The Big Wheel worked closely with Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club to encourage Nottinghamshire’s many cricket fans to travel to matches by bus, cycling or walking. An overarching communications plan was created which targeted people who came to Trent Bridge to watch the matches. Travel advice and directions were produced and put into envelopes with match tickets. The materials also included a walking/cycling map.
Additional travel information was provided on the cricket club’s website, via their electronic newsletters, in match day programmes and through poster campaigns.
Encouraging people to use sustainable transport options for leisure activities, as well as for travelling to work, is really important. To promote the use of public transport, the Big Wheel, Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club worked together so that kangaroo tickets – which allow people to hop on and off trams, trains and buses all day – could be purchased through the club’s ticket office.
Kangaroo tickets can be ordered at the ticket office, over the telephone or online and are posted to customers along with match tickets. Cricket club staff are also encouraged to take public transport, or to walk or cycle to and from work, and to all business meetings.
Another way in which the Big Wheel and the cricket club worked together to promote alternative travel options to the fans was by holding a family fun day during the August Bank Holiday weekend. Children’s entertainment, creche facilities, bike-powered smoothie-makers and lots more were provided free of charge to visitors. Free fruit was also given away to help convey the healthy lifestyle message. Feedback from the event was very positive and similar events have been held as a result.