Author: Jack Smith

US Open Round-Up: What’s Next for Tennis?

Posted on by Jack Smith

The 2026 US Open finished on Sunday night at Flushing Meadows, and it closed a season that has been anything but predictable.

Alexander Zverev and Elena Rybakina go home with the singles titles. Both beat the player most people expected to beat them. Here is how New York played out, and where tennis goes from here.

Zverev completes the job

Zverev beat Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 in the men’s final to take his second major title of the season, having won the French Open earlier in the year and reached the final at Wimbledon.

For a player who spent most of a decade being described as the best without a Grand Slam, 2026 has rewritten the story. He arrived in New York as the top seed for the first time at a major and left with the trophy.

The final itself was controlled rather than dramatic. Shelton took the third set and gave the Arthur Ashe crowd something to shout about, but Zverev broke early in the fourth and never looked like giving it back.

Shelton’s run, and America’s wait goes on

Shelton’s fortnight was the story of the men’s draw.

His quarter-final against Carlos Alcaraz finished at 3:33am, the latest finish in US Open history, and it took a fifth set tiebreak to separate them. He then came through against Frances Tiafoe to reach a first major final.

In doing so he became the first African-American man to reach any Grand Slam final since MaliVai Washington at Wimbledon in 1996, and the first at the US Open since Arthur Ashe in 1972.

The wider American wait continues. Andy Roddick, in 2003, remains the last American man to win a major singles title.

A draw without the usual names

The men’s tournament was missing several of the people you would normally expect to see in the second week.

World number one Jannik Sinner withdrew, the first time a reigning world number one has not played the US Open. Alcaraz was playing his first singles event in over four months after a wrist injury, and went out in that Shelton quarter-final.

Novak Djokovic lost in the first round to Mariano Navone, only the third opening round defeat of his career at a major and his first in New York. It was also the first time since the 2003 French Open that none of Djokovic, Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal reached the second round of a Grand Slam.

Whatever you call that, the generational shift is no longer approaching. It has happened.

Rybakina beats Sabalenka again

Elena Rybakina beat defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 in the women’s final to win her first US Open title.

It is her third major overall, after Wimbledon in 2022, and her second of 2026 following the Australian Open in January. She beat Sabalenka in both finals.

Sabalenka has now lost five major finals, including the last two Australian Opens. She remains the most consistent player on the tour and the hardest to get past over two weeks, which makes the record harder to explain rather than easier.

Elsewhere in the draw, Zheng Qinwen came back from 0-5 down in a set in consecutive matches, and all four women’s quarter-finals went to three sets.

The tournament also paid out a record $108 million in total player compensation, up 21 per cent on 2025, with each singles champion taking $5.5 million.

British interest ended early

It was a difficult fortnight for British players in singles.

Emma Raducanu, the 2021 champion, withdrew with a stress fracture in her right leg. Jack Draper also missed the tournament through injury, having been due to play qualifying.

Cameron Norrie went in as British number one. Arthur Fery, who reached the Wimbledon semi-finals earlier this summer, made a US Open main draw for the first time and lost to Lorenzo Musetti in the first round. Jacob Fearnley came through qualifying and went out in the second round to Tomas Martin Etcheverry after a three hour and twenty minute match.

British doubles remains the healthier story, with several players reaching the third round in the men’s event.

What’s next for tennis

The tour does not stop. It moves.

The Asian swing comes first, taking in Tokyo, Beijing and the Shanghai Masters through late September and October. That is where the race for the year-end rankings usually gets decided.

Before that, the Laver Cup returns to London. Team Europe and Team World meet at The O2 from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 September, the ninth edition and London’s second after the 2022 event that ended Roger Federer’s career.

Team World arrive as defending champions, having won in San Francisco last year and taken three of the last four titles. Yannick Noah’s Team Europe includes Zverev, fresh from New York, alongside Carlos Alcaraz, Flavio Cobolli, Jakub Mensik, Rafael Jodar and Casper Ruud. Andre Agassi’s Team World includes Shelton, Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur, Alexander Bublik and Learner Tien.

The format is worth understanding before you go. It is not a knockout draw. It runs as one long contest across three days, with wins worth one point on Friday, two on Saturday and three on Sunday, and the first team to 13 points takes it. That scoring is why the Sunday session carries the most weight and why the result can swing late.

After that comes the indoor season, the ATP and WTA Finals in November, and then the reset in Melbourne in January.

Booking Ahead: What Sells Out First for 2027

Posted on by Jack Smith

Every year, the same thing happens. A client calls in April asking about the Ashes Test at Lord’s, and the answer is no. Not because prices have gone up, but because the inventory went months earlier to people who picked up the phone in October.

