The "John Smith's Stadium"??

Brewers Scottish & Newcastle have confirmed that they are in talks with local authorities about sealing the advertising rights of Swansea's brand new 20,000 all seater stadium. A spokesman confirmed that after originally entering talks about supplying drinks to the new stadium, discussions moved onto advertising rights and the naming of the new stadium...although negotiations are in their infancy.

It is estimated that Scottish & Newcastle would have to pay around £900k for the stadium to be renamed "The John Smith's Stadium", which would help increase brand awareness and customer loyalty. The brewers have just ended their highly successful John Smith's "Ave It" campaign and have also become official sponsors of the Grand National.

However, Swansea council claimed that a number of well known national businesses are also interested in the opportunity to have their name associated with the new Welsh stadium and that talks will continue for some time before any announcement.