The power of the corporate box
The corporate Sky Box experience at world-class stadiums is an unparalleled fusion of luxury, exclusivity, and networking. It offers a prime seat for the action while providing an environment where attendees can interact with high-profile personalities like legendary cricketer Brian Lara or globally renowned athletes such as Ronaldo, Messi, or Usain Bolt.
When it comes to cricket in the Caribbean, particularly at the Queen’s Park Oval, and now the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, several people get what I refer to as easy access to these boxes. While there are high-end clients of particular corporate organisations handpicked, and prominent local personalities invited for certain days, there is also a fair amount of guests who have the “link”.
A quick scan last Sunday, I witnessed people at Brian Lara’s box getting a chance to interact with the world-double record holder, and having him sign copies of his book, and even posing with him for photographs. I wondered if those people had any idea what fans in India or England would give for such an opportunity.
The benefits of being in a Sky Box go beyond just the sporting spectacle. It is a space where influential business leaders, celebrities, and top-tier athletes mingle, creating opportunities for strategic conversations, collaborations, and once-in-a-lifetime connections. For corporate clients, it’s a powerful tool for entertaining key partners, sealing business deals, and reinforcing relationships in an informal, high-energy setting.
For sports enthusiasts, it’s the ultimate luxury of witnessing their favourite athletes up close while enjoying five-star amenities, from gourmet catering to private lounges.
However, access to these boxes, is no small feat at world popular events, certainly outside of the Caribbbean. It often requires corporate connections, elite memberships, or a hefty price tag, making it a privilege reserved for a select few.
For those fortunate enough to gain access, the experience should be cherished. It’s not just about the game; it’s the entire ambiance—a blend of sports, luxury, and rare encounters. It’s a moment to appreciate the rare opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Lara mentions in his book what an honour it was to feature in a Legends match alongside France superstar Zinedine Zidane. I recall an opportunity I had while on duty at the FIFA U-20 Men’s World Cup in Antalya, Turkey. Zidane was doing some scouting, turning up to view one of the group games. You had to be either a FIFA official or a high-ranking personality to get within two metres of the former French captain.
For the layman, it’s a surreal experience that offers a glimpse into the opulent side of sports and entertainment, while for the big shots, it’s an affirmation of status and an invaluable networking platform.
Regardless of one’s background, the Sky Box is a place where everyone feels part of something special, reinforcing the value of the moment.
In Europe, the US, Asia, or South America, gaining access to a Sky Box at a top-tier stadium where football legends like David Beckham, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Messi, or Zidane might make an appearance is a highly exclusive and expensive experience. The price tag for these luxurious boxes can easily run into thousands of dollars per match or event.
In addition to the cost, there is often a layer of corporate sponsorship, elite club memberships, or personal connections required to even be considered for entry. The exclusivity is heightened by the high demand in these regions, where the culture of football borders on the fanatical.
People in these countries are willing to pay a premium for the chance to network in the same space as their idols.
In contrast, in T&T, and the rest of the Caribbean, while meeting a legend like Brian Lara or Viv Richards might still occur within the confines of a Sky Box, the barriers to entry are considerably lower.
The cost of Sky Box access or rental is relatively affordable compared to Europe, South America, or the US. Cricket, though passionately followed, doesn’t carry the same global hype and economic implications as football does in Europe or South America, which helps keep the experience more accessible.
Furthermore, because Lara is a local hero, the opportunities to interact with him in such settings are more frequent and can often be arranged through more personal or community connections, making it a bit less dependent on wealth or corporate clout, at times at least.
In T&T, meeting Lara in a Sky Box feels more intimate and culturally grounded. Russell Latapy also signed a few autographs on Sunday. And a few months ago, fans in Scotland rushed for the rare opportunity to purchase tickets for a meet and greet with the “Little Magician” at Easter Road.
Ultimately, while the European or South American experience offers an aura of extreme prestige and global exposure, the Trinidad experience with Lara is more approachable, affordable, and culturally enriched, allowing fans to feel a stronger personal connection without needing to pay exorbitant sums. We as Caribbean people need to appreciate this more and really value the experience.
Current cricket stars, despite their immense contributions to cricket, have yet to reach the legendary status of icons like, among many others, Lara Richards, Sir Gary Sobers, Clive Lloyd, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Wes Hall, Shiv Chanderpaul, Michael Holding, Dwight Yorke, Stern John, Russell Latapy, and other local football heroes.
While current-day match winners have carved out successful international careers, their fame and impact, though significant, some may argue, hasn’t yet cemented them as the kind of timeless, all-encompassing legends who transcend the sport itself.
In contrast, Lara’s legacy goes beyond his cricketing statistics. His achievements, such as the highest individual Test and first-class scores, are part of the sport’s lore.
Lara is not just remembered for his greatness on the field but also for how he symbolised hope and pride for the West Indies in an era when regional cricket was struggling. His name resonates on a global scale across all formats and generations.
What sets these older legends apart is their contribution to elevating not just their individual careers but their countries on the world stage. They represent a generation that broke through immense barriers, carrying the weight of national expectations on their shoulders. Their achievements are not just athletic but symbolic of an era where they defined excellence for their countries.
This is why we must respect the legends, including those currently in the making. They paved the way, building the foundation on which today’s stars stand. Their achievements came at a time when fewer opportunities existed, and they had to overcome greater challenges to reach their heights. They continue to inspire younger generations, both in their respective sports and beyond.
These figures became not only champions in their fields but ambassadors for T&T and the Caribbean on the global stage.
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