If you are planning 2027 hospitality packages for your business, the next few weeks matter more than the next few months. Here is what tends to go first, and roughly when.

The Ashes will go before anything else

Australia arrive in England next summer holding the urn, and the schedule is now confirmed. Trent Bridge opens the series on 18 June, followed by Lord’s from 30 June, Edgbaston from 8 July, the Utilita Bowl from 21 July and The Kia Oval from 29 July.

Two things make this series different from a normal home summer.

The first is that Southampton hosts a men’s Ashes Test for the first time. Demand for a new venue is always harder to predict, and hospitality allocations there are smaller than at Lord’s or The Oval.

The second is that no Test is being played north of Nottingham. Old Trafford and Headingley both missed out, which pushes a large northern audience towards Trent Bridge and Edgbaston. Those two grounds will feel tighter than usual.

Days two and three of each Test are what corporate buyers want, because a Friday or Saturday works for guests and the cricket has usually settled into a story by then. Those days sell out well ahead of days one, four and five.

If the Ashes is on your list at all, treat it as a decision to make before Christmas rather than in the new year.

Six Nations moves quickly because the window is short

The 2027 Championship runs from 5 February to 13 March, opening with Ireland against England in Dublin on a Friday night.

England’s home fixtures are the ones to watch. France come to Twickenham on 14 February, Italy visit in round three, and Scotland arrive on Super Saturday on 13 March.

England against France is the fixture that clears first, every time. It is a short campaign with only three home dates, so there is no second chance later in the tournament. Hospitality for the 2027 Championship has already been on sale for several months at some unions.

Royal Ascot goes by day, not by week

The Royal Meeting runs from Tuesday 15 June to Saturday 19 June 2027.

Availability here behaves differently to football or cricket. Thursday, which is Gold Cup day and Ladies’ Day, and Saturday are the days that close first. Tuesday and Wednesday hold on longer and often represent better value for a client group, because the racing is strong and the enclosures are less crowded.

If you have a fixed budget and flexibility on the day, booking early gives you the choice. Booking late means the day picks you.

Silverstone is a three day commitment

The British Grand Prix runs from Friday 2 July to Sunday 4 July 2027.

Sunday hospitality is the first to go, and the Paddock Club allocation is finite in a way that grandstand tickets are not. Friday and Saturday are quieter, cheaper and genuinely worth considering if you are hosting a group that wants access and conversation more than the race itself.

Silverstone also has a travel and accommodation problem attached to it. Hotels within a sensible radius book up long before the hospitality does, so a package secured in October is a very different proposition to one secured in May.

The real issue is June and July 2027

Look at the dates together and the picture changes.

Royal Ascot finishes on 19 June. The first Ashes Test starts on 18 June. The Lord’s Test runs from 30 June to 4 July. The British Grand Prix runs from 2 to 4 July. Wimbledon sits across the same fortnight.

That is a five week window holding most of what the UK market wants, with suppliers, caterers, staff and hotel stock all being drawn on at once. Late availability in that period is thinner than it looks on a fixture list, and pricing reflects it.

If your entertaining plan for 2027 sits anywhere in that window, the case for booking early is not just about getting a seat. It is about getting the right day, the right suite and a room within half an hour of the venue.

What to do in the next month

Start with your guest list rather than the fixture list. Work out who you need to entertain next year and what they actually enjoy, then map that against the dates above.

Decide which one or two events you are not willing to miss, and register interest or confirm those now. For everything else, note when hospitality typically goes on sale and diarise it.

We wrote in August about why the second half of the year is the better time to book corporate hospitality. That applies more to 2027 than most years, because an Ashes summer compresses everything around it.

If you want a view on availability for a specific fixture, or a plan built around a budget and a number of guests, get in touch and we will talk it through.

Formula 1: Monza 2026 Race Round-Up and Madrid Grand Prix Preview

Posted on by Jack Smith

Upcoming Races: Spanish Grand Prix™ in Madrid | Azerbaijan Grand Prix™ | Bahrain Grand Prix™ in Malaysia | Singapore Grand Prix™

Race Round-Up: Formula 1 Pirelli Gran Premio d’Italia 2026

Kimi Antonelli won his home Grand Prix from 19th on the grid, becoming the first Italian to win at Monza in sixty years. Ferrari, meanwhile, suffered one of the more painful home weekends in recent memory, and Pierre Gasly’s astonishing maiden pole for Alpine came to very little. Antonelli now leads teammate George Russell by 66 points with six rounds left.

Qualifying: Gasly’s Shock Pole

Nobody saw this coming. Gasly put his Alpine on pole at Monza, ending a nine-year wait for his first Formula 1 pole and beating Russell by six hundredths of a second.

