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Page last updated at 11:59 GMT, Wednesday, 13 October 2010 12:59 UK

Lancashire could sell Old Trafford naming rights

Old Trafford
Test cricket has been played at Old Trafford since 1884

Lancashire could sell the naming rights to their Old Trafford home.

The club are undertaking a £32m revamp of the stadium, which will include two new grandstands, a new pavilion and a supermarket on a neighbouring site.

"We will explore all options," chief executive Jim Cumbes told the Manchester Evening News. "It is in our minds to sell the naming rights.

"But it would have to be right for the ground because Old Trafford is such an iconic name and such a strong brand."

Cumbes added: "Half the world knows it as a football ground and the other half know it as a cricket ground.

606: DEBATE
Mark Mitchener - BBC Sport

"If it fits with the name of Old Trafford then it is something we are looking at."

Lancashire hope that the redevelopment will secure the long-term future of Old Trafford, home of Lancashire cricket since 1864, as an international venue.

The next five-day game scheduled for Manchester is not until 2014, but the county are hopeful of landing one of three 2013 Ashes Tests that have yet to be allocated.

Work has already begun on rotating the square through 90 degrees so that it no longer faces the setting sun, meaning that the names of the Stretford End and the Brian Statham End will cease to be used.

"We haven't really thought about names for the new ends," said Cumbes. "I suppose one will have to be the Pavilion End but the other one we will have to think about."



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see also
Old Trafford revamp is approved
01 Oct 10 |  Manchester
Lancashire earn planning approval
12 Mar 10 |  Lancashire
Lancs plan Old Trafford upgrade
12 Nov 09 |  Lancashire


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FROM OTHER SPORT SITES
SportsPro Media Old Trafford naming rights to be sold - 1 hr ago
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