Work begins to remove Ricoh signs from Coventry Building Society Arena

Work has begun to remove the large Ricoh signs from the roof of Coventry Building Society Arena.

A huge 32 metre boom lift is being used to reach the four-metre-tall roof signs which can be seen clearly from miles around and on major roads near the Arena.

The signs, which have been in place for over ten years, are made of a canvas-type material stretched over metal frames and will have to be dismantled before they can be removed.

Coventry Building Society Arena signs will take their place in a few months’ time and an indication of what they will look like was given last week when the new logo for the Arena was revealed.

The blue Coventry Building Society Arena logo will be seen extensively throughout the venue, including on tickets, uniforms and the website.

Work to replace all other existing signs with the iconic new look is ongoing and will commence in the next couple of weeks as part of the new 10-year naming rights deal that came into force on 1 July.

Darin Landon, Chief Commercial Officer at Coventry Building Society, said: “The Arena is a Coventry landmark and the signs are a vital part of the impact this great venue has. Ever since we announced this partnership back in May, the feedback we’ve had from members, colleagues and local business has been of excitement.

“Everyone wants to know how it will look with Coventry Building Society Arena on the side. They will have to wait just a little longer to find out.

“At the same time, we know there are many, many happy memories associated with the Ricoh.  Although we’ve been advised a lot of them won’t be in a fit state to keep, we’ll look to find a suitable home for some of those that can be saved and reuse them in a good way.

“Changing signage on a venue of this size is a very big task. We’ve planned meticulously and the safe removal of the existing signs is just the first step. Once people start coming back into the Coventry Building Society Arena from next month, they’ll see the new logo.  

“It looks fantastic and we look forward to the excitement building as we move closer to the point where fans can return and the Arena’s great events programme can continue.”

Adam Benson, Chief Commercial Officer at Wasps Group, added: “For many visitors and passers-by this will be the first clear indicator that our new naming rights deal with Coventry Building Society Arena has come into effect.

“While we have been making changes inside the venue over the last month, this is the first major external change and we’re sure it will feel unusual for some time for people not to see the famous Ricoh sign on the horizon.

“Soon enough the new Coventry Building Society Arena signs will be in position and over a period of time will become iconic in their own right.”