Mercedes were unhappy about how that margin came about. With Antonelli already committed to a back-of-grid engine penalty, the team sent him out to tow Russell down the straights. Verstappen appeared to have other ideas, backing the pack up so that Russell ended up far closer to the Red Bull than his engineers wanted. Toto Wolff said afterwards that his driver had been done over by Verstappen, and that the crowding cost him pole.

Oscar Piastri set the third-fastest time but lost three places for impeding Liam Lawson, promoting both Ferraris to third and fourth ahead of Verstappen. Antonelli started 19th, having exceeded his power unit allocation.

Race Day at Monza

Ferrari’s Race Lasted Three Laps

Gasly held the lead into Turn 1, which was the last thing that went to plan for anyone in red. Hamilton dived down the inside of Leclerc at the first chicane, which left him on the outside for the second part of the sequence, and Leclerc did not leave him room. Hamilton was shuffled onto the gravel and dropped to tenth. Ferrari’s plan to work together in the slipstream at their own Grand Prix lasted seconds.

Worse followed. At the end of lap two, Leclerc was defending from Piastri through Parabolica when the rear let go. He hit the barrier in an impact later reported at around 50g, bringing out the red flag. He climbed out unaided, but Ferrari’s home race was effectively over.

Antonelli had already carved his way from 19th to 12th.

Antonelli Takes Over

Racing resumed with a standing start, Russell leading from Gasly. Antonelli, on fresh mediums, was up to sixth and moving quickly. Verstappen led by lap 12 before both Mercedes arrived in his mirrors, and Antonelli took the lead from Russell at the start of lap 18.

Lance Stroll’s retirement then brought out a Virtual Safety Car, and Mercedes used it to pit Antonelli for fresh tyres while leaving Russell out on used hards. That was the decisive call. Antonelli came back at his teammate with a significant tyre advantage, made the move stick on the run to Ascari with a handful of laps to go, and took the flag 3.8 seconds clear.

Whether that tempers the achievement is a fair debate, given he effectively won from 12th on the restart grid and the VSC timing helped. Take nothing away from the drive, though. Once he reached the leading pack, he looked inevitable.

How They Finished

Verstappen salvaged third, with Norris and Piastri fourth and fifth for a McLaren team that never had the pace to trouble the front. Hamilton recovered to sixth. Gasly’s pole converted to seventh, ahead of Arvid Lindblad, Franco Colapinto and Yuki Tsunoda, who took the final point on his second stand-in appearance.

Formula 1 2026 Season

Six rounds remain in a season that has already delivered a first-time pole winner and a comeback win from the back of the grid. Engage Hospitality is an Official Formula 1® Paddock Club™ Authorised Distributor, with premium access across the remainder of the calendar.

F1 standings for 2026

Position Driver Team Wins Podiums Points 
1 Kimi AntonelliMercedes 711267
2 George RussellMercedes27201
3 Lewis HamiltonFerrari15191
4 Lando NorrisMcLaren24171
5 Charles LeclercFerrari 14155
6 Max VerstappenRed Bull0 5127
7 Oscar PiastriMcLaren0 2116
8 Isack HadjarRed Bull0171
9 Liam LawsonRacing Bulls0 051
10 Pierre GaslyAlpine0 041

Madrid Grand Prix Preview

Formula 1 now heads to Madrid for something genuinely rare: a brand-new circuit in a major European capital.

The Spanish Grand Prix runs from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September at the Madring, a 5.4-kilometre, 22-corner hybrid circuit threaded through the IFEMA exhibition grounds and the Valdebebas district, roughly five minutes from Barajas airport. Lights out is 3pm local time, 2pm in the UK.

The layout combines repurposed public roads with purpose-built sections. Its signature feature is La Monumental, a heavily banked corner reported at around 24 per cent, wide enough to give drivers real freedom over their line. Cars are expected to reach speeds in the region of 340kph, and early analysis identifies three credible overtaking zones. This is the first Formula 1 race in Madrid since Jarama in 1981 and the first ever inside the city itself, on a ten-year deal to 2035.

Nobody has a lap of relevant data, so setup work begins from a blank sheet on Friday, and anyone who watched Gasly at Monza knows how quickly the order can scramble. Leclerc’s fitness is the other unknown, while Hadjar looks unlikely to return from his wrist fracture, meaning Lawson should continue at Red Bull. Ferrari arrive with their team orders conversation unresolved.

Madrid Grand Prix hospitality | F1® Paddock Club™ at the Madrid Grand Prix

The Layout

The Madring is a 5.4-kilometre, 22-corner hybrid circuit threaded through the IFEMA exhibition grounds and the Valdebebas district on the north-eastern edge of the city, around five minutes from Barajas airport and a single metro ride from the centre. The Spanish Grand Prix runs from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September, with lights out at 3pm local time, 2pm in the UK.

