Cidermaker Thatchers has continued to build its brands among West of England sports fans by stepping up its sponsorship in the blue half of Bristol.
The North Terrace at Bristol Rovers’ Memorial Stadium has been renamed The Thatchers End. Ironically, the stand was once named after Blackthorn cider – a one-time Somerset-produced rival to Thatchers’ flagship Gold now made in Ireland.
Thatchers, which was already an official partner of Rovers, has renewed its agreement with the newly promoted League One side for the new season to include pitch-side branding, as well as increased the range of ciders available in the ground’s bars to include Gold and Thatchers Haze on draught.
The Rovers deal coincides with Thatchers upgrading its presence at the newly redeveloped Ashton Gate – home to arch rivals Bristol City and Bristol Rugby. Thatchers branding will appear on Bristol Rugby’s home and away shirts for the upcoming season and also on Bristol Rugby Ladies’ matchday kit.
Thatchers Gold, Haze and Dry ciders are now available on draught in Ashton Gate’s bars and a new Thatchers mobile bar.
Martin Thatcher, fourth generation of the family which has made its ciders on its Myrtle Farm at Sanford since 1904, said: “We’re very pleased that we are able to bring Thatchers Gold and Haze to The Memorial Stadium – we know we have many very loyal customers in Bristol and it’s great to have their favourite cider at the ground for them.”
Rovers chairman Steve Hamer added: “We are delighted that Thatchers have agreed to sponsor the North Terrace for our first campaign back in League One and we look forward to a long and successful partnership with them.
“Our supporters, I know, were very pleased when we began stocking Thatchers cider at the start of last season and for the company to sponsor one of the most popular areas of The Memorial Stadium is a logical progression of our partnership with a locally based cidermaker.”
Thatchers is also a long-term official sponsor of Bath Rugby. In May it renewed its sponsorship package with the club, increasing its brand presence at The Rec – home to the Thatchers Stand. The brand is also on the back of Bath players’ matchday jerseys. Thatchers is also the official cider of Gloucestershire and Somerset County Cricket Clubs and Yeovil Town FC – whose Huish Park ground has a Thatchers Gold Stand.
Pictured, from left: Rovers chairman Steve Hamer with Martin Thatcher of Thatchers
