Microsoft links up with Wembley

Wembley officials have announced they will work in partnership with global software giant Microsoft for the final stage of stadium construction and for four years after completion.

Microsoft has become Wembley’s first “founding partner” ahead of the planned opening next year, when the stadium is expected to stage the FA Cup final.

Michael Cunnah, chief executive of Wembley Stadium, said: “Microsoft is one of the world’s leading companies and is notoriously selective over which organisations it chooses to partner.

“The union of Microsoft and the new state-of-the-art Wembley Stadium is fantastic news and will help resurrect the stadium as the world’s leading sports and entertainment venue.

“Microsoft is a truly inspirational market leader that is a perfect partner for Wembley Stadium – a venue which, when it opens next year, will once again inspire the sportsmen and women, and musicians of today and tomorrow.”

Clive Richards, Wembley Stadium’s head of sponsorship added: “Not only does the start of this partnership represent a major milestone for the project, it presents the opportunity for Microsoft and Wembley Stadium to share in each other’s successes until 2010 and hopefully beyond.”