Roughly two-thirds of the lap uses public roads, including a flat-out right-hander at Turn 3 named after the neighbouring Hortaleza district and a climb through Subida de las Carcavas past a cluster of Spanish Civil War forts. The lap then drops into the purpose-built section at Valdebebas, where the circuit’s centrepiece sits.

That centrepiece is La Monumental, a 500-metre stretch built around a corner banked at 24 per cent, designed as a nod to the city’s Las Ventas bullring and taking roughly six seconds to negotiate. Grandstands either side will hold 45,000 people. Total capacity is around 110,000, with scope to expand later, and the venue was built for a reported 83 million euros to a design by Jarno Zaffelli.

Where the Overtaking Should Happen

Organisers have pointed to the Turn 5 and 6 chicane, which runs beneath a motorway overpass, as the circuit’s best passing opportunity. The main straight into the heavy braking zone at Turn 1 is the other obvious candidate, particularly since the Overtake Mode activation point sits at Turn 22, feeding drivers directly onto it with active aero and a slipstream available.

Turn 13 is worth watching too. The track widens to 18 metres at that left-hander, immediately after the banking, which should reward a driver who gets a clean exit off La Monumental.

Worth a note of caution, though. Independent analyses disagree on how many genuine passing zones the layout offers, with estimates ranging from three to four and no consensus on which corners qualify. Designed overtaking spots and real ones are different things, and this is a new circuit being raced for the first time under a rulebook where DRS no longer exists. Nobody knows how that combination behaves.

How It Compares to Barcelona

Madrid replaces Barcelona-Catalunya as host of the Spanish Grand Prix, and the two venues could hardly be less alike.

Barcelona is 4.657 kilometres with 14 corners, a permanent facility every team knows intimately after 36 Grands Prix and decades of testing. Its defining characteristics are punishing tyre degradation, a long medium-speed Turn 3 that rewards aerodynamic load, and overtaking that is effectively limited to Turn 1. Races there tend to reflect the pecking order rather than scramble it.

The Madring is longer, has eight more corners, mixes street furniture with purpose-built asphalt, and adds banking that no permanent European venue offers. Nobody has a lap of relevant data. Setup work begins from a blank sheet on Friday, tyre behaviour through sustained banking is unknown, and teams face a real compromise between running the floor low for performance elsewhere and high enough to survive La Monumental. Anyone who watched Gasly take pole at Monza knows how quickly the established order can scramble when a variable is introduced.

Barcelona itself has not disappeared, incidentally. It now rotates with Spa under the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix name, which is why Spain has hosted two rounds this season for the first time since 2012.

After Madrid

Baku follows on 24 to 26 September, running on the Saturday rather than Sunday to accommodate Azerbaijan’s Remembrance Day, and opening the first of the season’s closing triple headers. The Bahrain Grand Prix™ then heads to Sepang in Malaysia for 2 to 4 October, the venue’s first Formula 1® race since 2017, before Singapore hosts the final Sprint weekend of the year from 9 to 11 October.

Corporate Entertainment with a Slam Dunk: Why the NBA London Game 2026 Is a Must-Attend Event

Posted on by Jack Smith

When it comes to high-impact corporate entertainment, few experiences can match the energy, prestige, and global appeal of live NBA basketball. In January 2026, the NBA returns to London for a historic regular-season game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic at The O2 Arena.

This isn’t just a basketball game — it’s a brand-building, relationship-deepening, memory-making opportunity.

At Engage, we’re proud to offer hospitality packages that ensure your guests experience every moment in VIP style. Here’s why you should make NBA London 2026 your headline event for corporate hosting next year.

A Landmark Event: NBA Returns to London in 2026

After a six-year hiatus, the NBA is making its long-awaited return to London — and it’s bringing the full show.

This regular-season fixture between two of the league’s most exciting teams isn’t just a showpiece — it’s a meaningful game with global implications.

Read more about the NBA’s Europe expansion

With only one NBA game in the UK for 2026, this is a once-in-a-year opportunity to put your business courtside at one of the most talked-about sporting events of the year.

Why NBA London Is Perfect for Corporate Hospitality

Here’s what sets this event apart from traditional hospitality options like rugby, football, or concerts:

  • Memorable experiences: From slam dunks to buzzer beaters, live NBA games deliver non-stop action and showbiz-style entertainment.
  • Premium environment: Engage clients enjoy exclusive lounges, VIP entry, fine dining, and direct access to the event’s most exciting elements.
  • A conversation starter: NBA is global, aspirational, and high-energy — perfect for entertaining international clients or younger audiences.
  • Exclusive networking opportunities: Mingle with high-net-worth individuals, business leaders, and sporting icons in a private and luxurious setting.

