBA Season 2024/25: Key Teams and Key Players

Posted on October 21, 2024October 21, 2024 by Duncan Hughes

After an exciting 2023/24 campaign, next week marks the beginning of the 2024/25 NBA season. With the Preseason well underway and another thrilling campaign in store, here at Engage we take you through everything you need to know, including key teams, key players and NBA Paris 2025!

The 2023/24 NBA season saw Boston Celtics win their first title since 2008 as they beat Dallas Mavericks 4 games to 1, with a game 5 win of 106-88. A commanding victory for the Celtics saw them become record holders for the most NBA Championship wins with 18 victories to go ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers. It was the Mavericks’ third appearance in the NBA finals having only won the competition once back in 2011. The Celtics will be keen to expand on their record and success of 2024 by going one better this season and winning their first consecutive titles since 1969.

Key Teams to Watch out for in 2025

Aside from the Celtics, who else can we see challenge for the title this season? The Mavericks will be keen to make amends for their agonising defeat in June, however, Preseason hasn’t been all plain sailing for the Texan side. They have begun the Preseason with three defeats to find themselves struggling for form. They will certainly have to show signs of improvements if they are to surpass the heights of last season.

The Celtics, on the other hand, have carried on their form from last season with 4 out of 5 wins in Preseason so far as they look to carry on their success. Teams with a 100% win record so far include New York Knicks with four wins and Golden State Warriors with five wins. The Knicks were knocked out by the Indiana Pacers in the quarter-final of last season’s Playoffs, narrowly slipping to a one game defeat. However, after an unbeaten Preseason so far, they will certainly have eyes on their first title since 1973!

The Pacers saw a semi-final defeat to eventual champions the Celtics, having only made one appearance in the final in their history, losing to Los Angeles Lakers back in 2000. The Pacers have won one and lost twice in Preseason with the aim of reaching the final next June.

The Warriors had a slightly mediocre campaign last year as they were defeated in the play-ins, failing to make the Playoffs. Winners in 2022, the Warriors will be keen to add to their seven titles already and have shown their intent with a perfect start.

2023 Champions Denver Nuggets have struggled to get off the ground in the Preseason at all so far, having been defeated in four consecutive games. If they are to have any chance of regaining the Larry O’Brien Championship trophy, they will need to turn their fortunes around quickly!

Fans spectate at The O2 Arena during the NBA London Game in 2018

NBA Paris Hospitality

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Players to Watch in 2024/25

With the teams battling it out to be crowned NBA Champions, who can make the difference for their sides this year?

Last season the Mavericks’ Luka Doncic led the Championship’s offensive stats with an average of 33.9 points while Domantas Sabonis boasted the best defensive stats with 13.7 rebounds. Meanwhile Victor Wembanyama made an average of 3.6 blocks per game for San Antonio Spurs while Tyrese Haliburton made the most assists on average with 10.9 per game for the Pacers.

These four will be keen to impress once again this season and help their teams battle it out towards Championship glory.

As far as Preseason is concerned, Anthony Edwards leads the way in the offensive stats with an average of 23.5 points per game for the Minnesota Timberwolves while Sabonis once again leads the way for the Sacramento Kings in the hope he can propel his team to a victorious campaign.

With some fantastic players on show, can anyone drive their team to the Championship title and be the hero in 2025?

NBA Paris 2025

Fancy being there to see the action yourself? Engage Hospitality are offering you a fantastic opportunity to watch the NBA live from the best seats in the house in Paris! As part of the NBA’s global expansion, this brilliant opportunity to see your favourites at NBA Paris 2025 is one you must not miss!

Watch as the San Antonio Spurs take on the Indiana Pacers twice with both games expected to be a thrilling encounter. It will see Victor Wembanyama return to his home nation to play, with fans of the NBA star expected to be out in force. Wembanyama scored an average of 21.4 points per game last season and the Frenchman will be keen to perform on home turf.

NBA Paris 2025 will take place on the 23rd and 25th January 2025 and will be the fourth time the Championship has travelled to Paris. Check out Engage Hospitality to watch all of the action from NBA Paris with the best hospitality seats on offer!

