Cork City put Turner's Cross naming rights up for sale as financial reality of shutdown bites

Cork City have put the naming rights for Turner’s Cross up for sale as they seek to find new revenue streams to ease their ongoing financial difficulties.

The title naming rights to the iconic stadium, which is owned by the Munster Football Association, is among the “exciting commercial opportunities” offered by the 2017 Premier Division champions.

“While we wait for the football to return, there are still a number of exciting commercial opportunities available at the club,” read a circular released by the club on Wednesday.

“[These include] the overall naming rights of Turner’s Cross, top of stand signage, pitch side signage, academy, women’s and men’s player sponsorships and the senior women’s main sponsorship.”

City have been affected like everybody else by the enforced shutdown of football due to the outbreak of coronavirus across Europe.

The club have been forced to lay off all players and some staff to cope with the financial hit, though it’s understood manager Neale Fenn remains in position.

Financial difficulties prior to the start of the current season forced the club to make a deal with Preston North End on the sell-on clauses for Alan Browne and Sean Maguire to secure a licence.

A number of innovative fundraising initiatives have already been unveiled by the club, including a Patreon scheme that gives subscribers exclusive access to classic games on a weekly basis.