Atlético de Madrid's Stadium Renamed Riyadh Air Metropolitano

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA
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Atlético de Madrid's Stadium Renamed Riyadh Air Metropolitano

Photo by SPA
Photo by SPA

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's new national airline, issued a press release announcing that it has signed a nine-year strategic agreement (valid until 2033) with Atlético de Madrid club that entails renaming the stadium of the Spanish club "Riyadh Air Metropolitano".
The official unveiling of the stadium's new name is set to take place on October 20 during the upcoming match. Thousands of fans will witness the new name of the stadium being revealed on the main facades, alongside the Riyadh Air logo, SPA reported.
The partnership with Atlético de Madrid started on August 10, 2023, when Riyadh Air became the club's official sponsor. During the first year of sponsorship, the Riyadh Air logo was featured on the front of the men's first team kits in all domestic and international matches.
According to the release, the partnership between the two entities will be further strengthened by this new strategic agreement, which makes the Saudi Arabian company the most important sponsor in the club's history. It is based, the release says, on a shared vision that goes beyond the boundaries of traditional sport, focusing on innovation, excellence and sustainability as key pillars of future growth.
Riyadh Air CEO Tony Douglas said: "It is an honor to become the naming partner for the Riyadh Air Metropolitano and extend our partnership with Atlético de Madrid until 2033. Both organizations are driven to succeed at the highest level and having our name on such an iconic stadium will elevate the awareness of Riyadh Air across the sporting world and beyond."
Atlético de Madrid CEO Miguel Ángel Gil said: "We are all proud and very happy ... with the agreement whereby our stadium will be named Riyadh Air Metropolitano."



Tien, Fonseca Set for Final Showdown at Next Generation ATP Finals in Jeddah

Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. (SPA)
Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. (SPA)
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Tien, Fonseca Set for Final Showdown at Next Generation ATP Finals in Jeddah

Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. (SPA)
Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. (SPA)

American Learner Tien and Brazilian João Fonseca advanced on Saturday to the final of the Next Generation ATP Finals.

The event, which will be held at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena in Jeddah on Sunday, is being organized by the Saudi Tennis Federation and the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), sponsored by the Public Investment Fund, and held under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport.

Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. This was Tien’s first appearance in the final of a professional tournament outside the US.

In the second semifinal, Brazilian João Fonseca earned his spot in the final by defeating France's Luca Van Assche in straight sets. Fonseca remains unbeaten in this edition of the tournament, being the only player with a perfect record.

Following his win, Tien said: "I can't put my feelings into words. I'm very happy with this victory, but I also feel a bit of regret since it came at the expense of Alex, with whom I share a strong bond. Of course, I'm thrilled to have advanced to the final."

Fonseca also reflected on his performance and qualification, saying: "I've never had such an outstanding week on a hard court before. I'm playing at my highest level, and I'm proud of what I've accomplished. I stayed fully focused, with my family and training team by my side, which has been amazing. I hope to keep this momentum and win the title."

The final match is expected to draw a large audience and media presence. It concludes the global tennis season for 2024.

The ATP Next Gen Finals represent a significant milestone for tennis in the Kingdom; it is the first professional tennis tournament hosted by Saudi Arabia, and helps achieve the Saudi Tennis Federation's ambitions, including fostering Saudi champions in the sport.