Nottingham Greyhound Stadium adds to senior leadership team

Nottingham Greyhound Stadium adds to senior leadership team

Nottingham Greyhound Stadium has strengthened its senior leadership team to drive footfall and establish the venue as a go-to destination for families and friends.

The Colwick Park venue has appointed Jozef Blachnio as its duty manager while Sarah Newman has joined as a full-time marketing and communications manager.

Together, Jozef and Sarah will enhance the venue’s connectivity to its local community and upscale themed race nights while maintaining the track’s existing high levels of guest experience.

The track will race on Monday and Friday evenings during the summer holidays, with plans to introduce Saturday night racing in September until the end of the year.

Jozef joins with a wealth of management experience in the hospitality sector.

He worked as a general manager for Mitchells and Butlers, one of the UK’s largest pub, bar and restaurant chains, and worked as Nottingham City Council’s catering, nutrition and domestic manager.More recently, Jozef was a general manager at Greene King for four years.

Sarah meanwhile has joined with 18 years’ experience in management with Redtooth Poker, the UK’s largest pub poker league working with 1,000 venues across England, Scotland and Wales.

Jozef said: “Nottingham boasts a proud sporting history, and our greyhound operation is a key part of that with the venue celebrating 45 years since its launch this year.

“With racing scheduled 52 weeks each year, the potential to establish Nottingham Stadium as the go-to destination for families and groups of friends living locally is one that excites me. We’ll pride our events on guaranteeing fun, delivering high levels of customer experience and great value"

“I’m pleased to join the team to help achieve this and look forward to meeting racegoers trackside soon.”

The double hire comes ahead of Nottingham Stadium’s biggest week in August when it kicks off the UK’s National Greyhound Week celebrations with a bumper bank holiday card.

The evening will feature the £12,500 Jenningsbet Puppy Classic and £12,500 Jenningsbet Select Stakes. A family fun night is also planned on Friday, August 29, with face painting, a craft and colouring zone plus garden games and barbeque lighting up racegoers’ evening with all U18s entitled to free admission.

Sarah added: “It’s an exciting time for the whole team, and I’m pleased to be onboard as part of the venue’s commitment to engaging new audiences with greyhound racing.

“Like all professional sports, greyhound racing has shifted significantly since our doors first opened 45 years ago."

“But our fundamentals of providing fun, family friendly, nights out for people of all ages remain ever present. It’s shaping up to be a busy summer and for those yet to experience the thrill of live racing we’d love to see you trackside soon.”

Further information and tickets for Nottingham Greyhound Stadium’s fixtures are available online via www.nottingham-greyhounds.co.uk. Tickets start from £8.