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025

Posted on October 18, 2024October 18, 2024 by Duncan Hughes

After a wonderful event in 2024, showcasing some of the best nature that Britain has to offer, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show will be back in 2025. The world-renowned flower show is back for another year with beautiful flowers on show and delicious food and drink produced in an environmentally friendly way.

This Spring, Engage will be hosting some fantastic hospitality options for you to enjoy Chelsea Flower Show and in this blog we talk you through what to expect, when it is and the brilliant hospitality packages available.

What is the RHS Chelsea Flower Show?

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is a Spring flower show held every May taking place across five days. Beginning in 1862, it originally took place at venues including Kensington and Temple Gardens before moving to Chelsea in 1912. Since then, this wonderful show of nature, often named as the Great Spring Show, has taken place every year in the Royal Hospital Chelsea grounds.

The Flower Show is attended by 157,000 visitors every year and is presented on national television while new plants are displayed as well as varieties of old ones. It is also renowned for its visits from the Royal Family with the Queen having been a big supporter of the event throughout her lifetime, while King Charles III and Queen Camilla visited in 2024.

Designers and Gardeners will battle it out each year in an attempt to win awards for their displays including competitions from floral exhibits to exhibits of scientific interest . They are graded in four ways: gold, silver-gilt, silver and bronze.

When does it take place?

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes place every Spring in the month of May with five days of stunning nature in store. In 2025 the show will take place from Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th May with something for everyone to enjoy. From Tuesday to Thursday the show will open from 8am-8pm, 8am-10:30pm on Friday with Saturday rounding off the event from 8am-5:30pm.

Although the flower show doesn’t have a strict dress code, there is a smart casual approach to the event. Consider wearing smart clothing that is comfortable such as a collared shirt for men or a day-dress for women, being mindful of the fluctuating British weather!

If you’re a vegetable gardener, revel in the Knightian award category for exhibits of vegetables and herbs. Perhaps you’re a fan of floral arrangements and want to immerse yourself in the Grenfell award for exhibits of pictures, floristry and photographs! With something that all gardening fans can get involved in, you don’t want to miss this!

Hospitality on Offer at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025

Fancy being there to see the action while finding yourself in the presence of royalty? Look no further than Engage and check out our fantastic hospitality options to keep you entertained throughout the five-day event!

Engage are providing two hospitality packages across the five days: the Spring Meridian and the Spring Nocturne. The Spring Meridian is for those who plan to spend the day at the event from 8am until 5pm. Taking place in the Spring Garden, this wonderful hospitality venue has partnered up with chefs Skye Gyngell and José Pizarro to provide a brilliant ‘farm-to-fork’ menu focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients taken straight from the earth with minimal disruption to the environment.

We have an action-packed day planned out for you as well, from a light breakfast at 9am, delicious hand-crafted cocktails at 11:30, lunch at 12pm and afternoon tea, a day with us at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 doesn’t get much better!

Can’t make the daytime celebrations? Don’t worry, we are offering an exciting hospitality package with the Spring Nocturne option too! This involves an evening package with the Spring Garden opening at 6pm. Champagne and canapés are served just before a luscious dinner dished up by some of the best chefs in the country, before the Fromagerie station opens, offering a magnificent selection of cheese and wine.

Enjoy either of these hospitality packages in our private chalets or shared tables to make your visit to RHS Chelsea Flower Show perfect! What better way to spend your day than with Engage Hospitality at this iconic event!

2025 Tennis Grand Slams: Key Dates and Players to Watch

Posted on October 14, 2024October 14, 2024 by Duncan Hughes

After an exciting year of tennis tournaments across the world, the end of the US Open marked the final Grand Slam of 2024. World Number 1, Janik Sinner took the men’s singles title while Aryna Sabalenka won her third Grand Slam in the women’s singles. Incidentally, Sinner and Sabalenka’s wins on the hard were both their second Grand Slams of the season with both previously having won the Australian Open in January. With 2025 fast approaching, will the pair be able to repeat their impressive campaigns? Here at Engage we take you through all you need to know for the 2025 Tennis Grand Slams calendar!

Australian Open 2025, 6th-26th January

First up on the Grand Slam calendar will be the hotly contested Australian Open. Taking place on the hard courts of Melbourne Park, the best stars in tennis will travel from across the world in the hope of kicking off their 2025 with a Grand Slam.

