University takes over Bradford City match
The University of Bradford showed its support for Bradford City in style at one of the club’s home matches.
Staff and students bolstered the crowd for the ‘University of Bradford Takeover Day’ at Bradford City’s home clash with Tranmere Rovers in Sky Bet League Two.
The stadium’s TL Dallas Community Stand featured students, staff, alumni, community partners and prospective University of Bradford students cheering on the hosts, nicknamed the Bantams, following a ticket giveaway.
Young fans enjoy the Takeover Day atmosphere. Image credits: University of Bradford
Professor Shirley Congdon, University of Bradford Vice-Chancellor, said: “The Takeover Day was yet another example of the thriving partnership between the University and Bradford City.
“We hope that all of the fans who attended enjoyed the day and would like to wish the best of luck to Bradford City for the rest of the season.”
Davide Longo, Bradford City’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We were delighted to welcome staff and students from the University of Bradford for our match against Tranmere Rovers.
“The day was a huge success and the University of Bradford representatives in the stands contributed to a great atmosphere for the match.
“We are immensely proud of our partnership with the University of Bradford and hope to build on the success of the Takeover Day.”
A group of flagbearers get ready to welcome the Bradford City and Tranmere Rovers players onto the pitch. Image credits: University of Bradford
What happened at the Takeover Day?
A ‘Spot the Ball’ competition, held in the concourse of the Morrisons Family Stand before kick-off, saw participants asked to place a sticker where they thought the removed football was on a large photograph taken at a previous Bradford City match.
The winner who correctly found the football in the photograph was presented with a signed Bradford City home shirt during half-time of the match, which attracted an attendance of 18,845.
Fans could also find out about the courses available at the University of Bradford including Nursing, with staff on hand to answer any queries.
A group of 20 flagbearers, aged between five and 16 who were children of University staff and students, helped welcome the Bradford City and Tranmere Rovers players onto the pitch before kick-off.
Two University students, Diana Appeteh and Abdus-Samad Bin-Sarfraz, were photographers and content creators for the clash, which ended in a 1-0 defeat for the hosts on Saturday 15 March.
A ‘Spot the Ball’ competition was held as part of the Takeover Day. Image credits: University of Bradford
‘Great initiative’
Matthew Holliday, a Bradford City season ticket holder from Baildon, won the ‘Spot the Ball’ competition.
Alongside his son Toby, seven, he collected his signed Bradford City home shirt prize from Professor Congdon on the touchline at half-time.
Matthew said: “We enjoyed playing ‘Spot the Ball’. It feels great to win. It’s a great initiative for Bradford City and the University of Bradford to do on the Takeover Day.
“It was a good opportunity for my son to come pitchside. He was buzzing.”
Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, is interviewed during half-time by Darren Harper, Bradford City Stadium Announcer. Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, is interviewed during half-time by Darren Harper, Bradford City Stadium Announcer
The University of Bradford signed a four-year sponsorship deal with Bradford City in 2022. This includes the University’s logo appearing on the back of the team’s home, away and alternative kits and Valley Parade being re-named as the University of Bradford Stadium.
The stadium will host the launch of ‘Stories from Valley Parade’ on Sunday 22 June. Academics have created a digital copy of the University of Bradford Stadium, traditionally known as Valley Parade, which people can explore through VR.
The fans’ stories and stories from memorable players including Iffy Onuora and Sky Sports presenter Nick Powell will be attached to different places in both a physical and digital copy of the stadium for people to view.
‘Spot the Ball’ winner, Matthew Holliday, with his son Toby, seven. Image credits: University of Bradford