Corporate hospitality at live sporting events has been shown to improve client retention and satisfaction by over 60%. It’s not just entertainment — it’s an investment.

Corporate Benefits Beyond the Game

NBA London is more than an event — it’s a strategic business opportunity:

1. Strengthen Key Relationships
Host top clients, reward employees, or build rapport with new partners in a setting that fosters genuine connection.

2. Show Industry Leadership
Being present at a global-first event positions your business as forward-thinking, connected, and culturally relevant.

3. Create Post-Event Momentum
Use photos, social media content, and follow-ups to continue the conversation well beyond the final whistle.

4. Incentivise and Inspire Your Team
Reward excellence with tickets to a bucket-list event. It’s the kind of recognition that drives long-term motivation.

Where and When Is NBA London 2026?

Venue: The O2 Arena, London
Date: Sunday 18 January 2026
Match-up: Memphis Grizzlies vs Orlando Magic
Packages: Available now via Engage Hospitality

Wimbledon vs Roland Garros: Which Grand Slam Offers the Best Luxury Experience?

Posted on by Jack Smith

For tennis fans and corporate hosts alike, the Grand Slam season offers a calendar of unforgettable opportunities. And when it comes to luxury hospitality, two tournaments stand out: the timeless elegance of Wimbledon and the Parisian flair of Roland Garros.

Whether you’re entertaining clients, rewarding a team, or seeking an exclusive sporting experience for yourself, here’s how the two iconic events compare — and what you can expect from each in 2026.

What Defines a Luxury Tennis Experience?

Luxury at a Grand Slam goes beyond front-row seats. The finest experiences include:

  • Premium courtside access (Centre Court, Philippe-Chatrier, etc.)
  • Private hospitality lounges with gourmet dining and Champagne
  • Fast-track entry, concierge service, and private terraces
  • Exceptional service, comfort, and access throughout the day

While both Wimbledon and Roland Garros meet these standards, they do so in very different ways.

Wimbledon: British Tradition at Its Finest

Wimbledon is not just a tournament — it’s a British institution. From manicured grass courts to strawberries and cream, everything about the All England Lawn Tennis Club exudes prestige.

Highlights:

  • Unmatched Heritage
    The only Grand Slam played on grass, Wimbledon offers a uniquely elegant and traditional setting. Centre Court is considered hallowed ground in world tennis.
  • Hospitality at its Peak
    Engage offers a range of Wimbledon hospitality experiences, including:
    • Skyview Suites – private balconies, personal butler service, and Michelin-standard cuisine.
    • Rosewater Pavilion – premium shared hospitality with garden terraces and afternoon tea.
    • Debenture Tickets – access to exclusive lounges and some of the best seats in the house.
  • Culinary Excellence
    Expect refined British menus, Champagne bars, and gourmet afternoon teas – all served with quintessential English charm.

Explore our Wimbledon Hospitality Packages

Considerations:

  • Demand is high — especially for semi-finals and finals. Early booking is essential.
  • Formality may be a consideration for some groups; smart dress is encouraged and expected.

Roland Garros: Parisian Elegance on Clay

Set in the heart of Paris, Roland Garros brings a vibrant, cosmopolitan energy to the Grand Slam calendar. Its iconic red clay courts and open terraces create an effortlessly stylish environment, perfect for relaxed luxury.

Highlights:

  • Modern, Stylish Hospitality
    With venues like L’Orangerie, Le Pavillon, and Club Chatrier, Roland Garros offers a range of flexible experiences — from full-day packages to elegant evening sessions.
  • Superb Gastronomy
    France’s culinary reputation shines at Roland Garros, where guests enjoy expertly paired wines, seasonal menus, and exquisite presentation — all within chic, contemporary spaces.
  • Flexible Scheduling
    Roland Garros stands out for its evening sessions, allowing guests to enjoy world-class tennis and dinner, Paris-style — a perfect choice for those preferring shorter or more social experiences.

Considerations:

  • Travel logistics — for UK guests, a Paris trip requires more planning (flights, hotels, transfers).
  • Atmosphere leans more casual and vibrant than Wimbledon’s polished formality.

Which Grand Slam Should You Choose in 2026?

If you’re deciding between Wimbledon and Roland Garros for your 2026 luxury experience, here’s how to choose:

  • Choose Wimbledon if…
    • You want the prestige of British tradition and heritage.
    • You’re hosting high-value clients or senior executives.
    • You prefer a full-day, immersive hospitality experience close to home.
  • Choose Roland Garros if…
    • You want a more relaxed, cosmopolitan setting.
    • You’re combining the trip with a Paris city break.
    • You prefer flexible hospitality with half-day or evening options.

