Digital transformation at Stockport County brings commercial return

After launching their League One playoff challenge with a 1-0 win away to Stevenage, Stockport County has also shared how the club’s recent digital transformation is delivering returns off the pitch.

ADI has delivered a full turnkey digital infrastructure solution for Stockport County to help the club modernise Edgeley Park, enhance matchday experiences and unlock new commercial revenue opportunities.

The stadium specialists carried out this project which demonstrates how lower league clubs can use digital infrastructure not only to improve fan engagement, but also to drive measurable commercial returns, with Stockport County reporting a 25% increase in revenue.

As part of the project, ADI designed and delivered a comprehensive digital solution at Edgeley Park, including:

• An 81.3m² fine pitch LED big screen.
• A four-sided digiBOARD perimeter advertising system.
• Lounge and internal stadium signage.
• Integration with ADI’s Live Venue fibre network for content delivery.
• Creative and graphics support.
• Remote system monitoring and matchday technical support.

The installation forms part of Stockport County’s wider ambition to futureproof its historic stadium while creating new commercial opportunities for the club and its partners.

Olivia Hanvey, Commercial Operations Director at Stockport County, explained:

“Our ambition was clear – success on the pitch had to be matched off it. Moving from static branding to high-impact digital infrastructure was the natural next step, enhancing fan experience and commercial opportunity for our partners. ADI understood our vision immediately and helped us bring it to life.”

Alongside the installation, ADI provided strategic consultancy and advised on commercial modelling, digital inventory pricing and packaging, and helping develop a tiered ‘Business Club’ sponsorship structure to attract new partners. Hanvey added:

“ADI’s support around commercial modelling was invaluable, and their experience helped us shape a model that works for our club and community. Before the infrastructure was even installed, we were able to pre-sell inventory using visual brochures and concepts, which was instrumental in ensuring the project was a success.”

The new digital infrastructure has enabled Stockport County to expand sponsorship opportunities, increase advertising inventory and deliver more targeted activations for local and regional partners.

Ryan Green, Commercial Sales Director at Stockport County, said:

“We’re currently 25% up year-on-year in revenue and we’ve welcomed an eclectic mix of businesses from different sectors. The digital packages provided by ADI have given our partners a platform to put themselves at the forefront of Stockport fans and the wider business community.”

Through the digiBOARD system, the club can rotate multiple advertisers during a single fixture, create tailored sponsorship packages and activate promotional campaigns far beyond traditional static advertising.

The partnership between ADI and Stockport County is emerging as a model for other League One and League Two clubs seeking to modernise ageing infrastructure, strengthen local partnerships and generate greater returns from stadium assets.

Claire Fitzgerald-Firth, Head of Engagement & Client Services at ADI, said:

“Working with Stockport County shows what’s possible when ambition is matched with the right digital strategy. From the outset, we delivered a full turnkey solution to create a commercially sustainable model for a League One club – combining digital infrastructure with consultancy, creative support and matchday delivery.”

With Premier League-grade technology, strategic consultancy and ongoing support now in place, Stockport County’s investment in digital infrastructure is proving that lower league clubs can compete, grow and thrive through the right partnership, and is set up for future success as the club targets promotion to the Championship.