In the men’s singles, Janik Sinner saw off former World Number 1, Novak Djokovic before beating Daniil Medvedev in the final having been 2 sets down. It was the Italian’s first Grand Slam win and a breakthrough victory that had been on the cards for a while, upsetting favourite Novak Djokovic in the process.

Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka was victorious in the women’s singles after beating Coco Gauff in the semi-final before facing up to Chinese star Qinwen Zheng in the final. Sabalenka won in straight sets conceding only 5 total games to Zheng, capping off a dominant final and defending her Australian Open title.

French Open 2025, 25th May-8th June

A long break between Grand Slams awaits players between the Australian Open and the French Open, however, the four month gap is certainly worth the wait as players take to the clay at the iconic Paris venue. More commonly known as Roland-Garros, this iconic tournament has taken place in the French capital since 1891 boasting winners such as Rafael Nadal, Bjorn Borg, Steffi Graf and Serena Williams.

In 2024, it was Carlos Alcaraz who won the men’s singles title. After a close fought battle with Sinner in the semi-finals. The Spaniard came out on top before beating Alexander Zverev to win his third Grand Slam and his first of 2024.

As far as the women’s singles was concerned, it was a comfortable victory for World Number 1 Iga Świątek defeating Jasmine Paolini in straight sets. With the win, Świątek claimed her fourth Roland-Garros title and her fifth Grand Slam to establish herself as one of the greats. Astonishingly, she only lost one set across the entire tournament! It was another agonising semi-final defeat for Coco Gauff as she fell victim to the Pole’s dominance on the clay.

Can Świątek produce yet another title on the clay in 2025?

Wimbledon 2025, 30th June-13th July

Perhaps the most prestigious tournament, 2025 will see Wimbledon take place once again in London. The grass tournament that has taken place since 1877 has seen the best of tennis over the years and will continue to do so in 2025. In possibly the biggest Grand Slam, will we see one of the usuals take the title or will there be an upset in 2025?

In 2024, Carlos Alcaraz made it two Grand Slams in a row as a spectacular display saw him defeat former World Number 1, Novak Djokovic in straight sets. The Spaniard looked unstoppable capitalising on the Serbian’s bad day and his own impressive form to win consecutive Wimbledon titles. It was an upset that perhaps marks the start of a new era in tennis after Djokovic’s brilliance for so many years.

Meanwhile, the women’s singles saw an unexpected result as Barbora Krejčíková took victory in a tense final. Krejčíková who has had a difficult season due to injury won only her second Grand Slam to add to her French Open title from 2021. Unfortunately for Jasmine Paolini it was another final defeat as the Italian came up short once again. She will be eager to challenge for the honours in 2025 and redeem herself in both competitions.

US Open 2025, 25th August-7th September

The final Grand Slam of the season comes in the form of the US Open as players will battle it out for the final major of the year in New York. In what is expected to be a thrilling spectacle, the best players from all over the world give it their all in the hope that they can come away with a Grand Slam title at the end of the season.

This year saw Jannik Sinner claim his second title of the year winning straight sets in both the semi-final and the final. The Italian beat home-favourite Taylor Fritz in a dominant contest at the Arthur Ashe Stadium showing no mercy in front of the American crowd. It will be an interesting battle between Sinner and Alcaraz next season and where the Grand Slam titles will go in 2025 as they look to be the next players to conquer men’s tennis.

Aryna Sabalenka claimed her second title of the year, also defeating a member of the host nation, Jess Pegula, in straight sets. It’s difficult to say who will dominate women’s tennis in 2025 but both Sabalenka and Świątek certainly make a good case for it. However, they will be wary of Paolini and Gauff amongst others where the World Number 1 spot is less stable than the men’s game.

Four Grand Slams, four countries, eight individual winners. Who will take the honours in 2025 in what is expected to be another thrilling year for tennis? Can Jannik Sinner cement himself as World Number 1? Will Aryna Sabalenka be able to overcome Iga Świątek and regain the number 1 spot? Find out from the best seats in the house, with Engage offering all of the best hospitality at the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open!