Our recommendation? If time and budget allow, do both! Each offers something entirely unique — and together, they define what it means to enjoy the Grand Slams in style.

Hospitality with Engage

Posted on by Jack Smith

Always wondered what it’s like to experience an event from hospitality seating? Fancy living it up VIP style? Here at Engage , we offer a wide variety of hospitality packages incorporating a range of fantastic experiences. From music to sport and once in a lifetime opportunities, we have something for everyone to enjoy. Let us talk you through the benefits of hospitality and what you can expect if you join us.

What do Engage do?

Engage are a London-based company offering hospitality packages for events all-year round. They are a leading hospitality company, boasting partnerships with some of the biggest venues and events in the UK including Wimbledon, Wembley Stadium, The BRIT Awards and more!

As well as standard packages at many UK venues, Engage also offer their own unique hospitality packages: ICON, VIBE, ROAM and ELEVATE.

What Engage offer?

Engage Hospitality are a London-based company offering hospitality packages for events all-year round. They are a leading hospitality company, boasting partnerships with some of the biggest venues and events in the UK including Wimbledon, Wembley Stadium, The BRIT Awards and more!

As well as standard packages at many UK venues, Engage also offer their own unique hospitality packages: ICON, VIBE, ROAM and ELEVATE.

What Engage offer?

ICON is Engage’s premier hospitality option offering luxury packages for sport and entertainment in the UK. From the Allianz Stadium to Silverstone, enjoy exclusive seating, delicious food, guest speakers and more all included in your package! It is the perfect option to impress clients or celebrate a big birthday!

Events include Oasis at Wembley Stadium, Royal Ascot, Henley Royal Regatta and more, as you relish the biggest moments in 2025 like never before!

VIBE is another of Engage’s hospitality options with packages for Coldplay and England Cricket at the Kia Oval. Just as entertaining and slightly less formal, embrace the relaxed atmosphere as you revel in a dazzling atmosphere with Chris Martin and Co. Or why not delight in a casual seating arrangement while sipping on a fine vintage wine at the cricket! VIBE is the perfect alternative for those seeking a relaxed summer setting!

Fancy going global with Engage Hospitality? Check out ROAM offering hospitality packages for some of the biggest global events. In Formula One’s 75th Anniversary, join us for the Italian and Spanish Grand Prix! These fantastic options include 3 nights stay in a gorgeous hotel before spending the Saturday and Sunday of each weekend in an all-inclusive lounge while you watch the action. Especially with the new F1 season taking shape, what better way to treat yourself with hospitality viewing?

Or would you prefer to be in the car yourself? Experience a unique opportunity to tour the Pyrenees with F1 legend Damon Hill. Savor breathtaking views as you join ROAM by Engage on this 5-day adventure with 5 nights accommodation, a half-day at Pau-Arnos circuit, five delicious gourmet meals and even a round of golf. This is an experience you will not get anywhere else!

With plenty of hospitality on offer, reap the benefits of massive events in 2025 by indulging in our packages. With something for everyone, hospitality with Engage offers you a unique chance to watch a sport you love from the best seats in the house, or try out something new in style. Subject to availability, Engage offer fantastic experiences all-year round with some of the biggest events in the world on offer.

Enquire now with Engage to find out more and join us, while we celebrate our 20th birthday, for an opportunity like no other.

England’s Red Roses Ready to Roar at Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

Posted on by Jack Smith

The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is set to kick off in England on 22 August, marking a historic moment for the sport. With a record-breaking 16 teams and matches across eight cities, this promises to be the most accessible and exciting edition yet.

The stage is set for the biggest and best Women’s Rugby World Cup yet, as the tournament is on track for more than double the total attendance from RWC 2021 in New Zealand. As the momentum builds, this tournament promises to be an unforgettable experience for everyone, not just in scale, but in impact.

England’s Women’s RWC 2025 Schedule

The Red Roses have been drawn into Pool A alongside the USA, Australia, and Samoa. Here’s their schedule:

  • England vs USA – Friday, 22 August, 19:30 BST at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light
  • England vs Samoa – Saturday, 30 August, 17:00 BST at Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton
  • England vs Australia – Saturday, 6 September, 17:00 BST at Brighton and Hove Albion Stadium

These fixtures set the stage for an exhilarating group stage, with England aiming to top their pool and advance to the knockout rounds.

The Bronze Final and Final will be played at Twickenham on Saturday 27 September, in what promises to be a memorable day at the Home of English Rugby. England will be hoping they can make it to the Final and be victorious in front of a roaring home crowd.

Looking Ahead

As the tournament approaches, excitement is building. The Red Roses are poised to make a strong run, and with matches in cities like Sunderland, Northampton, and Brighton, fans nationwide have the opportunity to support their team. This World Cup is not just a sporting event; it’s a celebration of women’s rugby and a testament to its growing popularity.

Hospitality for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

Engage are proud to be an Official Hospitality Agent for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. If you’re looking to elevate your Rugby World Cup Experience, we can off a full range of package options, so you can make your match-day that extra bit special!

Everything you need to know about the Grand National

Posted on by Jack Smith

Good news, horse racing fans! While you may still be feeling the blues of Cheltenham being over for another year, it’s only a week until this year’s Grand National festival gets underway.

Cheltenham may be the Christmas of horse racing but the Grand National is arguably the biggest race in the world. It’s the headline event of the iconic three-day event at Aintree, which takes place from Thursday 3rd to Saturday 5th April this year.

All eyes will be on the main event, which sets off at 4pm on the Saturday. Around 150,000 spectators will flock to Liverpool to watch the race, while a further 600 million across the globe are expected to tune in and enjoy it on TV.

It was first run way back in 1839 and covers an official distance of around four miles and two-and-a-half furlongs. Some of the greatest racehorses on the planet will compete over 30 fences as they battle for a £1 million prize fund.

Red Rum still holds the record for the most Grand National wins with three, having stormed to victory in 1973, 1974 and 1977. Last year’s race was won by I Am Maximus, with Paul Townend riding Willie Mullins’ first Grand National winner since Hedgehunter in 2005.

Who are this year’s favourites?

There are currently 34 horses set to start this year’s Grand National – but there can only be one winner. I Am Maximus was the favourite last year and he repaid the punters’ faith in him by storming to glory.

And while he’s looking to emulate Red Rum and Tiger Roll by securing back-to-back wins this year, it may be beyond him following disappointing showings in his two runs since last year’s triumph.

Intense Raffles is the market leader one week out after winning the Irish Grand National last year. He’s regularly impressed at Fairyhouse, including a second place finish in the Bobbyjo Chase, and he’ll be looking to replicate that form at Aintree.

Elsewhere, Iroko is expected to challenge following a good showing in last year’s Mildmay Chase, where only Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin beat him. Stumptown could be a contender, while Willie Mullins’ Minella Cocooner has an outside chance after finishing third in the Irish Grand National.

Grand National race schedule

Opening Day – Thursday 3rd April

1:45pm – The EBC Group Manifesto Novices’ Steeple Chase
2:20pm – The Boodles Anniversary 4-y-o Juvenile Hurdle Race
2:55pm – The Aintree Bowl Steeple Chase
3:30pm – The William Hill Aintree Hurdle Race
4:05pm – The Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Steeple Chase
4:40pm – The Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Steeple Chase
5:15pm – The Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race

Ladies Day – Friday 4th April

1:45pm – The Huyton Asphalt Franny Blennerhassett Memorial Mildmay Novices’ Steeple Chase
2:20pm – The William Hill Handicap Hurdle Race
2:55pm – The Trustatrader Top Novices’ Hurdle Race
3:30pm – The My Pension Expert Melling Steeple Chase
4:05pm – The Randox Supporting Prostate Cancer Uk Topham Handicap Steeple Chase
4:40pm – The Sefton Novices’ Hurdle Race
5:15pm – The Hallgarten And Novum Wines Handicap Hurdle Race

Grand National Day – Saturday 5th April

1:20pm – The William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap Hurdle Race
1:55pm – The Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle Race
2:30pm – The William Hill Handicap Steeple Chase
3:05pm – The Liverpool Hurdle Race
4pm – The Randox Grand National Handicap Steeple Chase
5pm – The Maghull Novices’ Steeple Chase
5:35pm – The Weatherbys Nhstallions.Co.Uk Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race

Grand National Hospitality

As ever, you can enjoy the Grand National in style with Engage’s exclusive hospitality packages. We’re offering two different options this year, each with unrivalled views of the action, delicious food and complimentary drinks.

The Sunloch Restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere, as well as a four-course lunch, a wide range of drink options, a private balcony and plenty more. Meanwhile, our Horse & Groom pub option provides guests with a three-course lunch, afternoon snacks, a complimentary bar and a Jockey Club tipster to help you pick some winners.

Enquire today to reserve your place.

Grand National dress code

The Grand National is the perfect opportunity to dress to impress, although the dress code isn’t hugely strict. Aintree racecourse encourages smart casual wear, with no offensive fancy dress or sports team colours or kits allowed.

How to get there

For those driving, you can reach Aintree recourse via the A59, which is just a mile from the M57 and M58. From the A59 to Liverpool, follow the yellow signs to the car parks – spaces can be booked in advance online.

The closest train station is Aintree, which is opposite the racecourse. It’s just seven minutes from Liverpool Central, with frequent Merseyrail services.

Engage Completes Ambro Integration

Posted on by Jack Smith

We are delighted to share that the integration of Ambro Events to Engage Sport Management Limited has been completed.

Hospitality Calendar | Latest News | Our Work with Charity | Work with Engage

Ambro was purchased by Engage Sport Management Limited in 2020, and over the past four years, we have worked together to align our services to better support you.

The Ambro brand hospitality offering will now be included as part of the core Engage service and a new brand ELEVATE has been launched to focus exclusively on supporting customers bespoke event management requirements.

We have focused on providing you with the same great service delivered by the same expert team, but will now fully leverage Engage’s wider experience and expertise in the broader hospitality and events sector to enhance our overall offer to you even further.

If you are already a client of Ambro Events, this information should have been communicated to you. If you have any further questions, please speak to your Account Manager.

Engage — Experience better

Since 2005 Engage has been providing high-quality hospitality experiences around the world. From the FA Cup to the Super Bowl, from Monza to Allianz Stadium, we’ve given people breathtaking moments and amazing memories.

We strive to become the leading Sports and entertainment agency in the market as our long-term strategy is to ensure our customers have the best experiences possible.

The Ambro integration into Engage further demonstrates our commitment to delivering exceptional customer.

Engage Product and Service Brands

  • ICON – ICON represents the pinnacle of event experiences, offering a luxury hospitality experience at some of the world’s most prestigious sporting and cultural events.
  • VIBE – VIBE delivers entertaining hospitality that delivers an incredible experience and a buzz you won’t find anywhere else.
  • ROAM – Experience the ultimate blend of sport, entertainment, and luxury with ROAM, our premier travel brand designed for those who seek the extraordinary.
  • ELEVATE – ELEVATE creates seamless, innovative experiences that take your events to the next level. See below for more details

We are aware of unprecedented customer demand for bespoke events to be delivered to exceptionally high standards of quality and experience.

To continue to support this customer demand, ENGAGE has established a specialist division called ELEVATE that will creatively design, expertly build and conscientiously deliver bespoke events for our customers.

We are extremely excited to share with you the future development of the ELEVATE service and will be in touch to discuss the proposition further.

We look forward to continuing to work with you whether as an ENGAGE or ELEVATE customer.

Engage Named in Sunday Times’ ‘Best Places to Work’

Posted on by Jack Smith

Best Places to Work Award – Medium Organisation

Engage Hospitality is delighted to have been recognized as one of the Sunday Times ‘Best Places to Work 2024’. This prestigious award, powered by WorkL, celebrates the outstanding achievements of Britain’s top employers in creating exceptional workplace environments.

The report said: “Uncapped commission, incentives including ski trips and outings to sporting events and concerts, and regular social events are among the benefits of working for this London-based hospitality agency. Engage, which delivers corporate sports and entertainment events in the UK and globally, prides itself on cultivating a fun and positive work environment built on meritocracy. All 73 employees take part in diversity and inclusion training as well as mental health awareness training.”

It’s a true testament to our people, who aim to embody our company values on a daily basis through their work, personalities and interactions with our clients.

Whether it’s at our events, or in our London office, we strive to be Excellent, Engaging and Entertaining for everything we do and everyone that we hire.

“Being named a ‘Best Place to Work’ is a very proud moment for all at Engage Hospitality. It is a testament to the hard work put in consistently by all of the team. We are honoured to receive this recognition and remain committed to enhancing our workplace environment to support the wellbeing and professional growth of all our employees.”
Andrew Hodgkins, Managing Director

How does the ‘Sunday Times – Best Places to Work’ work?

The Sunday Times Best Places to Work awards survey uses 26 questions from WorkL’s employee engagement survey, developed by behavioural scientists, data analysts, psychologists, business leaders, academics and other independent parties to most accurately monitor employee engagement, wellbeing and discretionary effort in the workplace. To achieve a high overall engagement score, an organization must score well across WorkL’s six-step framework:

  1. Reward and Recognition
  2. Instilling Pride
  3. Information Sharing
  4. Empowerment
  5. Wellbeing
  6. Job Satisfaction

Engage Hospitality scored over 75% in every single category, and 80% or more in the Wellbeing, Instilling Pride and Job Satisfaction sections. It was also rated Excellent for Diversity and Inclusion as well as Confidence in Management.

Work with Engage

If you are interested in working with Engage, then please do not hesitate to contact us about our current opportunities or email careers@engage.co.uk directly.

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